New Push in Texas to Legalize Casino and Sports Betting

Texas House member Charlie Geren has filed a new constitutional amendment proposal aimed at legalizing casino games and sports betting in the state. If the proposal, known as HJR 52, is approved, Texans will be able to vote on the issue on November 2, 2027.

Texas has long been one of the states that has resisted regulating gambling. However, the Democratic sweep of all statewide offices from Republicans in the November 3 midterm elections has increased expectations of change in this area. Democrat Vikki Goodwin's unexpected win in the race for Lieutenant Governor removed the Republican consensus that was considered necessary for a change. Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had long been seen as the biggest obstacle in this matter. Since seats in the state senate did not change this year, Republicans still lead 19 to 12, but a broad bipartisan consensus still appeared difficult.

Democrat James Talarico won the most expensive Senate race in history by defeating Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race. Talarico reportedly accepted a donation of $59,000 earlier from a political committee supported and financed by Miriam Adelson, the controlling shareholder of Las Vegas Sands. This development has encouraged those seeking gambling reform.

Governor Greg Abbott, known as a supporter of gambling, lost to Democrat Gina Hinojosa last week. Hinojosa had previously voted against a gambling law. However, due to the constitutional structure of Texas, the office of Lieutenant Governor is unusually important in this matter. Analysts Jordan Bender and Isabelle Slavin, who prepared the Citizens note, stated at first glance that Goodwin supports expanding commercial casinos and online sports betting across the state through a public referendum.