A new driving force for legalizing sports betting in Texas emerged following the introduction of a new House bill in November 2025 that allows Texans to vote for debate.
Representative Sam Harless – submitted by House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) – is once again promoting optimism of the possibility of a statewide referendum to allow sports betting in the lonely Star State province.
Unlike previous proposals, however, HJR 134 appears to focus primarily on retail sports betting. Professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks may be eligible for sports betting licenses.
Nevertheless, the bill’s language is prominently vague, stating it as a “constitutional amendment that authorizes Congress to legalize wagers in this state regarding certain sporting events.”
This obvious omission does not include any reference to online bets and, perhaps more importantly, to Texas tax revenue allocation. This omission suggests that these provisions may be included in additional legislative measures.
The Texas Legislature only meets in a strange few years, which certainly puts pressure on lawmakers. This means that even if voters approve the bill in 2025, implementation is almost inevitable until 2027.
If Texas chooses to follow in the footsteps of neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana where online casino and sports betting is legal, brick and mortar sportsbook availability, and perhaps online betting platforms could soon become a reality.
The benefits of the economy face political obstacles
Passionate advocates of legalizing sports betting in Texas have argued that they will inject millions of dollars into tax revenue and economic benefits that are currently being sucked up into non-state markets.
It further emphasizes that Texans using offshore or illegal gambling platforms lack the lack of all basic forms of consumer protection. Reformers argue that a legal framework is needed to protect users from fraud and promote responsible gambling initiatives.
However, despite considerable incentives to legalize sports betting in Texas, the bill is expected to struggle to overcome the considerable political opposition it faces.
The main of these is that Li, the leader of Texas Senator Dan Patrick, has historically opposed the expansion of gambling and claims that he will not bring the gambling bill to the vote unless he has sufficient Republican support.
What happens next?
This is not the first attempt to legalize sports betting in Texas. This is because it is a similar 2023 bill that proposed that 98% of the tax revenue to be allocated to Senate tax relief could not gain Senate traction.
Furthermore, given the absence of the tax allocation designated by HJR 134, bill sponsors will face a difficult struggle to secure support from conservative lawmakers.
That being said, citizens can vote later this year, as 134 should get legislative approval. This pleases campaigners, especially when income is directed towards public interest, given that most polls suggest that many Texans support legalization.
Supporters of the bill, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, are keen to highlight the record revenues and changing landscapes achieved in states such as New York and Michigan, but for now the fate of legalized sports betting in Texas is extremely uncertain.
