A new resolution for the state of Texas regarding sports betting has been introduced early this week. The resolution, House Joint Resolution 134, also seeks the legalization of sports betting in Texas, but it would have to be passed by both the House and the Senate prior to undergoing public voting in November.

The conversation surrounding sports betting in Texas is gaining momentum once again as a new House bill aimed at legalizing the practice was introduced early this week. Representative Sam Harless presented House Joint Resolution 134 on Wednesday, proposing an amendment to the state constitution that would allow sports betting in Texas.

Legislative hurdles ahead

For the resolution to take effect, it must first clear the Texas House and the Senate prior to being put to a public vote in the month of November. The path forward, however, remains uncertain, as a similar resolution was able to pass the House in 2023 but ultimately stalled in the Senate. A major roadblock remains in Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch opponent of gambling expansion in the state.

Texas' legislature convenes only in odd-numbered years, making each push for legalization a critical opportunity. While proponents argue that sports betting could generate significant tax revenue and protect consumers from unregulated markets, opponents, including Patrick, have thus far prevented any progress beyond the House.

Details of the resolution

If approved, House Joint Resolution 134 would permit specific organizations to offer sports betting within Texas. The eligible entities include:

  • Professional sports teams that existed as of January 1, 2025.
  • Sports organizations that hosted a yearly PGA Tour event prior to January 1, 2025.
  • Class 1 racetracks operating as of January 1, 2025.
  • Designees appointed by any of these entities.

Though the resolution lacks extensive details regarding regulatory structures and licensing processes, it does include the proposed ballot language for the public vote. Despite the limited scope, major sportsbook operators, including BetMGM, Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings, have expressed support for the legislation.

Support from key stakeholders

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which represents several leading sportsbook operators, has welcomed Rep. Harless' proposal.

"We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment," said spokesperson for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance Karina Kling. "Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year.

"It's time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong regulatory framework for sports betting - just like the 39 states that have already moved forward."

The current resolution follows a similar attempt in 2023, when a sports betting bill successfully passed the House by a decisive 100-43 vote. However, the Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Patrick, declined to bring it to a vote due to a lack of Republican support. The accompanying enabling legislation had proposed a 15% tax rate on the revenue from sports betting, which could have translated into substantial state revenue had it passed.

Growing public and political support

The push for sports betting legalization has gained influential backing from several prominent Texas figures. Governor Greg Abbott recently told the Houston Chronicle that he has no objections to sports betting, signaling a potential shift in executive support. Additionally, former Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Texas Secretary of State John Scott have also publicly endorsed the initiative.

A recent survey conducted by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston found that 60% of Texas residents support legalizing sports betting. This growing public approval may put pressure on lawmakers to reconsider their stance on the issue.

High-profile financial backers

Several high-profile sports and business figures have long supported sports betting in Texas. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner, has endorsed the movement, as has Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, whose business empire includes casinos and entertainment venues.

Mark Cuban has also been an advocate for gambling expansion in Texas, although he has expressed more interest in destination casinos than in sports betting specifically. Casino mogul Miriam Adelson, who recently acquired a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has invested millions into lobbying efforts aimed at legalizing gambling in Texas.