Texas lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide whether casino gaming and sports betting should be legal in the state.
- House Joint Resolution 52 proposes allowing up to 10 licensed casinos and legal sports betting in Texas, if approved by voters.
- The proposal could introduce a tax of up to 15% on casino and sports betting revenue.
- The constitutional amendment must pass the Texas House and Senate by a two-thirds majority before it can go to voters in November 2027.
House Joint Resolution 52, which was filed by Republican State Rep. Charlie Geren on Nov. 9, would give state lawmakers the power to authorize and regulate sports wagering and casino gaming, subject to voter approval.
Before the proposal can reach Texas voters, it must receive support from at least two-thirds of members in both the Texas House and Senate, according to the Texas Tribune. If it passes, the constitutional amendment would appear on the November 2027 ballot, giving voters the final decision on whether casino gaming and sports betting should be allowed in the state.
The proposal would allow up to 10 casino licenses across Texas, with licenses lasting at least 40 years. Lawmakers would also decide where casinos could be built, where legal sports wagering could take place, and what specific rules operators would need to follow.
If approved, the state could also introduce a tax of up to 15% on revenue from casino gaming and sports betting.
Supporters say legalizing gambling could bring in extra funds for the state, potentially helping fund public education and other expenses. However, the proposal does not guarantee that any of the revenue would be allocated to schools, nor does it estimate how much money could be raised.
The latest proposal is another attempt to expand gambling in Texas, where current options are limited to horse and greyhound racing, a state lottery, and tribal casinos. Texas online casinos and Texas sports betting are currently prohibited.
Previous efforts to legalize commercial casino gaming and sports betting have failed to gain enough support in the Texas Legislature. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential social impact of expanded gambling, particularly on younger individuals.
Senator proposes expanding Kickapoo Tribe gaming rights
Separate gambling proposals have also been filed in Texas, with Democratic State Sen. Roland Gutierrez introducing two measures aimed at expanding gaming opportunities for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
Senate Joint Resolution 12 would allow the tribe to offer gambling through an agreement with the state, while Senate Joint Resolution 13 proposes allowing gaming on certain lands under Texas law. Both measures also include provisions to limit specific taxes and fees.
The proposals could also give the tribe access to new gambling options if Texas legalizes them in the future.
