Despite public support and progress in the 2023 session, Texas lawmakers continue to grapple with the issue of expanding gambling. Governor Abbott's evolving stance and Lieutenant Governor Patrick's opposition pose significant challenges to legalization efforts.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, whose views on gambling have shifted since he took office in 2015, speaks at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Dec. 12, 2024.AUSTIN — Lawmakers returning to the Texas Capitol next month will be met with a renewed push to expand gambling opportunities for Texans. Polls show a majority of Texans favor efforts to loosen limits on gambling, but the Legislature has been hesitant to act, although legislation to expand gambling made it further than ever before in the 2023 session.
A proposed constitutional amendment to legalize digital sports betting passed the House but died in the Senate. A separate constitutional amendment to allow destination casinos came close but fell short in the House.Before the issue can get to that point, state lawmakers would have to act. Here are the key players in the legislative session that begins Jan. 14:As governor, Abbott has influence on policy decisions in the Texas Legislature by signaling which bills he wants to see on his desk and which he intends to veto.Abbott’s views on gambling have shifted since he took office in 2015, when he said he “wholeheartedly” supported current prohibitions on gaming and asked the Texas Lottery Commission to stop exploring sports betting and fantasy sports betting.Despite his change in tone, Abbott has not asked lawmakers to send a bill expanding gambling to his desk, prioritizing other issues such as property tax cuts, border security and education.Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate and determines which bills get a floor vote, has repeatedly thrown cold water on gambling expansion.After the House approved a bill and companion constitutional amendment to legalize mobile sports betting in 2023, Patrick shut down any hope of action by the Senate, saying there Patrick has said he won’t advance bills that have more support from Democrats than Republicans. Heading into the 2025 legislative session, Republicans have a 20-11 majority in the Senate.In a No
TEXAS GAMBLING LEGISLATURE ABOTT PATRICK
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