From Kickapoo to Kick’n'ass

I come back from my mini-vacation and what do I find: Kickapoos given OK on gaming.

The U.S. Department of Interior has given preliminary approval for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to expand casino gambling at its reservation near Eagle Pass.

So, after years of the state government denying them the ability to conduct gaming, they will now be allowed to conduct class-3 gaming, thanks to the Interior Department’s interpretation of the Texas Lottery law:

The Interior Department decided that the state’s definition of lottery includes traditional casino-style games except slot machines.

It’s funny that this comes from the Bush Administration’s Interior Department, since he was one of the leaders of the move to prohibit Indian gaming. However, the state has filed suit to stop this ruling.

The Home of Texas Hold ‘Em

Welcome to Robstown: Home of Texas Hold ‘Em.

It’s official – Robstown is to the home of Texas Hold ‘Em. Thanks to HCR 109 by Herrero, D-Nueces.

The game’s invention dates back to the early 1900s when it is traditionally held that the first hand of the popular card game was dealt in the city of Robstown, and from there it traveled northward in the hands of “rounders” and up the sleeves of cardsharps who quickly recognized the game’s potential for mass appeal.

This is confirmed by many of the sites I’ve visited about the history of Texas hold’em. From Wild Jack Casino:

According to some historians, the first game of Texas Hold ‘Em was played in a small town called Robstown, Texas at the turn of the century (late 1890s early 1900s). 

We also made the bola tie the official tie of Texas and the boot the official state shoe. What a day.

What’s My Lucky Number?

Last night, the House passed legislation by Chente Quintanilla, D-El Paso, which would allow bars and liquor stores to sell lottery tickets.

That’s right folks. One stop deviancy shopping. I’m surprised the fundies in the Lege allowed this to go through. I have some theories though: 1) they were asleep; or 2) they didn’t care because it’s so late in the session and it might not get through the Senate.

According to Selby and the fiscal note, this legislation would rake in $64,398,000 over 5 years for the Foundation School Fund. And it would raise another $5,152,000 in general revenue.

Again, the methodology of this is a little sketchy. We all know drunk people will buy all kinds of shit – cigarettes, Whataburger’s taquitos, wooden indians and more alcohol – so it’s reasonable to assume that drunk people would by lottery tickets if they were offered. My only question is: are the people who would buy them at the bar or liquor store going to be a new market for lottery tickets or will they be the same old market in a different venue?

Not that I have a problem with selling them in these establishments, I just question whether or not it will really raise $64 million over 5 years.