Texas Rep. Charlie Geren has again introduced legislation that would let voters decide whether the state should legalize casino gaming and sports betting.
The Fort Worth Republican filed the proposal on November 9, the first day lawmakers could submit bills for the coming legislative session. If it clears the Legislature, the measure would go before voters as a constitutional amendment in November 2027.
Texas currently permits a state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing, and some tribal gaming. Commercial casinos and statewide sports betting remain illegal.
Geren said the issue should be settled at the ballot box.
“If they say ‘no,’ then we’re done with it forever,” Geren said.
If voters approve the amendment, he added:
“We can move forward.”
Bill Would Limit Casino Licenses
The proposal would give lawmakers authority to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering, including licensing, fees and taxation.
The proposed constitutional amendment states:
“The constitutional amendment to permit the Legislature, by general law, to authorize and regulate casino gaming and sports wagering at a limited number of locations in this state, require licenses and license application fees for operators, and impose a tax on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue.”
The bill would cap casino licenses at 10 facilities, with initial license terms of at least 40 years. Lawmakers would also determine where casinos and sports wagering could operate.
State Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat who has supported gambling expansion in previous sessions, also appeared to have filed related legislation in the Senate, although the text was not available when the supplied report was published.
Previous casino and sports betting proposals have repeatedly failed to advance far enough to reach Texas voters.
Political Changes Could Alter the Debate
The latest filing comes after changes in state leadership following the November elections.
Vikki Goodwin, the lieutenant governor-elect, has said she would support allowing voters to decide the issue.
“I’m ambivalent on gambling,” she said. “I would be willing to put it up to a vote of Texans.”
She has also argued that some gambling spending currently leaves the state.
“Right now, people leave and take their dollars with them to go to nearby states where they can gamble, which means Texas is losing out on potential revenue and economic activity. I think we should let the people of Texas have a say in this decision through the democratic process, as they are the ones who should ultimately determine what’s best for our state’s future.”
Former Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had been viewed as a major obstacle to expanded gambling. Republicans still control the Senate, while Democrats won control of the House.
The proposal would still need sufficient legislative support before voters could consider it.
Casino Operators Continue Watching Texas
Major casino companies have shown sustained interest in the state.
Las Vegas Sands has funded political efforts supporting casino expansion, while Wynn Resorts has also identified Texas as a potentially significant market.
Wynn CEO Craig Billings said:
“The whole landscape changed. Texas is a fascinating market. So it’s kind of a stealth market that is giant.”
As reported by G3 Newswire, Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Patrick Dumont has also discussed the company’s interest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“When Las Vegas Sands thinks about Texas and the Metroplex, it’s really about an asset that will be both for business and future tourism. Whatever Las Vegas Sands can do in the future, that will be its own location, its own site and its own timeline.”
Geren’s bill would not legalize casinos or sports betting on its own. Its immediate purpose is to create a path for lawmakers and voters to decide the issue through a constitutional amendment.
The proposal therefore restarts a debate that has stalled in several previous legislative sessions, with its prospects now tied to a changed political landscape at the Capitol.