Texas lawmakers will consider a proposed constitutional amendment to allow voters to decide whether or not the state should welcome legal sports betting.
Rep. Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134 on Wednesday to officially bring the issue to the table in this year’s legislative session. If lawmakers approve the constitutional amendment, it will go to a statewide yes/no vote on Nov. 4, 2025.
HRJ 134 would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize and regulate sports bets in the state. Sports wagering would be allowed in partnership with an existing sports team or organization, a Class 1 racetrack or a designee of an approved entity.
A separate proposal from Rep. Charlie Geren, HJR 137, proposes an amendment to allow both online betting and casinos. Geren’s bill would allow up to 10 licensed commercial casinos and three tribal casinos. It specifies that casino gaming and sports wagering would both be taxed at 15%.
TSBA applauds move
Legal sports betting in the Lone Star State has the vociferous support of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), a group consisting of all Texas’ pro sports teams and leagues, several major sportsbooks and as well as in-state racetracks and motorsports.
“We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment,” said TSBA spokesperson Karina Kling. “Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year.
“It’s time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong, regulatory framework for sports betting — just like the 39 states that have already moved forward.”
Voters may support idea, but Lt. Gov. may not
A University of Houston study suggested that 60% of 1,200 people polled in the state support legal online sports betting. Many Texans appear to already be searching for online sportsbooks; GeoComply data shows there were nearly 1.5 million geolocation checks in the state in November 2024 alone.
Gov. Greg Abbott does not oppose the idea of letting the public vote on the issue, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has stressed that he will not seek to call such a vote unless it is supported by a Republican majority.
