Texas Governor Greg Abbott expresses his backing for the legalization of betting on sports within the state.

In the heart of Texas, the sports betting debate is heating up, with Senate Joint Resolution 16 (SJR 16) stirring the pot. Introduced by Senator Carol Alvarado on February 2, 2025, this resolution seeks to introduce both sports betting and casino gambling to the state1. As of now, the progress of SJR 16 within the Senate remains uncertain2.

However, don't let the Senate's hesitation fool you. A wave of enthusiasm for legalizing sports betting is swelling, triggered by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. This powerful coalition, made up of major sports franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, is working hand in hand with heavyweights like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel1. They've got influential backers like former Governor Rick Perry and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta2. The potential sports betting revenue Texas could reap is mouthwatering, estimated to be in the billions1.

Yet, a formidable opponent stands tall in Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate's legislative agenda2. Patrick has steadfastly refused to advance a sports betting bill without the majority of Republican senators on board. Last year, a bill introduced by State Rep. Jeff Leach made strong strides, securing a vote in the House2. However, the Senate never picked it up2. This year, State Sen. Carol Alvarado hopes to revive a similar bill, which includes a casino expansion, though many consider it a first step2.

There's more than just resistance from conservative pockets, though. Groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation caution against the rise in gambling addiction and potential financial instability for bettors2. In response, they've issued a policy brief warning of the potential harm expanded gambling could bring2.

To legalize sports betting, Texas lawmakers would need to pass a constitutional amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers before the public gets to cast their vote3. Recent polling from the University of Houston shows that 60% of Texans support online sports betting, while 73% favor expanding casinos4. So, will the momentum Abbott's endorsement brings push through and pave the way for a legal sports betting industry in Texas? Stay tuned.

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Michael MolterAfter years spent scouting college basketball for Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton and the University of Alabama under Anthony Grant, Michael shifted his focus to NBA content. A proud alumnus of both schools, he now covers legal sports betting bills, sports betting revenue data, tennis betting odds, and sportsbook reviews. Michael enjoys basketball, hiking, and kayaking when not glued to the TV watching hideous tennis matches.

[5]: Advertising Disclosure: In order to provide you with the best independent sports betting news and content our website.com may receive a commission from partners when you make a purchase through a link on our site.

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, consisting of major sports franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, alongside betting giants such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, are pushing for the legalization of sports betting in Texas.
The potential revenue that Texas could generate from legal sports betting is estimated to be in the billions, according to recent reports.
Despite the enthusiasm from the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, the progress of Senate Joint Resolution 16 (SJR 16), which seeks to introduce both sports betting and casino gambling, within the Senate remains uncertain.
A formidable opponent to the legalization of sports betting is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate's legislative agenda, and who has expressed reservations about advancing a sports betting bill without majority Republican senators support.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expresses his backing for the legalization of betting on sports within the state.