Texas Edges Closer to a Gambling Showdown Amid New Governor Comments and Persistent Opposition

Governor’s Support vs. Lieutenant Governor’s Power

Abbott has served since 2015 and previously indicated a softening position on gambling during his 2021 reelection campaign. He and former House Speaker Dade Phelan were already receptive to expanding gaming before this latest statement, which was made on the Texas Take podcast on February 4.

But according to multiple reports, Patrick remains unconvinced. He has long insisted that any gambling bill must have a majority of support from Republican legislators to reach the Senate floor — and he sees no such backing.

[Gambling expansion] doesn’t seem to be an appetite to help large corporations increase their profits at the expense of countless Texans

Rep. Matt Shaheen

Lobbying Blitz and Big Names

All the while, the lobbying to bring Las Vegas–style casinos and regulated sports betting to the Lone Star State has intensified. According to reports from both The Texas Tribune and iGB, Miriam Adelson, majority owner of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, committed $13 million to support efforts for “destination resorts” across Texas.

Former Governor Rick Perry, now an outspoken advocate for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta are similarly marshaling lobbyists and resources.

Two Main Camps

1. Destination Casino Resorts
   • Backed by Las Vegas Sands and the Adelson family, along with other hospitality magnates.
   • Seeks to legalize a limited number of high-end, Vegas-style resorts in major Texan cities.
   • Proposes to create thousands of jobs and boost local economies.
2. Sports Betting
   • Fueled by the TSBA, representing several Texas pro sports teams (including the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Rockets).
   • Focuses on legalizing mobile and online sports wagering, pointing out that Texans already participate through offshore or neighboring-state platforms.

While both groups share an overall goal of changing the state’s gambling laws, they often pitch their proposals separately — a strategy that could lead to competition for legislative attention.

The Sticking Point: Dan Patrick

Patrick’s position has been the same for years: Without demonstrable GOP support for legalized gambling, he won’t call a Senate vote. As of early 2025, there’s no indication he’s changed his tune. Because of that, critics argue that Abbott’s comments may be “rhetoric and nothing more” until Patrick signals otherwise.

Still, the governor’s statement arrives at a time when a new poll from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs indicates that Texans are broadly in favor of gambling expansion:

• 73% support “destination resort” casinos
• 60% support legal online sports betting
• 56% support allowing sportsbooks in professional sports venues

With a legislative session in progress until June 2 and a March 14 deadline for introducing new bills, lawmakers have a relatively narrow window to act.

SJR 16: A Path to the Ballot Box

In November, Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) filed SJR 16, a constitutional amendment that would allow for:

• Destination resorts
• Legal sports betting
• Creation of a state gaming commission
• A 15% tax rate on casino gross gaming revenue
• Up to seven destination-casino licenses

Should SJR 16 or any similar legislation pass the House and Senate, Texas voters would get the final say via referendum. Despite the House occasionally leaning more favorably toward gambling legislation, previous efforts stalled in Patrick’s Senate.

I don’t have a problem with online sports betting. The reality is that I’d be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already.

Gov. Greg Abbott

Balancing Expansion and Concerns

Opponents, including social-conservative groups like Texas Values and some Republican lawmakers, argue that expansion could lead to potential social ills, such as gambling addiction. They also question the need for additional revenue, especially in light of the state’s significant budget surplus in recent years.

Meanwhile, proponents argue that regulating and taxing what is already a widespread, albeit unauthorized, practice would bolster consumer protections and generate new funding for social programs and infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

With this fresh endorsement from Abbott, legislative allies may feel emboldened to push for expanded gambling once again. Yet Patrick’s continued refusal to green-light Senate consideration looms large.

As the clock ticks toward the end of the legislative session, the question remains: Will pro-gaming lawmakers and industry advocates find a path to bypass the Lieutenant Governor’s roadblock? Or will Texans wait yet another two years to see this issue on the ballot?

One thing is certain: Texans, by and large, appear ready for a vote on gambling expansion. Whether state leaders can muster the political will to let them decide remains the biggest unanswered question.