Indian Gaming > Gaming interests pour $2M into Texas campaign

October 13, 2006

Gaming interests pour $2M into Texas campaign

Gaming interests -- including the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma -- have poured $2 million into candidates for Texas governor, The Houston Chronicle reports.

The tribe operates a major casino on the Oklahoma-Texas border. It draws gamblers from Texas, where Class III gaming is not legal.

But the tribe's $40,000 donation to Gov. Rick Perry (R) didn't have anything to do with gaming, according to a spokesperson. "The Chickasaw Nation operates businesses in Texas through Chickasaw Enterprises, Chickasaw Nation Industries and Solara Health Care," said Robyn Elliott. "It makes sense for us to participate in the legislative and regulatory process which could impact our business."

However, a lobbyist previously said he was hired by the Chickasaws to fight gaming in Texas. "They oppose gaming in Texas because it's a market share issue to them," the lobbyist said in May.

Perry briefly supported the legalization of video lottery terminals but has since said he opposes the expansion of any types of gaming. He has received $1.2 million from gaming interests.

Get the Story:
Gambling interests stake out Texas (The Houston Chronicle 10/13)