Christian stands up to gaming
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

AHouse bill proposed by an El Paso legislator could pave the way for the re-opening of the Alabama Coushatta casino near Woodville.

But District 9 Representative Wayne Christian (R-Center) said tribal casino shouldn't make any plans to open just yet.

"I believe as the elected representative of my constituents that the consistent view of the majority of members is that they are anti-gambling," Christian said. "And my job is to represented my constituents and their beliefs as well as my own."

Rep. Norma Chavez's bill creates a defense to prosecution for gambling activities on federally recognized Indian lands. In a 6-1 vote, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee approved the measure.

The legislation now moves to the full House where similar bills have failed in previous sessions. Christian believes a similar fate awaits Chavez's bill.

"There's always a chance it will pass but I don't look for it to," Christian said. "I have led the fight against the expansion of video gambling but there is a large group here that believe this is the right thing to do."

Christian, who unseated Roy Blake Jr. in the March primary, said he doesn't buy the excuse of money being lost by not legalizing gambling in the state of Texas.

"The argument is always about the money," Christian said. "My viewpoint is that there are lots of ways that we can raise money. We could legalize prostitution, legalize drugs but that won't make it right.

"The economics of the situation is that the actual cost to law enforcement and drop in earnings of people who use their limited resources towards gambling usually outweighs the economic harm that gambling brings to a community," Christian said. "Society has to support the excesses to the cost for gambling."

Proponents of the bill say Texas already has a lottery and point out that there is little difference between it and slot machines in the ways the games are conducted.

Christian is opposed to the state's lottery as well.

"Statistics bear out that people that can afford it the least are the ones that participate when it comes to gambling," Christian said. "Two wrongs don't make a right."

He said that legalizing gambling in Texas would only hurt those who need help the most.

"Gambling is looked at by those most in need as a chance for that gold at the end of the rainbow," Christian said. "Anytime you have gambling, the chances are always stacked on the side of the institution that is providing the game.

"The chances of winning are always against those who are putting their money into it," Christian said. "How can we possible justify in a fiscal matter, if we are trying to help economically with their needs."