Texas Sports Betting Proposal Advances, Heads to Voter Decision in 2025

Texas lawmakers have taken another step toward legalizing sports betting, with Representative Sam Harless filing House t Resolution 134 (HJR 134) on February 12. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment that, if ed, would allow voters to decide in November 2025 whether to permit wagering on certain sporting events within the state.

While the resolution does not explicitly ban digital sports betting, it primarily focuses on retail sports wagering, allowing professional sports teams, PGA Tour stops, and Class I racetracks to apply for licenses. A key condition is that these entities must have been in existence as of January 1, 2025, to be eligible for licensure.

What Would HJR 134 Allow?

If approved by voters, the bill would authorize the Texas legislature to establish a sports betting framework, determining how the industry would be regulated and whether online betting would be included. This approach mirrors Louisiana and Maryland, where voters first approved legalization before lawmakers developed a regulatory structure.

According to HJR 134, the following entities would be eligible to operate sportsbooks:

• Professional sports teams (as defined by general law)
• PGA Tour stops that hosted events before 2025
• Class I horse racetracks in operation before 2025
• Licensed designees working with eligible operators

However, the resolution does not specify how many licenses will be issued or how revenue from sports betting would be allocated.

Challenges and Political Roadblocks

Despite ongoing lobbying efforts and public for legal gambling, sports betting legalization in Texas faces significant challenges. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate floor agenda, has repeatedly blocked gambling-related bills, stating that they lack Republican .

In 2023, a similar sports betting amendment ed the Texas House but failed in the Senate, despite backing from major gambling groups like Las Vegas Sands and the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. With Patrick still holding office until 2027, proponents acknowledge that ing sports betting legislation remains an uphill battle.

While Governor Greg Abbott has expressed a neutral stance, saying he has no issue with sports betting, opposition remains strong from conservative groups and organizations such as Texans Against Gambling, which argues that sports wagering would have negative economic consequences.

Texans Gambling Expansion

Polls indicate growing for legal sports betting in Texas. A University of Houston poll found that 60% of Texans back regulated sports betting, including 64% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans. for destination resort casinos is even higher, with 73% in favor.

Despite these numbers, political opposition in the Senate has prevented any meaningful progress. House Speaker Dustin Burrows, who replaced pro-gambling Dade Phelan, previously opposed gambling expansion, which could further complicate efforts in this session.

Future of Texas Sports Betting

The next major step for HJR 134 is gaining House and Senate approval before it can appear on the November 2025 ballot. However, even if voters approve the measure, placing legal bets in Texas could still be over a year away, as lawmakers would need to establish specific regulations and a licensing process.

For now, the debate over sports betting in Texas continues, with advocates pushing for change while conservative lawmakers remain hesitant. Whether 2025 will be the year Texas finally s the growing list of states with legal sports wagering remains to be seen.

Source:

Texas Legislature Weighs Gambling Expansion, texastribune.org, February 11, 2025.