Sports Betting Conundrum in Texas: Where Things Stand
Legalization of Sports Wagers in Texas Advances, Receives Governor's Backing
Written by: Michael Savio, Updated February 17, 2025
Here's the skinny on Texas sports betting: it's currently underground, with Governor Greg Abbott acknowledging that a good many Texans are already placing their bets online [1][4]. But hold your horses, as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the vocal critic of the gambling industry, has yet to be convinced [1].
Michael Savio, your go-to guy for all things US online casino, has been tracking this scene since his Vegas days and doesn't miss a beat. He graces readers with expert reviews, breaking news, and insider insights, making him a trusted name in the biz. Catch more of his scoop at casinos.com [3].
Texas's Gambling Landscape: Past, Present, and Future?
As of now, sports betting remains up in the air, despite repeated attempts to legalize it through legislative measures, such as House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) [1][2]. Voters might soon have the chance to decide on a constitutional amendment via a November ballot if HJR 134 succeeds [1][2].
The Two Sides: Abbott & Patrick
- Governor Greg Abbott, ever the optimist, hints at the inevitable advent of legal sports betting in Texas, given its popularity among residents [1].
- Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, on the other hand, is a staunch adversary of the gambling industry and has been a thorn in the side of legalization initiatives [1][5].
Legislative Shuffles
HJR 134 targets retail sports betting, with an amendment excising provisions for online sportsbooks [2]. Another bill, spearheaded by Senator Carol Alvarado, aims for broader gambling legalization, but the gap created by Lt. Gov. Patrick's resistance is a significant hurdle [5]. With escalating public support for legalization [5], late 2026 might see the first legal bets being placed, provided the November 2025 vote brings victory for legalization advocates.
[1] Law360.com, (2025) Texas Sports Betting: Where Things Stand[2] The Dallas Morning News, (2025) Key developments in Texas sports betting liability law[3] casinos.com[4] Texas Legislature Online, (2025) HJR 134: Relating to a proposed constitutional amendment relating to authorizing sports wagering in this state[5] The Texas Tribune, (2025) Sports betting in Texas: Who wants it, who doesn't, and what’s next
Originally written by: Michael Savio | 02/17/2025 03:31Source: By: Michael Savio02/17/2025 03:31 Sports Betting Photo by Kumar Appaiah, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Online sports betting is a clandestine activity in Texas, with Governor Greg Abbott admitting numerous Texans engage in it online.
- Michael Savio, an expert on US online casinos, provides expert reviews, breaking news, and insider insights on sports betting, available at casinos.com.
- Despite multiple attempts to legalize sports betting, it remains undecided in Texas, with House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) potentially putting the question to voters in a November ballot.
- Governor Greg Abbott expresses optimism about the imminent legalization of sports betting in Texas, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick remains a vocal opponent of the gambling industry.
- HJR 134 focuses on retail sports betting, with provisions for online sportsbooks being excluded, while a separate bill proposes broader gambling legalization, facing resistance from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
- With increasing public support for legalization and a potential victory for legalization advocates in the November 2025 vote, late 2026 might mark the beginning of legal sports betting in Texas.
