Sports betting remains illegal in Texas, enforced by some of the strictest gambling regulations in the United States. Efforts to introduce both retail and online betting options have been ongoing, but Texas’s foundational constitution and significant legislative hurdles have kept the industry at bay.
Despite the lack of legal options, prominent voices within Texas—including professional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros—continue to lobby for regulatory changes. These campaigns are largely championed by the Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition made up of major league franchises and sportsbook operators. Nonetheless, any legalization bill, even if it successfully passes through both the State House and Senate, must be approved by a public referendum. With the Texas Legislature convening only every two years, the next potential window for legislative change is in 2025.
Texas, known for its deep sports culture, stands poised to become one of the most lucrative sports betting markets in the country if regulations shift. Below, we break down the legal landscape, recent legislative activity, and what the future could hold for sports betting fans in the Lone Star State.
A Chronology of Sports Betting Legislation Efforts in Texas
Since 2018, following a major Supreme Court decision, state lawmakers and stakeholders have made repeated attempts to legalize sports betting in Texas. The following timeline highlights major events and legislative efforts:
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Legislative Developments: 2018 to 2020
– May 14, 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), eliminating the federal ban on sports betting and granting states—including Texas—the right to regulate the industry.
– January 25, 2019: State Representative Eddie Lucio III introduces House Joint Resolution 61 (HJR 61) aimed at amending the constitution to allow sports betting, alongside HB 1275 to establish a regulatory framework. Neither measure receives a floor vote.
– November 10, 2020: Representative Joe Deshotel introduces HB 477 to authorize retail gambling—including sports betting—at nine locations with oversight by the Texas Lottery Commission.
– December 9, 2020: Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson launches a lobbying initiative, signaling increasing industry support for legal gambling expansion in Texas.
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Push for Approval Intensifies: 2021
– January 16, 2021: HB 1121, sponsored by Rep. Harold Dutton, introduces a detailed sports betting legalization framework: 6.25% tax rate, high application and renewal fees, minimum betting age of 18, but excluding wagering on Texas college sports.
– February 7, 2021: Senator Juan Hinojosa files SB 736, pushing for a parallel sports betting proposal in the Senate.
– February 8, 2021: Leading sports franchises—including the Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers, and FC Dallas—formally establish the Sports Betting Alliance with major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings to campaign for legalization.
– February 9, 2021: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick publicly announces opposition to the legalization of sports betting.
– February 23, 2021: Rep. Dan Huberty introduces HB 2070, endorsed by the Alliance, but the bill ultimately fails to advance.
– May 31, 2021: The Texas legislative session closes without action on any of the sports betting measures.
Momentum Builds: 2022
– April 22, 2022: Gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke declares support for legal casino gaming and sports betting.
– November 11, 2022: Senator Carol Alvarado pre-files SJR 17 to propose a constitutional amendment establishing a Texas Gaming Commission, paving the way for further sports betting efforts in the next session.
Recent Push and Ongoing Opposition: 2023
– February 6, 2023: HB 1942 is introduced with support from leaders of major Texas teams, seeking to put sports betting on the state ballot.
– March 28, 2023: Lieutenant Governor Patrick reiterates his resistance to gambling reform on local radio.
– April 3, 2023: Key bills (HJR 102 and HB 1942; HJR 155 and HB 2843) clear committee but face opposition in the Senate.
– May 11, 2023: HJR 102 passes the House but is blocked in the Senate, stalling progress until at least the 2025 session.
– November 3, 2023: Entrepreneur Mark Cuban goes public with his support for legal casinos in Texas.
– November 22, 2023: The Adelson and Dumont families announce the purchase of Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks stake, reflecting growing outside investment interest.
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Understanding the Current Legal Environment for Sports Betting in Texas
Texas strictly forbids both physical and online sports betting at this time. Despite political and industry resistance, leading sports franchises and industry partners like BetMGM, PointsBet, and FanDuel are publicly supporting regulatory reform. Texans eager for expanded gambling opportunities are watching neighboring states reap tax revenues from legal sports betting, adding to the urgency for legislative change.
Retail Sports Betting: Status and Future Possibilities
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At present, it’s illegal to place sports wagers at any retail location in Texas; there are no physical sportsbooks available. Nevertheless, with partnerships now formed between Texas teams and prominent sportsbooks, the hope is that future legislative changes could finally allow for in-person betting at venues like stadiums.
Currently, many sports enthusiasts travel to states like Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas—where sports betting is legal—to place their bets. Within Texas, in-person betting is limited solely to pari-mutuel race wagering at licensed racetracks such as Lone Star Park and Sam Houston Race Park.
Should legislative changes occur, it’s expected that stadiums and large sports venues would be among the first sites to host in-person sportsbooks, providing a new in-state option for local fans.
Online Sports Betting: Legislative Movement and Current Limitations
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The Lone Star State does not allow any online sports wagering. Despite multiple legislative attempts, including the heavily supported HB 1942 in 2023, conservative opposition remains a significant roadblock. In particular, senior state Republicans—such as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott—have consistently resisted calls to open the state to digital sportsbooks.
Meanwhile, increasing pressure from neighboring states, broad public support, and established professional sports teams looking to partner with operators hint at potential change in the near future. As the debate continues, Texans can legally participate in daily fantasy sports contests and access “social sports betting” platforms, which offer sports-based games but do not allow real-money wagers.
Some teams—including FC Austin and the Houston Astros—have proactively negotiated partnerships with sportsbook brands, preparing for a time when full legalization may become reality.
Looking Ahead: The Outlook for Sports Betting in Texas
Grassroots advocacy and industry groups maintain a steady drumbeat for legalization, spurred on by neighboring states’ success and the significant financial opportunities that legalized betting would present for Texas.
The 2025 legislative session will be pivotal. Lawmakers may once again push to put the sports betting question before Texas voters and, if passed, the state’s massive and sports-obsessed population could quickly create one of the nation’s largest markets for both online and stadium-based sportsbooks.
Transforming the state stance on sports gambling will require continued collaboration between legislators, sports leaders, and the public. As iconic figures and pro franchises continue their campaign, and with mounting interest from investors, Texas is positioned on the brink of potentially historic gambling reform.
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