Galveston - The odds are against proposed legislation slotting a Las Vegas-style destination resort casino in Galveston, legislators and local pundits say. “I haven’t handicapped it yet,” said state Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston. “I think the votes are probably there in the Senate, but I’m not sure they are in the House.” Eiland said a constitutional amendment would be a better place to start a battle for casino gambling, not legislative proposals enabling casinos.

Galveston, Texas (Reuters) - First came Hurricane Ike, then the tidal wave from the U.S. economic collapse hit. The steamy Texas island city of Galveston, an historic port known for palm trees, Victorian buildings and shipping cattle and oil to the world, now finds its economy clinging to a life raft. Some leaders believe the only hope for the city of about 45,000 -- down about a third from its pre-hurricane population -- is to legalize gambling and open casinos that would lure in tourists.