Texas Casinos & Sports Betting Get New Legalization Push After Election

Key Highlights

Texas could be saddling up for legal sports and casino betting. A new House Joint Resolution (HJR) filed on November 9 creates a pathway for Texans to approve both within a year.

Texas Lawmaker Revives Casino & Sports Betting Proposal

State Rep. Charlie Geren filed House Joint Resolution (HJR) 52 on Monday, reviving his efforts to legalize casino gambling and sports betting in Texas. The Fort Worth Republican has seen previous gambling proposals stall in the Legislature, but a changing political landscape following the midterms could create a new opportunity. His latest measure would let voters decide whether Texas should allow lawmakers to authorize both activities.

While the news may be exciting for Texan gamblers, several steps remain before potential legalization. First, two-thirds of the Texas House and Senate would need to approve a constitutional amendment. If lawmakers meet that threshold, voters could consider the proposal on November 2, 2027. Then, lawmakers would still need to establish the regulatory framework before casinos and sportsbooks could begin operating.

Under the proposal, Texas could license up to 10 casino facilities, with initial licenses lasting at least 40 years. Casino games would take place only at approved physical sites, while lawmakers would set location rules for casinos and sports betting. Operators would need licenses, and the tax rate on gambling revenue could not exceed 15%.

Political Changes & New Leadership Could Shape the Debate

Geren’s proposal arrives after an election that changed leadership throughout Texas. Democrats are preparing to control the House for the first time since 2002, while on January 19 Gina Hinojosa will be sworn in as Texas’ first Democratic governor since 1994. Meanwhile, Democrat Vikki Goodwin will replace Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has long opposed expanded gambling, including Geren’s most recent resolution in 2025.

Goodwin supported legislation allowing Texans to vote on gambling expansion while serving in the House. Her new role could affect whether the Senate takes up the issue, although senators may change procedures that shape the lieutenant governor’s authority. The change in leadership does not guarantee enough votes for legalization, but is a promising sign nonetheless for a state that has historically taken a hard stance against gambling; in September, a San Antonio councilwoman proposed a ban on slot-like eight-liner machines.

Democrats also have opposing views on casino and sports betting legalization. Hinojosa voted against proposed gambling constitutional amendments in 2023. Those differences of opinion matter because the next debate will require support from lawmakers across political lines, not simply a change in who holds office.

Legislative Obstacles & What Happens Next

Resolutions require two-thirds support in both chambers of the Legislature, meaning at least 100 votes in the 150-member House and 21 in the 31-member Senate. Republicans kept 19 Senate seats in the election, while Democrats now hold 12. Even unanimous Democratic support would leave HJR 52 needing nine Republican senators to vote yes.

Earlier efforts show how difficult that task could be. Geren’s 2025 resolution was referred to committee but never received a full House vote. His 2023 plan also stalled, as did other proposals from lawmakers seeking casinos, destination resorts, or legal sports betting. Several other gambling measures introduced in 2025 also failed to advance.

The new Legislature convenes January 12, 2027, giving supporters another chance to introduce and debate gambling measures. Geren’s resolution also calls for a process to negotiate gaming agreements with Texas’ three federally recognized tribes with lands in the state. Existing Texas gambling laws will stay in place until lawmakers and voters approve a constitutional change.