Texas House Republicans have slammed the door on casino and sports betting expansion, delivering a major blow to those pushing to open up the state’s gambling market. A dozen freshman GOP lawmakers, replacing pro-gambling predecessors, have drawn a hard line, joining three returning legislators in vowing to oppose any efforts to legalize betting.
In a letter to House State Affairs Committee Chair Ken King, they declared any gambling expansion “dead on arrival.” Their message was blunt, don’t waste time on a fight that’s already lost.
This rejection snuffs out any realistic chance of legal online casinos in Texas. But residents looking to place bets aren’t entirely out of options. Offshore platforms like golden panda casino remain accessible, providing fair bonuses, frequent promotions, and extensive game libraries that often surpass those of US-based operators.
Without state oversight, Texans can still gamble, just not within their own borders. These international sites have long catered to American players, and as Texas lawmakers dig in their heels, they will likely continue to see a surge in users from the Lone Star State.
The political landscape in the Texas House has shifted sharply against gambling proponents. The pro-betting coalition is unraveling, losing more than a dozen votes for sports betting and ten for casino legalization. In 2023, an online sports betting proposal barely squeaked through the House with 101 votes, just enough to pass a constitutional amendment. With 15 lawmakers now pledging to block it, the foundation that once held the effort together has crumbled.
Casino legalization faces even steeper resistance. Two years ago, a bill to allow “destination resort” casinos fell eight votes short. Now, with nine new Republicans replacing lawmakers who supported the measure, the already narrow path to approval has all but disappeared. The latest opposition letter confirms what many suspected, support isn’t just weak; it’s deteriorating.
Gambling advocates are fuming. They argue that Texas voters, not lawmakers, should have the final say. The Texas Destination Resort Alliance, backed by Las Vegas Sands, has been aggressively lobbying to put the issue on the ballot. A University of Houston poll in January found that 60% of Texans support legal sports betting, while 73% favor casino resorts. Despite public backing, legislators remain unmoved.
Matt Hirsch, spokesperson for the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, didn’t hold back, slamming lawmakers for ignoring the will of the people. He warned that shutting down gambling expansion dismisses potential economic benefits like job creation and increased tourism revenue. Sands has spent millions lobbying and funding campaigns, but now sees its efforts falter as former allies shift sides.
Adding to the intrigue, several lawmakers who signed the opposition letter previously accepted campaign donations from the Texas Sands PAC. Yet, they’re now among the most vocal critics of expanding gambling. Hirsch hinted that voters should remember who blocked the opportunity to decide for themselves.
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, backed by pro sports teams, racetracks, and major betting platforms, is equally frustrated. The group argues that Texans are already placing bets illegally, and legalizing the industry would bring consumer protections and tax revenue. But despite strong polling numbers, the message isn’t breaking through to lawmakers.
Texas’ deep-rooted opposition to gambling remains a nearly unbreakable wall. Restrictions have been in place since 1856 and were tightened even further in 1973. The 2023 House vote in favor of sports betting was the furthest a gambling measure had advanced in decades, only to be swiftly shut down in the Senate by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a steadfast opponent. With Patrick in office until at least 2027 and signaling a potential run for another term, the legislative odds of gambling expansion are as slim as ever.
Pro-gambling advocates had hoped for gradual progress, believing that small victories could pave the way for future success. But the latest shift in House votes suggests that strategy is unraveling. Even if a more gambling-friendly lieutenant governor takes office down the line, opposition in the House remains formidable.
For now, Texas remains one of the most restrictive states for gambling. The state lottery, a handful of tribal gaming operations, and racetracks remain the only legal betting options.
Without legislative action, Texans eager to wager on sports or play casino games will have to keep looking offshore, where platforms continue to offer an alternative—even if it operates outside U.S. jurisdiction. As long as Texas refuses to adapt, the reality is clear: the demand for gambling won’t vanish, but the revenue that could have benefited the state will continue flowing elsewhere.
