Key Moments:
- Lawmakers filed a new bill for the 2027 session to let Texas voters decide on legalizing casinos and sports betting.
- Specifically, House Joint Resolution 52 would amend the Texas Constitution to enable commercial gambling and sports wagering.
- In addition, the resolution caps the gaming tax at 15% and limits casinos to 10 locations statewide.
Legislative Effort Moves Forward
Texas lawmakers want to bring casino gaming and sports betting to the state. Consequently, they took swift action following recent political shifts. Just days after Democrats secured key statewide offices and flipped control of the state House, leaders introduced a bill for the 2027 legislative session.
State Representative Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) filed House Joint Resolution 52. Specifically, this measure seeks a constitutional amendment. If voters approve the measure, it will allow the state legislature to authorize and regulate casino gaming and sports betting. Ultimately, the measure requires a simple majority—50% plus one vote—to pass.
On November 2, 2027, voters would answer the following ballot question:
“The constitutional amendment to permit the Legislature, by general law, to authorize and regulate casino gaming and sports wagering at a limited number of locations in this state, require licenses and license application fees for operators, and impose a tax on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue.”
Pathway to a Ballot Referendum
In Texas, only the state legislature can propose changes to the state constitution. Therefore, ordinary citizens cannot put initiatives on the ballot directly. To qualify for the ballot, a joint resolution needs two-thirds approval from both legislative chambers. Furthermore, while the governor cannot veto joint resolutions, the lieutenant governor holds significant procedural power in the Senate.
For years, former Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) blocked gambling expansion. Indeed, he noted in 2023, “It’s not even an issue that’s going to see the light of day.” However, Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin (D) takes a very different stance. She recently defeated Patrick and expressed a strong willingness to let citizens vote on the issue. She told Casino.org, “We need to listen to the voters of Texas. There are a number of issues where I think a vast majority of Texans feel one way and their elected representatives are doing the opposite. Gambling may be one of those things.”
As a result of these shifts, Democrats now hold a majority in the House while Republicans control the Senate. Consequently, the legislative environment is poised for potential change.
Details of the Resolution
As filed, House Joint Resolution 52 includes several notable proposals:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | Limited to 10 locations |
| Tax Rate | Capped at 15% on gross gaming revenue |
| Tribal Gaming | State must negotiate Class III tribal gaming agreements with the three federally recognized tribes in Texas |
| Sports Betting Authorization | Resolution does not clarify whether betting is restricted to casinos or if online sports wagering will be permitted |
Outlook for Texas Gaming Reform
The introduction of this new resolution marks a significant push toward expanding gambling options in Texas. Moreover, changing legislative dynamics and new leadership could alter the outcome. Therefore, stakeholders will closely monitor how the proposal moves through the 2027 session and whether voters will decide the future of Texas gaming.
- Author
Daniel Williams
