Survey Shows Strong Texas Sports Betting Support


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Texas sports betting

While discussions about Texas sports betting legalization heat up, Lone Star State universities are beginning to examine the industry. 

The University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs surveyed Texans 18 and older about their opinions on various legislative issues, including online Texas sports betting

Along with gambling, the survey examined public opinions on marijuana, immigration and border security, and the use of a $24 billion budget surplus. It also looked at issues like abortion, elections and gun control.

Texas sports betting support

The survey found that 73% of Texans support the legalization of destination resort casinos. Texas billionaires such as Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones support the issue

Sixty percent of Texans support online sports betting, while 56% of the respondents support in-person sportsbooks at Texas stadiums.

Various demographics of respondents, whether age group, partisan affiliation, or race, all answered similarly in the report.

Lone Star State marijuana support

The executive summary of the report also broke down the support for various types of marijuana legislation. 

Nearly 80% of Texans support the legalization of medicinal cannabis. The support drops to 62% support for recreational cannabis. 

Gen Z opposes the sale of consumable THC at a 70% clip, way above the 46% number for the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers, and 49% of Gen X.

Texas sports betting poll methodology

The Hobby School of Public Affairs conducted the survey through a YouGov panel of 1,200 Texas adults between Jan. 13-21.

There was a margin of error of 2.83% with a sampling frame on gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education. 

It was conducted in English and Spanish

Texas legislation in 2025

In 2023, online sports betting legislation passed the House. A bill legalizing destination casinos failed to pass the chamber. 

The Senate did not act on the sportsbook bill, as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposes gambling expansion. Patrick remains a roadblock on the issue.

Momentum around gambling issues continues to build, but sources are still wary that anything can get done this session. 

Photo by Shutterstock / Ilona Kozhevnikova