While the momentum building toward Texas sports betting has slowed recently, a new Senate bill has dropped.
Sen. Juan Hinojosa has introduced Joint Resolution 65, a companion bill to Rep. Sam Harless’ proposal in the House. The legislation would put a constitutional amendment to legalize Texas sports betting to a statewide vote in November.
There was a flurry of positive news in Texas for legalization, but the wind has left the sails in recent weeks. One constant in the equation has been Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch gambling opponent who controls what is heard on the Senate floor.
Texas sports betting Senate bill
Hinojosa’s bill mirrors the amendment Harless introduced last month.
The simple bill outlines that professional sports teams and organizations existing by Jan. 1, 2025, could apply for a license.
Little else is defined in the bill aside from the proposed ballot question.
Momentum roller coaster
In 2023, the Texas House passed an online sports betting bill to see Patrick kill the effort. Since then, however, gambling interests have poured millions into the state and garnered plenty of support, including a “no objection” commitment from Gov. Greg Abbott.
But Patrick has refused to budge, and Rep. Matt Shaheen said he would “make sure it’s dead” and that sports betting would not pass the House this session.
A recent controversy with the Texas Lottery and courier services has also added another complex layer to the gambling conversation in the Lone Star State.
Patrick an immovable object
Patrick has repeatedly made it clear where he stands on gambling issues. He will not call a vote on an issue unless it has a Republican majority.
The Texas GOP platform is anti-gambling expansion. That poses a problem with the constitutional amendment, which requires two-thirds votes in both chambers before it can reach the ballot.
The anti-gambling stance from the legislature comes despite a recent University of Houston poll that showed 73% support for legalizing destination casinos and 60% in favor of online sports betting.
