Texas Lawmakers File New Casino and Sports Betting Legalization Proposals

Texas lawmakers have filed new proposals to legalize casino gambling and sports betting, aiming to put the question before voters in November 2027 following a major shift in the state's political leadership.

Republican Rep. Charlie Geren filed House Joint Resolution 52 on Nov. 9, while Democratic Sen. Carol Alvarado introduced Senate Joint Resolution 11 the same day.

Both measures would amend the Texas Constitution to allow the Legislature to authorize and regulate casino gaming and sports wagering. Neither proposal changes existing gambling laws or guarantees a public vote. They must first secure two-thirds support in both legislative chambers.

Presently residents do not have access to legal online Texas sports betting or the best real money online casinos.

What the proposals would allow

The resolutions would permit up to 10 licensed casinos across Texas, with initial license terms lasting at least 40 years. Casino gambling would be restricted to licensed physical locations, while lawmakers would determine where casinos and sports wagering could operate.

Both proposals would require operator licenses and application fees, while limiting taxes on casino and sports betting revenue to 15%.

That figure represents the maximum permitted gaming tax, not a finalized rate. The resolutions would also prevent additional state or local taxes specifically targeting gambling revenue, while allowing taxes generally applied to businesses.

Alvarado's proposal goes further by establishing a state gaming commission with investigative, enforcement and audit powers. It would be funded through lottery proceeds, gambling taxes and licensing fees.

Both measures also require a process for negotiating Class III gaming compacts with Texas' three federally recognized tribes, at their request.

Mobile sports betting remains uncertain

One significant question remains unanswered: whether legalization would include statewide mobile sports betting. The resolutions specifically limit casino gambling to licensed physical premises but leave the permitted locations and methods of sports wagering to future legislation.

That means approval of either constitutional amendment would not automatically authorize mobile sportsbooks. Lawmakers would still need to establish licensing rules, operator requirements and the types of betting permitted.

Both proposals identify Nov. 2, 2027, as the intended referendum date. That is not a sportsbook launch date.

New leadership faces familiar hurdles

The filings follow an election that changed the political balance in Texas. Democrats won control of the House, while Vikki Goodwin defeated longtime Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick had repeatedly opposed gambling expansion and helped prevent previous sports betting legislation from advancing through the Senate.

Goodwin has expressed willingness to let Texans vote on the issue, potentially creating a more receptive environment for gambling proposals.

However, Republicans retain control of the Senate, and Goodwin's powers will depend partly on rules adopted by its members. The constitutional amendment process also presents a substantial obstacle.

Both proposals would need at least 100 votes in the 150-member House and 21 votes in the 31-member Senate before reaching voters. A simple majority in the statewide referendum would then be required for approval.

Texas lawmakers have previously considered casino and sports betting proposals without securing the necessary legislative support. Geren's similar resolution in 2025 never advanced beyond committee.

The latest measures begin a new attempt rather than continuing those earlier bills. The 90th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2027. As of Nov. 11, neither HJR 52 nor SJR 11 has received a committee referral or legislative vote.