Texas Governor Supports Online Sports Betting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared that he has no issues with online sports betting, adding a new layer to the ongoing debate over gambling expansion in the Lone Star State. However, despite his open stance, Abbott’s comments seem more rhetorical than a signal of impending policy change, as the true power to advance or block gambling legislation lies in the hands of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has been a staunch opponent of such expansions.

During an appearance on the Texas Take podcast on Tuesday, February 4, Abbott expressed his personal openness to the idea of legal online sports betting in the state, remarking, “I don’t have a problem with online sports betting. The reality is that I’d be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already.” This remark highlights the governor’s acknowledgment of the widespread existence of illegal gambling in the state, as many Texans already place bets on offshore sportsbooks and online casino platforms.

Abbott’s comments are not entirely new. During his 2021 re-election campaign, he indicated that he was not opposed to gambling in Texas. He and former House Speaker Dade Phelan even went as far as to offer support for gambling expansion, which was seen as a significant shift in Texas politics, traditionally resistant to such measures.

However, Abbott's personal stance on the matter doesn't mean much in the broader legislative landscape. As political watchers know, the true gatekeeper for gambling legislation in Texas is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who wields substantial power over the state Senate. Patrick has long maintained that he will not allow a vote on gambling expansion unless there is a clear Republican majority in support of it. As of now, there is no indication that Patrick’s position has softened, making Abbott's comments largely symbolic at best.

 

The Political Tension

Abbott’s remarks come at a time when gambling expansion in Texas is a hot-button issue, with powerful lobbying forces pushing for change. Las Vegas Sands, a major casino operator, and Miriam Adelson, the majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, have committed $13 million in efforts to persuade Texas lawmakers to approve destination resorts in the state. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), a coalition of seven professional sports teams, including the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Cowboys, has also deployed high-profile lobbyists to advocate for legal sports betting.

Despite these efforts, the legislative roadblocks remain formidable. While the Texas House of Representatives made progress on a gambling bill in 2023, the measure ultimately stalled in the Senate. The legislative process in Texas operates on a biennial cycle, with lawmakers only meeting in odd-numbered years. The next chance for significant gambling reform will be during the 2025 legislative session, but any new proposals will need to pass through the legislature before being put before voters.

In the most recent legislative effort, Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado filed Senate Joint Resolution 16 (SJR 16), a constitutional amendment that would permit gambling at destination resorts, legalize sports betting, and establish a state gaming commission. The proposal also included provisions for a 15% tax on casino gross gaming revenue and the establishment of up to seven destination resorts. This bill reflects the growing momentum for gambling in Texas, but as with past efforts, it remains to be seen whether the state’s political leadership is ready to make the leap.

Texans Want Gambling, But the Legislature Isn’t Ready

Public sentiment in Texas is increasingly in favor of legal gambling, with recent polling showing widespread support for various forms of gaming. A University of Houston poll, conducted by the Hobby School of Public Affairs, revealed that 73% of Texans support destination resorts, 60% back legal online sports betting, and 56% are in favor of allowing sportsbooks in professional sports venues. With 1,200 adult voters surveyed, the results indicate that a majority of Texans are ready for a shift toward legalized gambling, a sentiment that has been growing steadily in recent years.

Despite this public demand, any gambling expansion in Texas requires more than just the approval of lawmakers. The state constitution mandates that any change to gambling laws must be approved by voters through a referendum. As such, while the legislature plays a pivotal role in deciding whether to place the issue on the ballot, the final decision will rest in the hands of the Texas electorate.

Abbott, who has publicly expressed support for gambling reforms, reiterated this in his Texas Take interview. However, with the legislative session set to run until June 2, and bills needing to be introduced by March 14, time is running short for meaningful action in the current legislative cycle. Even if the legislature passes a bill to allow a referendum, it may be years before voters have the chance to weigh in on the issue.

The issue of gambling expansion in Texas is far from settled. Governor Abbott’s comments, though supportive of online sports betting, do little to change the political realities of the state. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's refusal to bring the issue to a vote, unless a Republican majority supports it, remains a key obstacle to progress.

Yet, with public support for gambling growing, the influence of powerful lobbying groups, and Texans already engaging in illegal betting, it seems likely that this issue will continue to simmer. Whether the state will eventually pass a gambling expansion bill, and when voters might get the chance to make their voices heard, remains unclear. For now, it seems that Texans may have to wait for their elected officials to resolve the deadlock, but the momentum for legal gambling is undeniable.

 

I don’t have a problem with online sports betting. The reality is that I’d be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already.

Conclusion

Governor Greg Abbott’s recent remarks on online sports betting have reignited the conversation about gambling reform in Texas, but the state’s political structure continues to present significant obstacles. While there is clear public support for gambling expansion, especially in the form of destination resorts and legal sports betting, Texas' legislative gridlock — particularly the strong opposition from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick — suggests that meaningful change may be a long way off. The political future of gambling in Texas, and whether voters will have a say, will depend on the ability of advocates and lawmakers to break through the gridlock and build a coalition that can push this issue forward.