On September 23, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued an opinion that a Constitutional amendment will need to be passed in order to implement video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the state of Texas. According to the argument in the opinion, Article III, section 47(e) of the Texas Constitution does not permit the legislature to authorize the state to operate video lottery terminals. The opinion is a setback in the current struggle to obtain VLTs at racetracks in Texas.

Anyone interested in reading the actual opinion may access the document on the internet at http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/opinions/op50abbott/ga-0103.htm.

While the opinion was disappointing news to the Texas racing industry, it did not come as a surprise. Efforts will continue by the industry to move forward on getting VLTs for the racetracks in Texas.