Rep. Sam Harless introduces legislation that would legalize sports betting in Texas
The legislation must pass through both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives before reaching a public vote that would be held in November.
Key Points
- The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which represents operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel, voiced support for the legislation despite limited details being presented
- Similar legislation had been passed during 2023, but Lt. Governor Dan Patrick remains as a voice of opposition within the Texas Senate
On February 12, Texas Representative Sam Harless introduced House Joint Resolution 134, which would work to amend the state’s constitution and legalize sports betting for eligible residents of the Lone Star State.
The legislation would first need to pass through both the state’s Senate and House of Representatives before going to a public vote sometime during November 2025. Similar legislation was passed through the House during 2023, but Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been a voice of opposition for gambling expansion within the Senate.
The newly introduced legislation would allow for any sports team, organization that held an annual PGA Tour event or class one racetrack to offer sports betting, as long as each was operational prior to January 1, 2025. A designee of the entities listed above would also be granted authorization to offer sports betting within the state.
Despite limited details having been included within the legislation, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which represents DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics and BetMGM, voiced support for the resolution following its introduction.
Good to know: Texas Governor Greg Abbott publicly voiced his support for legalized gambling expansion within the Lone Star State on February 5
“We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment,” Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Karina Kling said.
“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.”
Many Owners of Texas’ sporting franchises have also shown support for legalized sports betting, including Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks majority Owner Miriam Adelson, who has contributed millions of dollars towards the legalization effort.
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