Advocates change tactic in push for sports betting in Texas

Pro-gambling forces are “bringing a new attitude -- and a pared-down vision -- to the goal of allowing state-sanctioned casinos and sports betting in Texas,” according to Gromer Jeffers Jr. of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Gone is the “detailed vision of building destination resort casinos,” including a “proposed gambling oasis” housing a new arena for the Mavericks. Delayed, for now, are “plans to create a sports betting apparatus in Texas,” which could have included “betting parlors at race tracks and pro sports arenas or partnerships with online betting platforms.” With support in the Legislature “still on shaky ground,” the focus this session is on “leveraging public support for gambling by pushing amendments to the Texas Constitution -- putting the legalization of casinos and sports betting before voters in November.” Two brief resolutions, filed recently in the Texas House, would “amend the Texas Constitution to give future lawmakers the power to set the boundaries of gambling in the state.” But even with the change in direction, pro-gambling forces “face long odds of success.” The state Senate has “been particularly hostile to expanded gambling” and in the House, Republican support has “slipped since a majority of representatives backed casino and sports betting bills in 2023.” But a Univ. of Houston poll conducted in January showed that 60% of respondents approved of “legalizing online sports betting” and 56% support “legalizing the operation of sports books in the stadiums and arenas of Texas professional sports teams” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/20).