Texas Capitol

  • Sports betting bills like SJR 16 are being discussed to build a legal Texas sports betting industry.
  • Opposition to advance Texas sports betting lies in the Senate, notably under Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

AUSTIN, Texas – In a recent interview on the Texas Take Podcast, Abbott expressed that he has “no problem with online sports betting,” acknowledging that many Texans are already wagering through online sportsbooks or neighboring states.

Abbott’s comments shift the momentum in growing a legal Texas sports betting market, spearheaded by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. This coalition, which includes major sports franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, has been aggressively lobbying for change, partnering with industry giants such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

With influential figures like former Governor Rick Perry and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta backing the movement, advocates argue the sports betting revenue for Texas could be in the billions.

The Current and Existing Roadblocks

Despite Abbott’s willingness to consider legalization, major hurdles remain in the Texas Legislature. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate’s legislative agenda, has repeatedly stated that he will not advance a legal Texas sports betting bill without the majority of Republican senators on board.

Last year, a bill introduced by State Rep. Jeff Leach made significant progress, passing in the House with an 82-51 vote. However, the Senate never took it up. This year, State Sen. Carol Alvarado has reintroduced a similar bill that includes an expansion of casinos, but it’s a large Step 1.

With added pressure from groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation that warn about the potential rise in gambling addiction and financial instability for bettors, a recent policy brief from the organization cautioned that expanded gambling could lead to more harm than good.

Will Texans Get to Vote on the Issue?

To legalize sports betting, Texas lawmakers would need to pass a constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers before going to a statewide vote. According to recent polling from the University of Houston, public sentiment is in favor of legalization—60% of Texans support online sports betting, and 73% support expanding casinos.

As the 2025 Texas legislative session unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Abbott’s support translates into action on Texas SJR 16 and other bills like it.

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