As a majority of states have legalized sports betting, eyes are turning to major markets like Texas that have eluded US sportsbooks.
Texas legislators made a push in 2023 when the House passed a package of bills legalizing Texas sports betting. However, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a vocal opponent of gambling, at the helm of the Senate, the bill stalled.
Industry sources have told LSR Patrick will remain a roadblock in Texas, and they remain pessimistic about legalization chances in 2025.
Big names for Texas sports betting
Professional sports owners in Texas, particularly Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, have been vocal in their support for gambling in the Lone Star State.
“Ultimately we’ll have sports betting in the state of Texas, until that time the state does lose an opportunity for huge amounts of revenue,” Jones said recently, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Cuban sold majority ownership of the Mavericks in 2023 to casino magnates Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont of the Las Vegas Sands Corp. Cuban previously told LSR he has more interest in resorts and casinos than sports betting.
Tough sledding ahead in 2025
Texas legislators only meet during odd years. Earlier this year, Dallas Stars President Brad Alberts told LSR the odds of sports betting passing were “50-50 at best.”
“I think it’s in the same spot it was. The same challenges exist, which is a resistant Senate, led by the lieutenant governor,” Alberts said. “And I don’t think that that has changed. Obviously, those same personalities are still in office.
“I think the momentum of last session, getting it through the House is positive. But you still have to get it through the Senate.”
Patrick’s term runs through 2026, so sources believe 2027 is the best realistic shot at gambling bills.
Could Trump win open lane in Texas?
Several sources have indicated Texas could be on the board for legalization if Donald Trump is elected president in November.
“There is a small chance that Texas could be on the table if Trump wins and the lieutenant governor is appointed to a position within the Trump administration,” one industry source said.
Another source laid out a similar scenario that would “open up political avenues,” but that chances remain low.
Texas sports bettors remain active
Texans made more than 1.1 million log-in attempts to legal sportsbooks in September, according to a GeoComply release this month. GeoComply blocked those attempts.
“It’s clear that Texans want access to regulated and safe sports betting options,” Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Lauren Clay said in a release. “Every thwarted attempt to log in to a legal sportsbook represents a missed opportunity for Texans to engage in a safe, regulated activity and for the state to generate tax revenue to support important programs.”
GeoComply said there are 105,000 user accounts in Texas, up 57% compared to September 2023.
Oklahoma gears up for Texas sports betting
Oklahoma has its own struggles with sports betting legalization, as tribes, legislators and the governor remain at odds over the situation. While the Sooner State stakeholders look to iron out the situation, various parties are preparing for Texas sports betting.
Sen. Bill Coleman said Texas legalization could be on the table in 2025, leaving Oklahoma surrounded by legal sports betting states.
Meanwhile, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma partnered with Kambi earlier this year to “become an online and retail sports betting powerhouse.”
The Choctaw have a casino 90 miles north of Dallas and are the exclusive casino partner of the Texas Rangers.
