AUSTIN 鈥� After years of failed attempts, the push to legalize gambling is resurfacing in the 2025 Legislature amid what some say is a more receptive attitude from political leaders.
State Rep. Charlie Geren, a Fort Worth Republican who made an unsuccessful effort to legalize gambling during the 2023 session, introduced a new measure this week calling for a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would clear the way for regulated casino gambling and sports wagering at licensed facilities across the state.
Geren鈥檚 measure, House Joint Resolution No. 137, proposes a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot that would allow the Legislature 鈥渢o strictly regulate and authorize casino gaming and sports wagering鈥� along with the imposition of taxes on gaming operators.
The measure filed Feb. 12 would limit the total number of Texas casinos to no more than 10 licensed facilities. State taxes on casinos and sports wagering would not exceed 15%.
The Texas Constitution requires voter approval to authorize gambling in Texas, but the issue has traditionally faced intense opposition from religious groups, various law enforcement advocates and state lawmakers who don鈥檛 want to see gaming in the Lone Star State.
Las Vegas Sands Corp., one of the world鈥檚 largest gaming enterprises, and employed scores of lobbyists during the 2023 effort before Geren鈥檚 bill toward the end of the session.
A separate sports betting measure backed by major sports franchises in Texas advanced to the Senate, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the chamber鈥檚 presiding officer and a gambling opponent, refused to let it come up.
Gov. Greg Abbott created recent buzz around the issue after that he鈥檚 open to sports betting in Texas. He鈥檚 also publicly supported putting the question to voters through a constitutional amendment election.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 have a problem with online sports betting,鈥� the governor said.
Asked about his bill鈥檚 chances this year, Geren told the Report he has 鈥渘o idea.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 not a mind reader,鈥� he said.
His proposal, barely more than two pages long, would leave it to lawmakers to authorize casino gaming and sports betting, including licensing requirements and fees, conduct and specific locations.
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Dave Montgomery is an Austin-based freelance reporter for the Fort Worth Report.
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