Texas Lawmaker Proposes Public Vote on Sports Betting

Could legal sports betting become a reality in the Lone Star State next year?

Texas Rep. Charlie Green filed House Joint Resolution 52, which would put sports betting to a public vote. The bill would also set a hard cap of 15% on gaming revenue for operators, far below the national average. 

To pass, HJR 52 will need approval from two-thirds of both Texas legislative chambers. 

Despite growing calls to legalize the industry, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has served as a roadblock. He has staunchly opposed all forms of gambling, but is set to leave office after Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Patrick during the midterm election.

Goodwin supports the idea of letting Texans vote on gambling expansion, which is exactly what HJR 52 would provide. 

In addition to sports betting, the bill would also let residents vote on legalizing casino gambling. While the state is home to a few tribal casinos, proposals to expand them have consistently failed.

If passed, the bill would propose questions for both industries to voters in November 2027. 

Do Texans Want Expansion?

Sports betting proponents hope HJR 52 will end years of legislative deadlock, but Texans will ultimately decide whether to legalize the industry.

Public support for legal sports betting has been strong across the US over the years, but that’s changed recently. Fears over problem gambling, underage betting, and the integrity of major sports leagues have led many residents to rethink their support.

We saw this during Nebraska’s midterm elections, with the public rejecting two proposals to legalize online sports betting. Industry proponents had spent more than $20 million to get both on the ballot, but around 55% of voters still rejected them.

Expect an uptick in polling over the coming months as Texas lawmakers try to gauge where voters stand before deciding how to vote on HJR 52.