Legalized sports betting is back on the docket for Texas lawmakers in what appears to be the most likely year it could pass.
Gov. Greg Abbott seems to be backing it. He recently said he's not opposed to legalized online sports betting in the state and would likely sign legislation passed by Texas lawmakers.
It is not legal to bet on sports in Texas, however, the practice has gained some traction in recent years. Sports betting bill HB 1942 was introduced on Feb. 6, 2023, with backing from some of the states major sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. The bill cleared the House but was never taken up by the Senate.
A coalition of the major sports franchises in the state teamed up with the world's largest sports gaming companies like BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel to push for legalized betting through the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance believes "Texans deserve the freedom and safety to enhance the experience of the sports they love."
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has even joined the group to promote online sports wagering in the Lone Star State.
"Legalizing mobile sports betting in Texas will finally allow the state to protect consumers from illegal offshore betting sites while keeping the money generated from betting in Texas to benefit Texans," Perry said.
The former governor believes the state would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue if they bring legal mobile sports betting to the state.
"If legalized, Texas could generate up to $556 million dollars," he said.
It's likely the sports betting market in Texas would become an instant hit. According to a study from the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, three out of five people support online sports betting. 56% also say they back betting at professional sports venues.
As far as lawmakers go, the study also found that 59% of Republicans support online sports betting, compared to 65% of Democrats. 72% of Republicans also support casino gambling, while 74% of Democrats do.
Democratic state senator Carol Alvarado believes there's enough bipartisan support to get something on online sports betting passed and sent to Gov. Abbott's desk.
"You've had the Governor say he's open to it and the Speaker has weighed in on the bill that I have," she said. "There's bipartisan support."
Although, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas Senate President, has repeatedly said that there are not enough Republicans who support the idea. It doesn't appear that the issue will be voted on unless a majority of Senate Republicans say they will back such a bill.