Offshoreonly.com - The B.S. Thread

Could Gambling Come To Galveston?
By Alana Gomez Dong

POSTED: Friday, April 17, 2009
UPDATED: 5:57 pm CDT April 17, 2009

GALVESTON, Texas -- The Galveston City Council is reviewing a 42-project plan to rebuild the island, but at least one issue is not receiving consensus, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The council is discussing whether or not to conduct a study that would analyze the economic impact of gambling on the island.

Texas lawmakers are this session considering expanding gambling and those opposed believe a study would take a step in that direction.

Critics of bringing the gaming industry on Galveston Island said there are other options to help the rebuilding effort.

"It's unnecessary because we have a number of major economic drivers here that are going to be able bring the city back quite well," said Harris Kempner Jr., president and chief executive officer of Kempner Capital Management.

Kempner said he also believes casinos would interfere with Galveston's other goals.

"Were talking about trying to build a major hospital research hospital research institute," said Kempner. "If they're cheek by jowl next to casinos and casino traffic, their difficulty of attracting people would be very clear."

Supporters of gambling said it would bring in economic development and jobs to the area.

"I think Galveston needs a new shot of energy," said Allen Flores, president of the Strand Merchant Association. "I think that gambling or a few upscale casinos brings an added attraction to Galveston."

The Galveston City Council must adopt the 42-project plan before any of those projects begin.