The governor of Texas, Republican Greg Abbott, has now expressed his ongoing support for online sports betting in the state. In a podcast for Texas Take of the Houston Chronicle, he stated that he doesn’t have a problem with sports betting online and continued that he wouldn't be surprised if some Texans did it already.

In a notable shift from his previous stance, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has expressed openness to the legalization of online sports betting in the Lone Star State. Speaking on the Texas Take podcast for the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday, Abbott stated, "I don't have a problem with online sports betting." He further remarked, "The reality is that I'd be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already."

Abbott's remarks signal a continued softening of his position on gambling in Texas, a state historically resistant to gambling expansions. In 2023, Abbott indicated that he was no longer opposed to the broader legalization of gambling, and his latest comments reinforce his explicit support for legislative efforts to legalize online sports betting in the upcoming 2025 biennial legislative session.

Expert opinions on Abbott's shift

Political analysts suggest that Abbott's evolving stance could influence the legislative landscape in Texas. Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, told: "This recent statement underscores his explicit support for legislation in the 2025 biennial legislative session, which would legalize online sports betting in Texas, in addition to his prior expressed support for destination resort casinos."

Jones pointed out that while Abbott's support is significant, he was never viewed as a primary obstacle by pro-gambling advocates. "The reality is... that when pro-gambling forces evaluated the principal obstacles standing between them and their goals in Austin this year, Governor Abbott was never one of them," explained Jones.

The primary roadblock remains the Texas Senate, where the majority of the Republican Caucus, led by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, continues to oppose the legalization of both online sports betting and destination resort casinos. "If Patrick made the same statement as Abbott in support of online sports betting, it would have been a game-changer for pro-gambling forces," Jones noted.

Jones added that while Abbott's explicit support could apply pressure on the Texas Senate, it should be seen as a minor victory. "A similar statement by Patrick would be a major victory and signal that legalized casino and/or online sports gambling would be a virtual certainty in Texas by 2026," he said.

A professor at the University of Houston, Brandon Rottinghaus, echoed Jones' sentiments, stating that Abbott's comments are "certainly a green light for proponents to push sports betting ahead because they will need his political might to move legislation forward." However, Rottinghaus emphasized that Patrick remains the "biggest hurdle." He remarked, "Without both officials rowing in the same direction, the boat won't go."

Legislative efforts underway

The discussion around legalizing gambling in Texas is not new, but recent developments suggest momentum is building. State Senator Carol Alvarado has introduced Texas Senate Joint Resolution 16, which, if approved, would pave the way for a statewide vote on casinos and gaming in Texas.

Public opinion appears to be increasingly in favor of gambling expansion. A survey released on Tuesday by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston revealed that 73% of people in Texas support the legalization, construction, and operation of destination resort casinos within the state. Meanwhile, 60% of those surveyed expressed support for legalizing online sports betting.

Despite growing public support and Abbott’s recent endorsement, the path to legalizing online sports betting and other forms of gambling in Texas remains complex. The interplay between the governor's office, the Texas Senate, and influential figures like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be crucial in determining the outcome of these legislative efforts.