Texas Governor Greg Abbott Supports Online Sports Betting
Earlier this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated on a podcast that he has no objection to online sports betting.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:However, he does not hold the power to bring the issue to a vote in the state senate. Abbott, who has been in office since 2015, suggested during his 2021 re-election campaign that he was not against legal gambling in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, both Abbott and former House Speaker Dade Phelan expressed increasing support for expanding gambling in the state.
The main obstacle remains Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has long opposed gambling expansion. Patrick has made it clear that he will not bring the issue to a vote unless there is strong backing from the Republican majority in the legislature. So far, there is no indication that he has changed his stance, which means that Abbott’s remarks this week were largely symbolic.
Increased Lobbying Efforts for Gambling Expansion
Abbott’s comments come at a time when lobbying efforts to legalize gambling in Texas are at an all-time high. Las Vegas Sands and Dallas Mavericks majority owner Miriam Adelson has spent $13 million on efforts to persuade lawmakers to approve destination resorts in the state.
Additionally, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), which includes seven professional sports teams from the state, is actively lobbying for legal sports betting. Figures such as Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and former Texas Governor Rick Perry are also involved in the legalization efforts.
Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado introduced SJR 16 in November, a constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing casino gambling at designated resorts and permitting sports betting. The proposal includes the creation of a state gaming commission, the establishment of seven casino resorts, and a 15% tax on casino revenue.
A recent poll from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, reported by the Houston Chronicle, shows that Texans largely support gambling expansion. The survey of 1,200 adult voters found that 73% support legalizing destination resort casinos, 60% back online sports betting, and 56% favor allowing sportsbooks in professional sports venues.
Related: Texas Lawmakers under Pressure to Legalize Sports Betting
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Voters Hold the Final Decision
Speaking on the Texas Take podcast, Abbott stated that it was highly likely that there are already Texans who place sports bets online on offshore sites.
Since the Texas legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, the last attempt to pass a gambling bill stalled in the Senate in 2023. Any expansion of gambling in Texas requires voter approval. Lawmakers would just decide whether to place the measure on the ballot.
The current legislative session runs until June 2, with a deadline of March 14 for introducing new bills. Whether gambling expansion moves forward will depend on whether lawmakers can gain the support needed to overcome opposition in the senate.
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