Sports Betting Legislation Introduced In Texas House

The Texas sports betting debate gained momentum with a new bill filed this week.

Rep. Sam Harless presented House Joint Resolution 134 on Wednesday, which aims to amend the state constitution to legalize sports betting. To reach public voting status, however, the legislation would need the House and Senate to approve it before November, and significant opposition remains, particularly in the Senate.

Key Provisions of HJR 134

HJR 134 proposes that only certain organizations in Texas be eligible for sports betting licenses:

• Sports teams: Professional sports teams in existence as of Jan. 1, 2025.
• Sports organizations: Entities that have hosted a PGA Tour event annually before Jan. 1, 2025.
• Racetracks: Class 1 racetracks operating by Jan. 1, 2025.
• Designees: Authorized representatives of these organizations.

Though the bill details eligibility, other regulatory specifics are unclear. The proposal has garnered support from major players in the sports betting industry.

The House passed a similar bill in 2023 with a 100-43 vote, but it faced strong resistance from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in the Senate, who has significant control over the legislative agenda and who is in the same position in 2025.

Growing Support for Texas Sports Betting

Gov. Greg Abbott recently stated that he has no objections to legal sports betting. Former Gov. Rick Perry and former Secretary of State John Scott have also indicated support for legalization.

The University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs conducted a survey earlier this year that showed 60% in favor of legal sports betting. 

Industry Support: Big Money Favors Texas Sports Betting

Sports betting legalization is supported by well-known figures in Texas’ sports and entertainment sector. Jerry Jones, who leads the Dallas Cowboys franchise, and Tilman Fertitta, who owns the Houston Rockets, have endorsed the legalization of sports betting. Fertitta has significant assets in casinos and entertainment and has long pushed for gambling expansion.

Billionaire Mark Cuban supports Texas gambling expansion but finds sports betting less appealing than destination casinos.

Casino magnate Miriam Adelson has directed millions toward lobbying for casino legalization. She bought a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks before becoming a top financial contributor to Texas sports betting legalization efforts.

Economic Impact and Consumer Protection

Supporters of legal sports wagering maintain that Texas would gain significant economic advantages through this move. The millions of dollars in potential tax revenue from legalized sports betting could help ensure consumer protection in areas where betting activities already take place without proper oversight.

“Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year,” Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Karina Kling said. “It is time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong, regulatory framework for sports betting — just like the 39 states that have already moved forward.”