Texas Governor Open to Legal Sports Betting, But Decision Rests Elsewhere
Governor Greg Abbott: “I Have No Issue with Online Sports Betting”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated in a podcast on Tuesday, 4 February, that he has no objections to online sports betting. However, he does not have the authority to make a final decision on the matter, as it rests with the state senate.
Abbott, who has served as governor since 2015, had previously expressed during his 2021 re-election campaign that he was not opposed to gambling in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, both he and former Speaker of the House Dade Phelan have shown support for expanding gambling options in the state.
Lieutenant Governor Remains Key Obstacle
The main barrier to gambling expansion remains Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has repeatedly stated that he will not allow a vote on the issue unless it has majority support from Republicans. There are no indications that his stance has changed, making Abbott’s recent comments largely rhetorical.
Growing Lobby Efforts for Gambling Expansion
Abbott’s remarks come amid increased lobbying efforts for gambling expansion in Texas. Las Vegas Sands and Miriam Adelson, majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, have invested $13 million in campaigns aimed at persuading legislators to approve new destination resorts in the state.
Additionally, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), which includes seven professional sports teams from Texas, has launched a significant lobbying campaign. Supporters include Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and former Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Majority of Texans Support Legalisation
In November, Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado introduced a constitutional amendment proposal, SJR 16, seeking to allow gambling at destination resorts and legalise sports betting, alongside the establishment of a state gaming commission. The proposal includes provisions for seven casino resorts and a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue.
A recent poll conducted by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, published by the Houston Chronicle, revealed:
- 73% of respondents support establishing destination resorts with gambling.
- 60% back the legalisation of online sports betting.
- 56% favour allowing betting companies to operate in professional sports venues across Texas.
The survey sampled 1,200 adult voters in Texas.
Final Decision Rests with Voters
Speaking on the Texas Take podcast, Abbott stated:
“I have no issue with online sports betting. The reality is that I would be shocked if there weren’t already Texans engaging in it.”
He referenced illegal betting, which frequently takes place through offshore gambling platforms and online casinos.
The Texas legislature convenes only in odd-numbered years. In 2023, a gambling expansion bill passed through the House of Representatives but was blocked in the Senate. Any amendments to state gambling laws must ultimately be decided by voters, as the legislature can only determine whether the issue is placed on the ballot. The current legislative session runs until 2 June, with a deadline of 14 March for filing new bills.