Texas Rep. Charlie Geren proposes 2027 vote on casino and sports betting
Regulation2 min read
Texas Rep. Charlie Geren filed legislation on 9 November that would put casino gaming and sports wagering to voters in a constitutional amendment in November 2027, if lawmakers approve it. The proposal would let lawmakers regulate licences, fees and taxes, cap casino licences at 10 sites and set initial licence terms of at least 40 years; Geren said voters should decide the issue.
A proposal from Texas Rep. Charlie Geren would put casino gaming and sports betting legalization to a public vote. The Fort Worth Republican submitted the proposal on November 9 for the upcoming legislative session. If the Legislature approves it, voters would consider the constitutional amendment in November 2027.
Neither commercial casinos nor statewide sports betting are legal. The state allows a lottery, pari-mutuel wagers on horse and greyhound races, and some tribal gaming.
Geren said voters should decide the issue and that a rejection should settle it permanently. Previous casino and sports betting proposals have failed to advance far enough to reach voters.
A public vote on the issue has the support of lieutenant governor-elect Vikki Goodwin. In her view, gambling trips to nearby states cost Texas potential revenue and economic activity. Former lieutenant governor Dan Patrick had been regarded as a major obstacle to gambling expansion. Democrats won control of the House, while Republicans still hold the Senate.
Las Vegas Sands has funded political efforts in support of casino expansion in Texas. Wynn Resorts has identified Texas as a potential market. Las Vegas Sands chairman and chief executive Patrick Dumont has discussed the company's interest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including business and tourism uses.
State senator Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat who has supported gambling expansion, reportedly appeared to have filed related legislation in the Senate, but its text was not available when the filing was reported.