- Lawmakers introduced two resolutions to legalize Texas online sports betting
- One legalizes sports betting on its own, the second legalizes sports betting and casinos
- Both need to be approved by Texas voters before becoming legal
Sports betting hopes, are big and bright ::clap clap clap clap:: deep in the heart of Texas.
Two members of the Texas House of Representatives introduced two separate bills to legalize sports betting in the Lone Star state, with both measures requiring voter approval in the November 2025 general election.
One bill attempts to legalize sports betting on its own, and the second bill includes sports betting in a law that legalizes casinos in the state.
Casinos and Sports Betting in Texas
Rep. Charlie Geren (R-99) introduced HJR 137, a bill to legalize casinos and sports betting. The bill requires a constitutional amendment to be approved by state voters in the November 2025 election if it makes its way through the two legislative bodies.
His bill will allow up to 10 licensed casinos, as well as establishing a process for the state to execute a tribal-state gaming compact with the three federally recognized Texas tribes to also open casinos.
The bill does not include details on what will define casino gaming or sports betting, it also does not set any licensing fees for either activities. It only notes that the “law must define the activities that constitute casino gaming and sports wagering; require licenses and license application fees for casino gaming and sports wagering operators; determine where licensed casino facilities may be located and where sports wagering may be conducted.”
It does set the casino gaming and sports betting tax rate at 15%.
Additionally, Rep. Sam Harless (R-126) introduced HJR 134, a bill to only legalize sports betting. Similarly to HJR 137, the bill sets the sports betting tax rate at 15% and requires voter approval in November.
Harless’s legislation allows the following institutions to hold a sports betting license:
- A professional Texas sports betting franchise
- A golf course that has held sanctioned annual professional golf tournaments as part of a national tour of professional golfers prior to Jan. 1, 2025
- A class 1 racetrack
Uphill Battle for Texas Sports Betting
As expected, sports betting legalization is already a hot topic during the state’s legislative session. Despite the flurry of activity, and the fact that the House of Representatives approved a sports betting bill in 2023, sports betting faces a tough road towards approval.
The biggest obstacle? Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who leads the Texas Senate, and the Republicans in the chamber will likely stomp out any chance a bill has to be approved.
Patrick blocked a vote on the bill in 2023 in the Senate, noting that the bill did not have majority Republican support, so it would not be voted on.
He specifically noted that he would not bring a bill to the floor for a vote unless it had the support of 15 or 16 Republican Senators. If only nine Republican Senators are in favor of a bill, he said, it becomes a “Democrat” led bill and will not be called to the floor for a vote.
The 31 member Senate is still controlled by 20 Republican Senators.
Gov. Abbott Approves of Sports Betting
Despite the bills’ opponents, Texas sports betting does have one heavy-hitting proponent in its corner.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently said on a Texas podcast that he has no problem with legalized sports betting.
Appearing on the Texas Take podcast with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace, Abbot said he would not be surprised if state residents were already betting on sports through unregulated methods.
Abbott said sports betting seems to be a common practice in this day and age for many citizens who watch sports.
“The reality is, I would be shocked if there are not some Texans who do it already. It’s a very common practice and it seems to be part of the entertainment that goes along when you’re watching a football game, especially pro football, or other types of sports and things like that. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said.
Texans Attempting to Bet on Sports Already
According to GeoComply, a geolocation compliance company, more than 1.48 million geolocation checks were made in November from devices located in Texas, in which users attempted to access legal online sportsbooks in other states.
Additionally, the company identified more than 177,000 online sports betting user accounts located in Texas, an increase of 87% when compared with the number of accounts in November 2023.
In a surprising turn of events, two bills have been introduced in the Texas legislature that could potentially legalize sports betting in the Lone Star State. This comes as a major shift in the traditionally conservative state’s stance on gambling, and has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and residents alike.
The first bill, introduced by State Representative Eddie Lucio III, aims to legalize sports betting at licensed casinos and horse racing tracks in Texas. The bill would also allow for online sports betting, but only through platforms operated by the licensed establishments. Proponents of the bill argue that legalizing sports betting would bring in much-needed revenue for the state and help regulate an industry that is currently operating in the shadows.
The second bill, introduced by State Senator Roland Gutierrez, takes a slightly different approach. This bill would allow for sports betting at both licensed casinos and online platforms, but would also permit betting on college sports – a controversial provision that has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and college officials. However, supporters of the bill argue that allowing betting on college sports would bring in even more revenue for the state and help combat illegal gambling operations.
Both bills face an uphill battle in the Texas legislature, where gambling expansion has historically been met with resistance. However, with the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the federal ban on sports betting, many states are now considering legalizing the practice as a way to boost their economies.
If either of these bills were to pass, Texas would join a growing number of states that have legalized sports betting in recent years. Proponents of the bills argue that legalizing sports betting would bring in much-needed revenue for the state and help regulate an industry that is currently operating in the shadows. However, opponents worry about the potential negative impacts of gambling addiction and the integrity of sports competitions.
As the debate over these bills continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Texas will join the ranks of states that have embraced sports betting or if the legislation will ultimately be shot down. One thing is for certain – the introduction of these bills has sparked a lively discussion about the future of gambling in Texas.
