Efforts to Legalize Sports Betting in Texas Persist Despite Recent Setback

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

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Last updated: June 3, 2023

Despite recent legislation failing to move in the state Senate, former Texas governor Rick Perry is still upbeat about the state’s legalization of sports betting. Perry, who is currently a spokesperson for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, complimented Representative Jeff Leach and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst for their work to advance sports betting legislation. He emphasized the historic Texas State House vote, in which the majority of lawmakers supported putting the matter up for a vote.

Perry highlighted that Texans want the freedom and opportunity to partake in legal and secure sports betting. He suggested that reining in the business would safeguard consumers and battle the estimated $6 billion black market without growing the size and reach of the government. Although some research organizations contest the scale of the illicit sports betting industry in Texas, it is generally accepted that the state’s sizable population and position as the second-largest state in the nation contribute to a sizeable market. As a result, Texas is seen as a very desirable state by many regulated sportsbook providers.

What Political Experts Say About This?

Despite recent legislation’s defeat, Texas’s legalization of sports betting was inevitable. Political experts and business analysts predicted the problem will get more steam in the future, maybe in 2025, before 2023. Dan Patrick, the lieutenant governor and an opponent of gambling expansion, has questioned whether or not the Senate would support legalizing sports betting. He was right; the subject was never even brought up on the Senate floor throughout the parliamentary session.

A constitutional amendment that would legalize sports betting in Texas has to be approved by two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate. Although the House overcame this obstacle, Patrick was certain that the upper chamber would not allow it to pass. Looking ahead to 2025, Perry is still dedicated to pursuing the legalization of sports betting and allowing Texans to have a say in the subject.

Texas’ Sizable Market and Potential Consumer Protection Drive the Push for Legalization

The political environment, in particular Lieutenant Governor Patrick’s aspirations for higher office, will have a significant impact on the possibilities for success in 2025. Patrick may decide to reinforce his conservative base by opposing sports betting once more in 2026, when positions like the governor’s office or one of Texas’ two US Senate seats could become available. Although nothing is definite, the political climate and the goals of significant state leaders will have an impact on the initiative’s conclusion.

In spite of the most recent defeat, efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas are still ongoing. Former Governor Perry and supporters of legalizing sports betting are adamant about putting the matter on the ballot in 2025 in the hopes of taking advantage of a possibly more receptive political environment. Only time will tell if Texas will add its name to the growing number of states that have accepted legalized sports betting or if there are still more challenges to overcome.