The long road to legalize sports betting in Texas has reached a critical point with the recent filing of the sports betting amendment bill, HJR 134. This is, at least according to a national news outlet report that just came out last week. Noted in the article, for a very long time, a range of obstacles and bureaucratic issues have prevented Texas from joining the growing list of US states to legalize sports betting. This situation may change soon, thanks to a renewed push that has rallied more support and included fresh proposals. Per the report from the outlet, Deadspin, on February 12th, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134 on the floor of the Texas House. The latest push to get this historic bill over the line could put the final decision directly in the hands of public voters later this year.
In this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming updates coming from Texas, along with some additional notes and info about the Lone Star State and beyond.
Per the same article, as expected, this move has sparked strong reactions and renewed fresh debate on the hotly-contested subject of legal sports betting in Texas. According to the author, Mike McKean, there is cautious optimism from the Bill’s sponsors and supporters that it may finally clear this important hurdle and open the doors to the first legal sports wager in Texas. In the same vein, those opposing HJR 134 remain resolute in their stance, pointing to the problems that legalization might bring.
As the Bill has progressed, a few things have come to light, the report notes. HJR 134 has now been amended to focus primarily on retail sports betting, unlike the original draft, which included online sportsbooks in its provision. Notable omissions include any provisions for tax allocations from gaming revenue and the place of online sports betting. Both topics have invoked serious discussion, as expected and covered in this space before.
Also covered in the same report, a few other important provisions within HJR 134 have also led to some heated discussion. The Bill suggested that professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks could qualify for betting licenses, even though no specific facts or figures were included. As regular readers are aware, Texas can count 13 pro teams in the state, including seven from major leagues, plus three MLS teams, the WNBA Dallas Wings, and two women’s soccer franchises. The state also plays host to four annual PGA Tour events and four horse racing tracks.
Additionally, the Bill also proposes that only entities existing prior to January 2025 would qualify for licenses, and that the licensed operators will be permitted to partner with management service providers. As soon as the fine lines are cleared up and the licenses come into full effect, the pathway to legal wagering in Texas is opening up more clearly, the article notes.
Those in favor of legalizing sports betting in Texas have put up quite a strong argument. They have argued in the past that a legal sports betting market would help recapture the millions of US dollars in potential gambling revenue that is lost to neighboring states and offshore sites. Additionally, recent polls also suggest that a majority of Texans back legalization, particularly when taxes accrued from it can help support funding of public services. In all of this, Governor Greg Abbott’s position has been more open than uptight. He has previously stated that he “doesn’t have a problem with online sports betting” and has referenced how states like New York and Michigan have managed to collect record-breaking revenues.
On the other side of the argument, there are fears relating to the dangers associated with betting. Some people argue that sports betting will cause gambling problems and bring economic distress to Texans. Additionally, all states offering legal sports betting in the USA have faced this consensus challenge at some point in their journey – Texas is no different, the article notes. Many of the barriers that prevented the former Bill from moving forward still exist now. In addition, Sente leader Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has historically resisted gambling expansion, has vowed not to green-light HJR 134 going to the public vote without substantial Republican backing. Even if Texan voters get their say during 2025, as anticipated, placing legal bets may not happen any time soon.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gambling news and notes coming from Texas, make sure to check out the excellent array of info for you only at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis on the topic covered here, the sports betting in Texas guide has your back with all of the latest notes about the state. Additionally, for those interested (and who qualify) in checking out a new gaming outlet, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is a must-read. Here you can learn more about the latest updates and promotions coming from the website and how qualified customers can take advantage of this outlet. Finally, for those interested in diversifying their payment options, the payment methods breakdown is a fantastic page where you can learn more about these options, from crypto to more traditional banking routes.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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