North Texans’ Oklahoma Casino Trips Put Focus on Texas Legalization

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Vegas-style casino gambling remains illegal in Texas, sending North Texans across the Oklahoma border to play, according to Dallas News. A North Texas economic impact study is expected within the next two months to estimate the market’s size and inform discussions in the legislative session beginning in January.

Oklahoma casino visitors favor options closer to home

Dallas News reported that North Texans regularly visit Oklahoma properties including Choctaw Resort & Casino in Durant and WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville. Many of those interviewed said they would prefer to gamble in Texas.

“The only reason we all go to Oklahoma is because that’s the only option,” Tami Coffey told Dallas News.

The newspaper’s informal survey drew more than 150 responses in less than a week this summer. Among the more than a dozen Texans who spoke with the outlet, all but one favored bringing gambling closer to home.

Visits varied in frequency: Todd Payne said he travels to Oklahoma casinos three to four times a year, while Timi Grogan said she goes twice a month.

Statewide poll found 73% support for resort casinos

A statewide survey released in February 2025 found that 73% of Texans age 18 and older supported legalizing destination resort casinos, Dallas News reported. The survey included approximately 1,200 respondents and found similar support among Republicans and Democrats.

Those statewide findings are separate from the newspaper’s informal survey of casino-goers.

Dallas News also reported that Oklahoma tribal casinos and related businesses generated more than $7 billion in revenue in 2023.

North Texas market study expected before legislative talks

A regional committee of city officials, developers and local business people is commissioning the North Texas economic impact study, according to Dallas News.

The study is expected to disclose a market-size estimate over the next two months and inform gambling discussions during the legislative session beginning in January.

More from playtexas.com

• Las Vegas Sands Corp. Could Use Dallas Development Plans To Push For Casino Legalization
• Choctaw Pays North Texan $1 Million In Summer Promotion
• Choctaw Nation Opposes Cherokee Casino Expansion In Arkansas

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Source: As reported by Dallas News.