Texas lawmaker Vikki Goodwin says Texans should decide whether to allow casinos and online sports betting. If elected to statewide office, she plans to push the Legislature to put the question on the ballot. Supporters argue a vote could bring new jobs and tax money. Opponents worry about addiction and social costs.
In Texas, changing gambling laws usually means changing the state constitution, which takes big majorities in the House and Senate before voters get a say. This debate has stretched on for years, and it may soon return to the front of Texas politics.
What a Statewide Vote Would Take
Right now, Texas has some of the strictest gambling rules in the country. To open full casinos or legalize online sports betting in Texas, lawmakers would likely need to pass a constitutional amendment.
That means two-thirds of the Texas House and Texas Senate must approve a plan, and then a majority of voters must say yes in a statewide election. In the past, casino and sports betting proposals have moved in the House but stalled elsewhere. The path is difficult, and any proposal must gather support from both parties.
Vikki Goodwin says the best way forward is to “let the people decide.” A ballot measure would allow Texans to weigh the pros and cons themselves. Proponents say regulated betting could bring in new revenue that might support schools, public safety, or property tax relief.
They also argue many Texans already travel to neighboring states—or use offshore apps—so keeping gambling illegal only pushes money across the border. A regulated market, they say, could set age checks, promote responsible play, and fund treatment programs.
But there are major hurdles. Powerful leaders in Austin have voiced doubts, saying gambling expansion doesn’t yet have the votes it needs. In recent sessions, proposals faced opposition in the Senate, where concerns about addiction, crime, and family finances have been raised.
Even if momentum grows, any final plan would need careful guardrails: licensing rules, tax rates, advertising limits, and funding for addiction services. Without bipartisan buy-in and detailed safeguards, a ballot push would likely stall again.
Why the Debate Is Heating Up
The fight over Texas online casinos and sports betting is about more than entertainment; it’s about money and control. Texas is home to iconic teams and a huge fan base. Major franchises and national sportsbooks have urged lawmakers to allow tightly regulated online betting tied to pro teams or licensed operators.
They say Texas is leaving hundreds of millions in potential tax dollars on the table. Supporters also insist that a legal market would move betting out of the shadows and into a system with rules, audits, and penalties.
Opponents see it differently. They warn that easier access to betting will lead to more problem gambling, household debt, and community harm. Some faith-based and conservative groups call casinos a “bad bet” for families.
They argue that new revenue is uncertain and could be outweighed by social costs, including increased calls for treatment and law enforcement. For them, no regulatory promise can fully offset those risks.
Vikki Goodwin is trying to thread the needle: she isn’t promising casinos on every corner or betting apps tomorrow. She’s promising a vote. Her message is that Texans, not just lawmakers, should make the call. Whether that approach gains traction will depend on the next legislative session, the mood of state leaders, and how voters feel about expanding gambling in the Lone Star State.
One thing is clear: the pressure is growing, the ads are already running, and the question of “who decides” may be just as important as the final answer.
