Texas Online Sports Betting Now Closer Than Ever - TX Governor in Favor

In a significant policy shift, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expressed his support for legalizing online sports betting in the state. In an exclusive interview with the Houston Chronicle's Texas Take podcast, Abbott stated he has no objections to the Texas Legislature passing a law that would align Texas with the 39 other states where online sports betting is legal. He views sports betting as an integral part of the entertainment experience for fans of professional football and other sports.

"I don't have a problem with online sports betting," Abbott remarked during the interview at the governor's mansion. "The reality is that I'd be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already."

This endorsement marks a notable development for proponents of legalized sports betting, who have intensified their lobbying efforts in recent years. A coalition comprising major Texas sports franchises—including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs—has partnered with prominent sports gaming companies such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel to advocate for legalization through the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. The coalition has engaged over a dozen lobbyists and enlisted influential figures in politics and sports, including former Governor Rick Perry and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, to bolster their campaign.

Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, welcomed Abbott's comments, stating, "We appreciate the governor's comments because this echoes what we're hearing from Texans. They want the opportunity to vote on legalizing sports betting and putting in place a strong, regulatory framework that protects consumers and boosts revenue in the state."

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In a promotional video for the initiative, Perry highlighted that many Texans are already participating in sports gambling through offshore sites, traveling to other states, or utilizing unregulated means. He emphasized that this results in billions of dollars leaving the state and that legalizing sports betting would retain this revenue while providing consumer protections.

Fertitta, whose business portfolio includes the Golden Nugget Hotels & Casinos, has been a vocal supporter of legislation permitting sports betting in Texas. In 2022, DraftKings acquired Golden Nugget Online Gaming, leading to Fertitta joining DraftKings' board of directors.

The momentum for legalizing sports betting has grown since 2018, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn a 1992 federal law that had prohibited most states from allowing it. In November, Missouri became the 39th state to legalize sports gambling through a voter-approved ballot initiative.

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However, Texas faces unique challenges due to its constitution, which prohibits the expansion of gambling. To legalize sports betting or expand casinos, the Legislature would need to amend the state constitution, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers, followed by voter approval.

In 2023, State Representative Jeff Leach, a Republican from Plano, introduced a bill that passed the House with an 82-51 vote but did not advance in the Senate, where opposition remains strong. State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, proposed similar legislation that year, but it failed to gain significant traction. Democratic State Senator Carol Alvarado from Houston has reintroduced a bill aiming to expand casinos and permit sports betting in the current legislative session.

Despite these efforts, significant obstacles persist. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a Houston Republican who presides over the Texas Senate, has consistently stated that there is insufficient support among Republican senators for such measures. He has expressed reluctance to bring the issue to a vote without majority backing from his party. Additionally, the Republican Party of Texas has long opposed gambling expansion in its official platform, and influential conservative organizations, such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation, have issued reports cautioning against the potential societal impacts of expanded gambling.

Nonetheless, public opinion appears to be shifting. A University of Houston poll released recently indicated that 60% of Texans support legalizing online sports betting, while 73% are in favor of legalizing and expanding casinos within the state.

Governor Abbott's recent statements suggest a potential change in the legislative landscape regarding sports betting in Texas. As discussions continue, stakeholders and citizens alike will be closely monitoring developments in the upcoming legislative sessions.

This article is based on an exclusive report in the Houston Chronicle.