Texas files bill to let voters decide on casinos & betting
The resolution needs two-thirds support in both chambers before reaching voters.
The hit
Texas state Rep. Charlie Geren has filed House Joint Resolution 52, a constitutional amendment asking voters whether to let the Legislature legalise & regulate casino gaming & sports wagering, according to Casino.org. The filing comes days after Democrats won the governor’s & lieutenant governor’s races & flipped the state House.
Why it matters
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said for years he would kill any proposal to authorise new forms of gambling. The lieutenant governor, as president of the state Senate, can singlehandedly block the resolution, & Republican opposition is expected to diminish once the new Legislature is sworn in. Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin told Casino.org she isn’t personally a gambler but believes Texans should be allowed to decide. Nothing changes for bettors in Texas yet.
The record
| Bill filed | House Joint Resolution 52, by state Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) |
|---|---|
| Proposed ballot date | 2 November 2027 |
| Vote threshold needed | Two-thirds support in both the Texas House & Senate |
| Casino cap proposed | 10 locations statewide |
| Tax cap proposed | 15% of gross gaming revenue |
| Lt. Gov.-elect | Vikki Goodwin (D), defeated three-term incumbent Dan Patrick |
What happens next
Watch the 90th Texas Legislature for the vote the resolution needs before it can reach voters.
Sources: Texas Gaming Bill Filed Ahead of 2027 Session
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