New Texas administration could bring casino and sports betting back on the table
The newly elected Democratic governor and lieutenant governor could pave the way for casino and sports betting to become legal in Texas. The proposed resolutions would give the legislature authority to permit these activities, but they require a statewide vote.
Elections in Texas are bringing a new Democratic governor and lieutenant governor into office, and the state could open the way for casino and sports betting laws. Bipartisan efforts in the state senate had been blocked because Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick did not put the issue to a vote. The elected Democratic lieutenant governor, Vikki Goodwin, supports letting voters decide on gambling issues.
Ahead of the upcoming 2027 legislative session, lawmakers have already begun filing gambling proposals. Representative Charlie Geren (R) filed HJR52, and Senator Carol Alvarado (D) filed SJR11. Both proposals would give the legislature authority to permit and regulate casino and sports betting, but they require a statewide vote. New legal gambling permits in Texas would require a constitutional amendment.
The proposals allow up to 10 casinos, with 40-year operating licenses. The industry would be taxed at up to 15 percent, but the resolutions do not specify how the revenue would be spent. In addition, three federally recognized tribes, the Alabama-Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, could operate Class III gaming facilities through agreements with the state. Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is the same type of gambling permitted in Las Vegas and other legal casino states. The proposal also calls for a state gaming commission to oversee the industry.
Amending the constitution requires 100 votes in the House and 21 in the Senate, meaning a two-thirds majority in both chambers. In the new legislative session, Democrats will control the House and Republicans will control the Senate. Patrick previously said support in the Senate was more limited than in the House. Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said the proposals are broader than earlier attempts and that casinos could spread across the state. Jones said the revenue could be used for public education and other state spending, and could provide funding without raising taxes.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment.
Log in to comment.