Texas Lawmakers Oppose Attempt to Expand Sports Betting

A dozen Texas House Republicans stepped forward last week to say they would oppose “any attempt to expand gambling” this session.

Each replaced a member who voted in favor of sports betting in 2023. Two years ago, the measure passed the 150-member House with 101 votes, but was then immediately squashed when it progressed.

Recent opposition casts more doubt on the future of sports betting in the Lone Star State. It comes on the back of continued controversy over the Texas Lottery.

“We are confident this legislation does not have the votes necessary to pass the Texas House this session,” lawmakers wrote last Tuesday in a letter to Rep. Ken King, chair of the House State Affairs Committee.

“Given the certainty of its failure, I urge you not to waste valuable committee time on an issue that is dead on arrival.”

Expansion of sports betting continues at a rapid pace throughout the U.S. It’s now legally operative, in some form, in 39 states.

Seven states, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, also have legalized iGaming.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been a staunch supporter of sports betting and its tax revenue. A recent study by the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents major sportsbooks BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, estimated it would generate over $350 million annually in state tax revenue.

The general public is mostly in favor of it, as well. A statewide poll conducted in January by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs revealed that 60% of Texans approve of legalizing sports betting and 73% approve of authorizing “destination resort casinos”.

Even so, several obstacles remain. Among them is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who’s repeatedly stated that he will not bring sports legislation to a vote barring substantial support from Republican senators. Patrick and other opponents worry about the dangers associated with betting, such as problem gambling.

There appears to be even less legislative support for casino legalization, which aligns with most other states. Casino and resort giant Las Vegas Sands has lobbed millions for a Dallas-area casino despite fierce opposition from local constituents.

Because Texas lawmakers meet in only odd-numbered years, it’s unlikely sports betting will be legalized anytime soon in the Lone Star State, if at all.

Americans legally bet over $147 billion on sports alone in 2024, a 23.6% increase over the previous year. Approximately 95% of those wagers were placed online. The total record hit a record $13.71 billion.