Texas lawmakers are making another push to legalize sports betting and casinos, this time in a different political landscape. Shortly after longtime gambling opponent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lost his re-election bid, legislators filed new proposals that could put gambling expansion to voters in November 2027. The bills still face a difficult path through the Legislature, but Patrick’s departure removes one of the biggest obstacles that has prevented legalization in recent years.
Republican Rep. Charlie Geren introduced House Joint Resolution 52 on November 9, the first day lawmakers could file legislation for the upcoming session. Democratic Sen. Carol Alvarado followed with Senate Joint Resolution 11, which also seeks voter approval for expanded gambling. Both proposals would allow Texans to decide whether the state should authorize sports betting and casino gaming.
The resolutions call for a statewide referendum on November 2, 2027, although lawmakers must approve the measures before they can appear on the ballot. They would also allow up to 10 licensed casinos across Texas, with initial licenses lasting at least 40 years. Gambling operators would face licensing fees and taxes capped at 15% of gaming revenue.
The timing of the new proposals is significant because Texas will soon have a different lieutenant governor. Patrick, who spent years opposing gambling expansion, lost his November 3 re-election bid to Democrat Vikki Goodwin. His departure could make it easier for sports betting legislation to pass through the Senate.
Removing Patrick from the equation is an encouraging development, but more still needs to be done. Constitutional amendments require approval from two-thirds of both legislative chambers, meaning at least 100 votes in the House (150 members) and 21 votes in the Senate (31 members). That’s a difficult number to hit, especially on an issue that has divided Texas Republicans for years.
Republicans still control the Senate with 19 seats, while Democrats hold 12. Even if every Democratic senator supports the proposal, at least nine Republicans would need to vote in favor. That leaves gambling supporters with plenty of work to do before the legislation has any realistic chance of advancing.
Texas remains one of the largest states without legal commercial sports betting, making it a major potential market for operators. Gambling companies and professional sports franchises have supported legalization efforts for a while, but lawmakers have repeatedly failed to reach an agreement. The latest proposals give supporters another opportunity to make their case.
The difference this time is that Patrick won’t be leading the Senate when lawmakers return in January 2027. At this time, November 2027 is only a proposed referendum date. Texas voters won’t see sports betting on the ballot unless lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment. On top of that, even a successful referendum would leave additional regulatory work ahead. Patrick’s defeat may have opened a door, but legalization still has obstacles to get through.
