Texas lawmakers propose casino and sports betting ballot measures
Regulation3 min read
Texas Representative Charlie Geren and Senator Carol Alvarado filed resolutions proposing a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment to permit and regulate casino gaming and sports betting. The proposals would cap casino licences at 10 and set a 15% tax on revenue; a vote on 2 November 2027 would follow only if both chambers approve the measures.
Texas voters could decide whether to amend the constitution to legalise casino gaming and sports betting under joint resolutions filed by lawmakers, according to the source. Republican Representative Charlie Geren filed House Joint Resolution 52, while Democrat Senator Carol Alvarado filed Senate Joint Resolution 11. Both resolutions propose a statewide vote on 2 November 2027 if both chambers of the Texas legislature approve them.
The measures would give lawmakers authority to legalise and regulate casino gaming and sports betting by general law. They would define the activities, set locations for gaming and require operators to obtain licences and pay application fees. Only licensed operators could conduct casino gaming within the state.
Each resolution would limit the number of casinos to 10 and provide initial licence terms of at least 40 years, according to the source. Geren and Alvarado favour a 15% tax on revenue from casino gaming and sports betting. The proposals would bar additional taxes or fees targeting gaming revenue.
The measures would create a process for the state to negotiate and execute a gaming compact with any of its federally recognised tribes for Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Those tribes are the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.
A state commission proposed in Alvarado’s resolution would receive lottery proceeds as well as taxes and fees from casino gaming and sports betting. It would oversee lotteries and authorised gaming, with authority to investigate, enforce rules and conduct audits.
Democrat Vicki Goodwin’s victory over Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick could improve the resolutions’ prospects of reaching the ballot next year. Patrick has firmly opposed expanding gaming in Texas, while Goodwin backs a public vote on legalising gambling there. During her campaign, Goodwin said people were taking their gambling money to nearby states, depriving Texas of potential revenue and economic activity. She also argued that properly regulated gaming could bring Texas jobs, tourism and tax revenue.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Governor Gregg Abbott and is due to be sworn in on 19 January. As a state representative, Hinojosa voted against a sports betting constitutional amendment in 2023. During her campaign, she did not commit to supporting or opposing gaming legislation. Under Texas law, the governor cannot veto a proposed constitutional amendment passed by the legislature, which can go on the ballot without her signature.
Neither resolution has received a committee assignment. A proposed constitutional amendment needs a two-thirds majority in each legislative chamber, including at least 100 House votes and 21 Senate votes, to reach the ballot. The legislature is scheduled to return to Austin on 12 January and adjourn on 31 May. Democrats will have a House majority at the start of the session, while Republicans will control the Senate.