The federal ban on sports betting ended in 2018. Now, you can bet legally in 36 states plus Washington, D.C. States are getting a decent revenue from sports betting. For example, in 2022, New York reported over $1 billion in gross gaming revenue.
Hence, many more states are considering the economic ramifications of legalizing online sports betting. There are talks about having the people vote on gambling during the midterm elections. Texas is one of those states.
The Senate Joint Resolution 17 (SJR 17) will grant Texas voters the right to decide on the proposed amendments to the state’s gambling law in November.
Why this Bill Matters to Texans
Presently, gambling is illegal in this state under constitutional law. However, there are exceptions, as citizens can bet in greyhound and horse races. Plus, charitable gaming like bingo and raffles operate in Texas. On top of that, lotteries have also been there since the 90s, offering games like scratch-off and Powerball. Federal law also protects three casinos belonging to the state’s tribes. But that’s all. Online sports betting isn’t legal yet.
If this bill passes, it proposes an amendment for the state to allow more exceptions. Texans will decide, then the state will create a commission to regulate gambling. As such, this gaming commission will ensure the state has up to four destination resorts. It will likely see the construction of casino resorts in four cities that are Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin.
Further, the commission will oversee other betting activities like horse and greyhound racing. Plus, online sports betting will become legal in Texas.
One affluent person supporting the proposal to legalize online sports betting is Dallas Cowboys mogul Jerry Jones. The Cowboys are members of the state’s sports betting lobby group, so it’s not surprising to see Jerry Jones endorsing the proposal openly.
But first, before they can consider the business potential of sports betting, the SJR 17 bill needs a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate before it can reach the people.
Proponents and Opponents of the Bill
This bill is already receiving a warm welcome from a majority of Texans from either political divide. In a poll by the University of Houston, about 75% of Texans accept the proposal. The socio-demographics of those in favour of the proposal are also interesting.
For example, this poll found that about 78% of men were for the bill. Women are also eager for changes to the gambling law because about 72% support them. Another interesting fact is the percentage of Christians supporting it, as 69% are for it.
The state’s senator Carol Alvarado filed this bill. This Houston democrat is vocal about his view on gambling, acknowledging that the state can create jobs and boost the economy instead of depending on oil and gas only.
Although betting is illegal, it doesn’t mean Texans don’t do it. They can bet in neighbouring states where it’s legal. For example, they can go to New Mexico or Louisiana. Read more about places where betting is legal on this Swedish site.
The SJR17 proposes that the state would tax gambling to earn 10% from table games and 25% from slots. This bill has the backing of many, including Mark Cuban and the Sands Corporation. Cuban already talked about his interest in bringing a bit of Vegas to his hometown of Dallas by constructing a casino and resort complex.
Opponents of the SJR 17 bill say the idea was to expand gambling to boost the state’s economy after Covid-19 lockdowns. However, it isn’t necessary now because the economy is growing.
Lobbying Galore
The Sands Corporation is backing this idea and doing more to see the SJR17 passed. For instance, there are reports of campaign donations to various beneficiaries, including the state governor. Further, the Sands Corporation has a team of political lobbyists.
There seem to be two groups working towards expanding gambling in this state. The Sands Corp. is heading one camp, while the Texas Sports Betting Alliance is on the other. These two groups tried in 2021, but their proposals didn’t pass the legislative session. Senate didn’t even hear them.
Likely Players in the Industry
Texas has several renowned sports teams that could benefit from sports betting. For example, the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Cowboys could partner with online sportsbooks. Many out-of-state casinos donate to politicians, and these could enter the market after the amendments. These are some sentiments from proponents, but they have to wait until the bill passes and the people decide.
