On February 12, Texas Representative Sam Harless introduced House Joint Resolution 134, aiming to amend the state’s constitution and legalize sports betting for eligible residents. If approved, the resolution would need to pass both the House and Senate before heading to a public vote in November 2025.
A similar proposal cleared the House in 2023 but faced strong opposition in the Senate, particularly from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a longtime critic of gambling expansion. The latest effort could reignite the debate on sports betting in Texas, where lawmakers and stakeholders remain divided.
Industry and Team Owners Rally Behind the Initiative
The proposed legislation would allow professional sports teams, organizations hosting an annual PGA Tour event, and class-one racetracks to offer sports betting—provided they were operational before January 1, 2025. Authorized designees of these entities could also participate in sports wagering.
Although the bill lacks detailed regulatory specifics, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which includes DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, and BetMGM, has already expressed strong support.
“We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment,” said Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Karina Kling. “Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year. It’s time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong, regulatory framework for sports betting — just like the 39 states that have already moved forward.”
Several high-profile sports team owners, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Dallas Mavericks majority owner Miriam Adelson, have backed the legalization push. Adelson has contributed millions to lobbying efforts supporting sports betting in Texas, signaling strong industry interest in bringing regulated wagering to the state.
With growing support from key stakeholders, the fate of sports betting in Texas now depends on whether lawmakers can push the resolution through both chambers before giving voters the final say.
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