The state of Texas, with its rich sporting culture, has long been a hotbed for debates on legalized sports betting. With the Texas Rangers winning their first World Series in 2023 and a host of other major sports teams thriving, the momentum for sports betting in Texas has never been higher. However, despite significant progress and growing public support, legal sports betting in Texas remains elusive.
The road to legalizing sports wagering in the Lone Star State has been fraught with political roadblocks and challenges. This article delves into the current status, prospects, and the steps Texas must take before residents can place legal bets on their favorite teams.
The Status of Sportsbetting in Texas
As of 2024, sports betting in Texas is still illegal. Despite multiple efforts to push gambling legislation through the state legislature, key political figures, including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, have remained firm in their opposition. This opposition has significantly hindered the progress of bills that would allow Texans to bet legally on sports.
Since 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, many states have moved quickly to legalize the practice. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado have seen tremendous success, with millions of dollars in tax revenue generated from legal sports gambling. However, in Texas, changes to the constitution are required to make sports betting legal.
For sports betting in Texas to become a reality, an amendment to the state constitution must be passed. This amendment requires two-thirds approval in both chambers of the state legislature and then must be presented to voters via a referendum. Efforts in 2023 came close but were blocked in the state Senate. Despite this, many Texans and lawmakers remain optimistic about changes in 2025.
2023: A Historic Year for Texas Sports
The 2023 sports year was one to remember for Texas. The Texas Rangers finally captured their first-ever World Series title, after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in a thrilling postseason. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans to the playoffs and won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, further highlighting the football fever in Texas. The Dallas Cowboys, as always, were strong contenders in the NFL, and the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, saw an MVP-level season from their star.
Despite the state’s sports success, fans in Texas were unable to legally place wagers on these games. This frustration has only fueled the push for sports betting in Texas, as residents see neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas offering legal gambling options. If there was ever a time to capitalize on the state’s sporting momentum, it’s now.
Legislative Hurdles to Sportsbetting in Texas
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas have been ongoing for several years, but none have made as much progress as the bills introduced in 2023. House Joint Resolution 102 (HJR 102) and House Bill 1942 (HB 1942) were both introduced with strong bipartisan support. These bills sought to legalize sports betting and pave the way for a constitutional amendment to be voted on by Texas residents.
HJR 102 focused on proposing the amendment to the constitution, while HB 1942 outlined a framework for how sports betting would be regulated, including the issuance of 16 sports betting licenses and a 15% tax on sports betting revenue. Despite passing in the Texas House of Representatives with bipartisan support, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s refusal to refer the bills to the Senate effectively killed them for the 2023 legislative session.
The next opportunity to pass sports betting legislation will be in 2025 when the Texas Legislature reconvenes. Supporters of legalized sports betting in Texas remain hopeful, citing strong public support and the growing influence of major sports teams in the state.
Public Support and the Texas Sports Betting Alliance
Public support for sports betting in Texas is strong. A 2023 poll indicated that over 75% of Texans supported a constitutional amendment that would legalize sports betting and allow for casino-style gaming at resorts in the state’s major metro areas. Another survey conducted later that year showed over two-thirds of voters would support legal sports betting if the issue was on the ballot.
A driving force behind the push for legalization is the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition of major sports franchises and sportsbooks. The Alliance includes notable partners like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and the PGA Tour, all of whom see the financial potential of legalized sports betting. Their lobbying efforts have been instrumental in bringing the issue to the forefront of Texas politics.
Former Governor Rick Perry has also been a vocal advocate for sports betting in Texas, arguing that legalizing the practice would allow the state to regulate an activity that already occurs through unregulated, illegal channels.
Sportsbetting in the Neighboring States
While Texas continues to debate the issue, neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas have successfully implemented legal sports betting. Louisiana, in particular, has seen substantial revenue from sports betting since its launch in 2022, with bettors able to place wagers both in-person and online. Arkansas, too, has benefited from legalized gambling, generating millions in tax revenue.
These developments have increased pressure on Texas to follow suit. Many Texans cross state lines to place legal bets, resulting in a significant loss of potential revenue for Texas. Additionally, Oklahoma and New Mexico, which share borders with Texas, have also moved towards expanding their gambling options, further increasing the competitive pressure.
Challenges Ahead: Opposition from Key Lawmakers
Despite widespread public support and the financial incentives for legal sports betting in Texas, there remains significant opposition from key figures in the state legislature. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has consistently voiced his opposition to any form of gambling expansion in the state, including sports betting.
Patrick’s stance has been a major obstacle for sports betting advocates, as his influence in the Senate has effectively blocked any progress on the issue. However, with his current term set to end in 2026, there is hope that new leadership could pave the way for change.
What to Expect in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, sports betting in Texas could once again become a central issue in the state legislature. Advocates are preparing for another push, with hopes that the public’s growing support and the success of sports betting in neighboring states will sway more lawmakers to back legalization.
If sports betting in Texas becomes legal in 2025, it would likely include a framework similar to HB 1942, with licenses available to major sports teams and venues, and operators taxed at a competitive rate. Voters could have the final say on the issue through a constitutional amendment.
The Future of Sportsbetting in Texas
The possibility of legalizing sports betting in Texas is a hot topic, and 2025 could be the pivotal year that changes the landscape. With growing public support and major sports franchises backing the move, the state could be on the cusp of reaping significant economic benefits. However, political opposition remains a major obstacle. Let’s break down what the future holds for sports betting in Texas.
Growing Public Support and Economic Benefits
Public Demand for Legal Sportsbetting
Texans have shown overwhelming support for sports betting. Recent polls indicate that more than 75% of residents favor legalizing the practice, especially given the increasing popularity of sports like football and basketball. The demand is also driven by the success of sports betting in neighboring states, where millions in tax revenue are being generated.
Potential Economic Impact
Legalizing sports betting could bring a substantial financial windfall to the state. With millions of Texans already betting through unregulated or illegal channels, regulated sports betting would allow the state to capture this untapped revenue. The projected tax income from legal sports gambling could be used to support public services, infrastructure projects, and education initiatives, making the financial argument for legalization even stronger.
The Role of Texas Sports Teams
Support from Major Sports Franchises
Texas boasts some of the biggest names in professional sports, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs. These franchises stand to benefit significantly from legalized sports betting through increased fan engagement and partnerships with sportsbooks. Teams like the Astros and Mavericks have already embraced sports betting partnerships in anticipation of legal changes.
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which includes 12 major professional sports franchises and several sportsbooks, is actively lobbying for the legalization of sports betting in Texas. With influential members like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta voicing their support, the alliance is playing a crucial role in shaping future legislation.
Political Challenges and Opposition
Legislative Roadblocks
Despite the momentum, political opposition—most notably from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick—has stalled efforts to pass sports betting legislation. Patrick has expressed a strong stance against gambling expansion in the state, which remains a significant hurdle for proponents of sports wagering.
2025: A Turning Point?
As the Texas Legislature prepares to reconvene in 2025, many lawmakers are optimistic that new bills will gain the traction needed for passage. However, for sports betting to become a reality, advocates will need to overcome the resistance from key political figures and push for broader GOP support.
