Texas Gambling Expansion Faces Setback as Lawmakers Withdraw

Texas have hit a significant obstacle after a group of lawmakers declared their opposition to any form of gambling expansion this legislative session. The shift in stance among key representatives has reduced in the Texas House, posing a challenge to advancing related bills.

Republican Lawmakers Signal Opposition

A coalition of 12 newly elected Republican House announced they would oppose any gambling expansion, ing three returning lawmakers who previously voted in favor of online sports betting in 2023 but now intend to reject it. Two years ago, a sports betting bill narrowly cleared the required two-thirds majority in the House with 101 votes. However, the loss of more than a dozen votes from that coalition makes it uncertain whether similar legislation can garner enough this time.

In a letter sent Tuesday to House State Affairs Committee Chair Ken King, the legislators expressed their firm opposition to the latest gambling proposals, which were filed last month but have yet to be assigned to a committee. The letter urged King not to spend committee resources on legislation they deemed “dead on arrival.”

While sports betting legislation faces difficulties, the push for legalizing casinos has an even steeper hill to climb. In 2023, a measure allowing “destination resort” casinos received only 92 votes, falling eight short of the two-thirds threshold. The recent letter includes signatures from nine Republican freshmen whose predecessors had ed casino legalization. Additionally, Rep. J.M. Lozano, who previously voted in favor of both casinos and sports betting, has now pledged to vote against them.

The loss of 10 votes from the prior casino bill ers further weakens its chances in the House. Proponents of gambling expansion have attempted to persuade lawmakers by emphasizing that approving a constitutional amendment would allow voters to decide the issue in a statewide referendum rather than enacting immediate legalization.

Public and Industry Response

Public polling indicates broad for expanded gambling in Texas. A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey conducted in January found that 60% of Texans sports betting legalization, while 73% back the establishment of “destination resort” casinos.

Industry groups, including the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, have urged lawmakers to heed public opinion. Matt Hirsch, a spokesperson for the alliance, stated, “Denying Texans the chance to vote on this matter not only undermines the democratic process, but also disregards the voices of the very people they represent.” He added that resort casinos could bring economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism, while reducing illegal gambling.

The alliance, backed by the Las Vegas Sands casino empire, has been lobbying for casino legalization. Sands owner Miriam Adelson has contributed millions to statehouse campaigns in an effort to bolster gambling-friendly lawmakers. However, eight lawmakers who signed the anti-gambling letter received contributions from the Sands-backed Texas Sands PAC last year, though the company also funded some of their opponents.

Despite strong public backing, Texas has historically resisted gambling expansion. Gambling restrictions date back to 1856 and were reinforced in 1973. The House’s age of a sports betting bill in 2023 marked the furthest any gambling measure had progressed, though it was quickly blocked in the Senate by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick has repeatedly stated that the Senate’s Republican majority lacks interest in expanding gambling.

With Patrick in office until January 2027 and seeking another term, proponents of gambling expansion continue to focus on incremental victories in the House, hoping to set the stage for future legislative changes.

Source:

‘’Casinos and sports betting won’t win approval in Texas House, group of freshman GOP say’’, texastribune.org, March 12, 2025.