Gov. Greg Abbott Signals Openness to Online Sports Betting in Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott recently stated during an interview on the Houston Chronicle’s Texas Take Podcast that he has "no problem with online sports betting." Acknowledging that many Texans already place bets through online platforms or travel to neighboring states where sports betting is legal, his comments have renewed discussions on the potential legalization of sports wagering in Texas.

Abbott’s remarks have given fresh momentum to the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition leading the push for legalization. The group includes major professional sports franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs, alongside major industry players like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

Despite Abbott’s seemingly favorable stance, significant legislative hurdles remain. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who holds considerable control over the Texas Senate’s legislative agenda, has remained staunchly opposed to legalizing sports betting. He has made it clear that he will not bring the issue to a vote unless a majority of Republican senators support the measure. Without his endorsement, the prospect of legalization remains uncertain.

Previous Sports Betting Efforts Have Stalled

In 2023, Rep. Jeff Leach introduced a bill to legalize sports betting in Texas, which passed the House with an 82-51 vote. However, the Senate refused to take up the measure, effectively ending its progress.

The previous year, Sen. Carol Alvarado put forward a similar proposal, which also sought to expand casino gambling in Texas as part of a broader effort to introduce legal gaming options in the state.

The push for sports betting has drawn support from high-profile figures beyond Abbott. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been a vocal advocate, arguing that Texas is losing billions of dollars in potential revenue to states that have already legalized sports betting. Additionally, Houston Rockets and Golden Nugget owner Tilman Fertitta has championed the cause, emphasizing that regulated gambling could bring significant economic benefits to Texas.

Despite these efforts, strong opposition persists. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of expanded gambling. The organization warns of increased addiction rates and financial hardship for vulnerable bettors. A recent policy brief from the group cautioned that expanded gambling could result in more social harm than economic benefit, further deepening the ideological divide on the issue within Texas politics.

By fLEXI tEAM