Julie Simon
Reporting

(CBS 42) AUSTIN There’s a push right now in the state legislature to bring Vegas style casinos to Texas. Thursday, two state senators unveiled a plan that would pave the way for 12 casinos, gambling resorts on three Native American reservations and video slot machines at racetracks.

There are people who strongly support bringing casinos to Texas, saying it’s a great way to make extra revenue to put towards good use.

Others say, it just enables people’s addictions and isn’t worth any monetary gain.

Texans are some of the best customers in Louisiana casinos. Regular gambler Lloyd Moore says his monthly trips are all in good fun.

“It’s a lot of entertainment, it’s like bingo or bowling or anything else,” Moore said. “If you want to go and spend some money, fine. If you don’t, don’t.”

State Senators Rodney Ellis and John Carona want casinos here in Texas. They are tired of seeing Texans’ money going to help pay for education and roads in other states.

They propose setting aside $1 billion every year to help pay for a quarter million Texas high schoolers to go to college.

But Christian Life Commission director Suzii Paynter says the numbers just don’t add up. She adds, encouraging bad habits is not the moral thing to do.

“The addiction, bankruptcy and crime that comes out of the business model is devastating to communities,” Paynter said.

Moore says casinos in Texas would save him a trip across the border.

The senators aren’t gamblers, but they want Moore’s money to stay at home.