The gambling industry is once again making a concerted effort to bring legalized casinos and online sports betting to Texas, despite continued resistance from key political figures and opposition groups. For the third consecutive legislative session, casino operator Las Vegas Sands and the Texas Sports Betting Alliance are intensifying their lobbying campaigns in an effort to change Texas’ restrictive gambling laws.
Las Vegas Sands continues its push for “destination resorts” in major cities, a plan that would require legislative approval for casino gambling. Meanwhile, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which includes professional sports teams, racetracks, and platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, is working to build on momentum from 2023, when a bill to legalize online sports betting passed the Texas House for the first time.
However, the victory was short-lived, as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick immediately blocked the measure, reiterating his stance that the Republican-controlled Senate has little interest in expanding gambling laws.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick
With Patrick in office until at least January 2027 and openly expressing interest in another term, proponents of gambling expansion are taking a long-term approach, focusing on building support within the House in hopes that future Senate leadership may be more receptive.
Andy Abboud, Las Vegas Sands’ Senior Vice President of Government Relations, stated: “The effort to bring destination resorts to Texas has received an overwhelming amount of support from Texans and lawmakers since it was first introduced, and the groundswell of momentum is only continuing to build.”
Public opinion appears to be shifting in favor of gambling expansion. A recent University of Houston poll found that 60% of Texans support legalized sports betting, with backing from 64% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans. Support for casino legalization was even higher, with 73% of respondents in favor of resort-style casinos.
Governor Greg Abbott
Governor Greg Abbott has also signaled cautious openness to sports betting, telling the Houston Chronicle he doesn’t “have a problem” with the idea. However, no sports betting bill has yet been introduced in the House, and Rep. Jeff Leach, who led the effort in 2023, has indicated that he will not carry the legislation again unless the Senate shows interest.
While supporters argue that legalized gambling would bring new revenue and job opportunities, opponents maintain that casinos and sports betting would do more harm than good. Groups such as Texans Against Gambling and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas oppose gambling expansion, citing economic and social risks.
Texans Against Gambling stated on social media: “Sports gambling and casinos are economically regressive, scholarly studies show, because they produce nothing of external value. They do not spur long-term economic growth. Instead, they hinder it. Keep Texas, Texas.”
The Kickapoo Tribe, which operates a bingo-based casino, has also raised concerns that resort-style casinos could divert business away from their establishment, threatening their main source of revenue.
Any expansion would require an amendment to the Texas Constitution, which means securing two-thirds approval in both chambers of the Legislature before being put to a statewide vote. In 2023, the Texas House voted 101-42 to legalize sports betting but fell short on casino legislation, which garnered only 92 votes in favor.
Even if the House moves forward with new legislation, its path remains uncertain. The new House Speaker, Rep. Dustin Burrows, opposed gambling expansion in previous sessions, a departure from his predecessor Rep. Dade Phelan, who was open to authorizing high-end destination casinos.
Political analysts suggest that Burrows may avoid bringing gambling measures to the floor due to pressure from conservative factions within the Texas GOP, which could influence his position in future elections.
Sen. Carol Alvarado
Despite the challenges, Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat, has once again introduced casino legislation, similar to proposals she has filed since joining the Legislature in 2009. The measure would impose a 15% tax on casino revenue, with proceeds earmarked for public education, public safety, and responsible gaming programs.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/12/94876-texas-lawmakers-revive-push-to-legalize-casinos-online-sports-betting-despite-political-hurdles
