Texas Family Project Applauds Paxton’s Warning on Illegal Gambling Machines

Texas Family Project applauds Attorney General Ken Paxton for issuing a formal opinion clarifying so-called “skill gaming machines” can still violate Texas gambling laws if chance plays any role in determining the outcome. The opinion serves as an important reminder that Texas law cannot be circumvented simply by attaching a superficial skill component to what is otherwise a slot-style gambling machine. 

According to Paxton’s opinion, a gaming machine does not become legal merely because operators add a memory game or other skill-based feature. If chance remains a factor in whether a player wins something of value, the machine may still constitute an illegal gambling device under Texas law.

For years, Texans have witnessed a coordinated effort by gambling interests to push casino-style gaming into communities across the state. When direct legalization efforts have stalled in the Legislature, some operators have attempted to exploit gray areas in the law by rebranding gambling machines as “skill games.” Attorney General Paxton’s opinion sends a clear message that Texas law is based on substance, not marketing labels. 

Texas Family Project has consistently opposed the expansion of casino-style gambling in Texas. While gambling lobbyists often promise economic development, job creation, and tax relief, the real-world consequences tell a different story. Across the country, communities that embrace gambling expansion frequently experience increases in addiction, family instability, financial hardship, and other social costs that far outweigh the promised benefits.

Perhaps the most persistent claim made by gambling advocates is that casinos will somehow solve Texas’ property tax burden. Texans should be extremely skeptical of this argument. States with extensive casino gambling continue to struggle with taxation, budget shortfalls, and rising government spending. There is no evidence casino revenue provides a permanent solution to property taxes. In reality, gambling revenue often becomes just another funding stream for government while families continue facing the same financial pressures they experienced before casinos arrived.

The social costs are equally concerning. Problem gambling has been linked to personal bankruptcy, home foreclosures, marital breakdown, and financial devastation for families. Gambling expansion has also led to increased concerns about addiction, family strain, and other negative community impacts that accompany expanded gambling opportunities. 

Texans should also take note of the enormous financial resources being deployed by the gambling industry. Casino interests have spent millions of dollars attempting to influence Texas politics and public opinion in recent years. The reason is simple: Texas represents one of the largest untapped gambling markets in the nation. The industry’s interest is not driven by a desire to help Texas families; it is driven by the prospect of generating billions of dollars in gambling revenue.

Attorney General Paxton’s opinion is also consistent with his long-standing approach to Texas gambling law. In previous legal opinions, Paxton concluded daily fantasy sports operations could constitute illegal gambling under Texas law because chance played a role in the outcome. His latest opinion regarding skill gaming machines follows the same legal principle: when chance influences the result and money is at stake, Texas law may prohibit the activity regardless of how operators attempt to market it. 

Lawmakers should continue resisting efforts to expand casino-style gambling and should instead focus on policies that strengthen families, encourage economic opportunity, and promote long-term prosperity. Texas has become an economic powerhouse without commercial casinos, and there is no reason to jeopardize that success by importing industries that profit from addiction and financial loss.

Attorney General Paxton’s opinion is a welcome affirmation that Texas gambling laws still matter. As casino interests continue searching for new ways to gain a foothold in the Lone Star State, state leaders must remain vigilant. Texans deserve communities built on hard work, strong families, and opportunity, not on gambling machines designed to separate working families from their paychecks.