Despite this setback, Senate Joint Resolution 16 aims to bring regulated sports wagering to the state by letting voters decide in a November referendum. The plan would allow up to seven destination resorts—in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio—to offer sports bets alongside existing casino games.
With the 89th Legislature wrapping up before the end of May, sponsors are racing to secure the required two-thirds majority in both chambers. If the measure stalls, sports betting will stay illegal until at least 2027, forcing Texans to travel out of state or use offshore sites.
Current Legislative Efforts
Senate Joint Resolution 16, filed on February 2, 2025, by Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), is the centerpiece of this year’s push. It would create a new Texas Gaming Commission to license and regulate all gaming activities, ensuring fair play and generating oversight revenue.
Under the proposal, seven licensed resorts—each built to destination-style standards—could offer in-person sports betting, live dealer table games, and slot machines.
To make it onto November’s ballot, SJR 16 needs a two-thirds vote in both the Texas House and Senate. Supporters point to the success of regulated sports betting in neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, which together have collected over $1 billion in tax revenue since legalization.
Recent polls suggest around 60 percent of Texans back legal sports betting in Texas, a level of support that could translate into voter approval if the referendum takes place. Proponents also highlight that a regulated market would help curb illegal offshore operations and protect consumers.
Challenges Ahead
Despite growing public interest, political resistance remains strong. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has publicly opposed all gambling expansions, and a bloc of conservative House Republicans has vowed to block any TX online casino or sports betting measures this session.
Opponents warn that expanded gambling could lead to higher rates of problem gaming, family stress, and social costs that outweigh projected tax gains. They also note that previous revenue estimates often fell short by as much as 30 percent once operational realities hit.
Even if SJR 16 clears the Legislature, it still faces a voter referendum in November. Historical trends show that Texas voters have rejected casino gambling proposals multiple times in the past three decades.
To counter this, backers plan to fund a voter education campaign stressing strict age limits, mandatory responsible-gaming programs, and dedicating tax proceeds to education and public safety.
With only weeks left in the legislative session, negotiations over licensing fees, tax rates, and regulatory structures will determine whether sports betting finally comes to Texas—or remains stalled until the next regular session in 2027.
