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The movement to legalize sports betting is gaining momentum as Texas lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session. Proponents are highlighting its possible advantages, which range from reducing illicit betting to producing significant tax income.
Representing well-known teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Austin FC, and Texas Motor Speedway, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance keeps pushing lawmakers to address unlawful gambling. According to current estimates, unlicensed sports betting costs Texans close to $6 billion a year. This might be converted into more than $360 million in yearly tax income if the sector is legalized and regulated.
During the last legislative session, the Texas House approved a resolution to let voters decide on legalizing sports betting through a constitutional amendment. However, it stalled in the Senate, largely due to opposition from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Patrick argued that the Senate prioritizes issues most relevant to Republican voters, citing insufficient support for the measure.
Despite the setback, proponents remain optimistic. John Scott, spokesperson for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance and former Texas Secretary of State, expressed hope for progress in the upcoming session. Speaking to CBS Austin, Scott suggested that voter pressure could shift senators’ perspectives, attributing previous resistance to a disconnect between lawmakers and their constituents’ interests.
Scott framed the issue as one of personal freedom, stating, “Texans should be free to choose how they spend their money.” Advocates argue that regulated sports betting could provide safer options for consumers while delivering significant economic benefits.
As the debate continues, the Alliance and its supporters aim to bridge gaps in communication and demonstrate the broad public interest in sports betting. With the 2025 session approaching, the focus will be on securing bipartisan support to bring the measure to a statewide vote.