Texas Governor Open to Online Sports Betting, but Legislative Hurdles Remain

Gov. Greg Abbott recently stated in an interview on the Houston Chronicle’s Texas Take Podcast that he has “no problem with online sports betting.” He acknowledged that many Texans already place wagers through online platforms or travel to neighbouring states where sports betting is legal.

His remarks have reignited efforts to legalise sports betting in Texas, a movement spearheaded by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. The coalition includes major sports franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, along with industry leaders like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

While Abbott’s stance suggests a potential shift in policy, significant legislative obstacles remain. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who holds considerable influence over the Texas Senate’s legislative agenda, has consistently opposed sports betting legislation. He has stated that he will not bring the issue to a vote unless a majority of Republican senators support the measure. Without his backing, the path to legalisation remains uncertain.

Previous Sports Betting Efforts Stalled

In 2023, Rep. Jeff Leach introduced a bill to legalise sports betting in Texas, which passed in the House with an 82-51 vote. However, the Senate declined to take up the measure, effectively halting its progress.

Last year, Sen. Carol Alvarado proposed similar legislation, which also included an expansion of casino gambling in Texas, aiming to broaden the scope of legalised gaming.

The push for sports betting has gained high-profile supporters beyond Gov. Abbott. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been a vocal advocate, arguing that Texas is losing billions in potential revenue to other states that have already legalised sports betting. Houston Rockets and Golden Nugget owner Tilman Fertitta has also championed the cause, emphasising that regulated gambling could bring significant economic benefits to Texas.

Despite these efforts, opposition remains strong. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, has raised concerns over the potential negative consequences of expanded gambling, such as increased addiction and financial hardship for vulnerable bettors. A recent policy brief from the organisation warned that expanded gambling could cause more social harm than economic benefit, reinforcing the ideological divide within Texas politics.