The gamble on gambling in Texas: A high-stakes political standoff

The push to legalize gambling in Texas is playing out like a drawn-out poker game—big bets, political bluffs, and a long road to the jackpot. On one side, a well-funded and determined group of lobbyists and gaming companies, backed by deep-pocketed casino magnate Miriam Adelson, is spending millions to sway lawmakers. On the other, a legislative blockade, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick holding the line against expansion, has kept the issue stalled session after session.

Millions Spent, But No Clear Path Forward

For years, Texas has been seen as the biggest untapped market for legal gambling. Casino giants like Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and BetMGM have flooded the state’s Capitol with lobbyists, hoping to secure approval for resort-style casinos, mobile sports betting, and on-site sportsbooks at athletic arenas.

Adelson, who now owns the Dallas Mavericks, has been a leading force in the campaign, donating millions to political action committees and state campaigns. In the 2024 elections, she poured $9 million into the Texas Defense PAC, which played heavily in GOP primary races. Despite these efforts, the reality remains: Texas’ Republican-controlled Senate has little appetite for gambling expansion.

A Publicly Popular, But Politically Stalled, Effort

Polling suggests that if gambling ever made it to a statewide ballot, Texans would likely approve it. A recent University of Houston survey found 73% support for resort-style casinos, 60% for mobile sports betting, and 56% for on-site sportsbooks. Even Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously opposed gambling, has softened his stance, recently saying, “I’d be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already.”

However, getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot requires approval from both legislative chambers, and that’s where the effort consistently falters. Last session, the Texas House barely passed a sports betting amendment with 101 votes—just one more than needed—only to see it swiftly killed in the Senate. A casino bill didn’t even get that far.

The Case For: Economic Windfall and Personal Freedom

Supporters argue that legal gambling would provide a major economic boost, bringing in billions in revenue and thousands of jobs. The Sports Betting Alliance, backed by teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, claims sports betting alone could generate $2.6 billion in annual economic activity, create 8,000 jobs, and contribute $363 million in yearly tax revenue.

Former Gov. Rick Perry, now a spokesperson for the Sports Betting Alliance, has framed the issue as one of personal freedom. Many proponents, like State Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin), echo that sentiment: “We know Texans already gamble—whether it’s in neighboring states or online through VPNs. Why not regulate and benefit from it?”

The Case Against: Social Costs and Conservative Resistance

Opponents of gambling expansion, including the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), argue that the costs outweigh the benefits. A recent study from TPPF found that after Ohio legalized gambling, the percentage of "problem gamblers" jumped from 0.4% in 2012 to 2.8% in 2022. Critics fear Texas would see similar consequences—more addiction, debt, and crime.

State Rep. Cody Vasut (R-Angleton) voiced concerns over the unseen costs: “I don’t think the expenses that come with expanded gambling offset the gains. I’m not convinced of that.” The Texas GOP platform explicitly opposes gambling expansion, and powerful conservative groups like Texans United for a Conservative Majority (TUCM) have spent heavily against pro-gambling candidates.

The Road Ahead: A Slow Grind with No Clear Winner

For now, the odds of gambling expansion remain slim. With Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick firmly opposed, any bill is unlikely to make it through the Senate, no matter how much support it has in the House. “There is little to no support for expanding gaming from the Senate GOP,” Patrick stated last year, and nothing has changed since.

Despite this, gambling lobbyists remain committed to the long game, hoping to gradually shift the political landscape. Even if nothing passes this session, they want to keep the conversation alive—maintaining momentum for a future where Texas might finally cash in on gambling.

Until then, the battle rages on, with millions more likely to be spent, lawmakers lobbied, and political calculations made. In the end, the biggest bet might not be at a casino—but on whether Texas lawmakers will ever go all-in.