On the first day of the 2027 Texas legislative session, Rep. Charlie Geren introduced a constitutional amendment aimed at allowing voters to determine the fate of casinos and sports betting in the state. With a Democratic-controlled House and a supportive lieutenant governor-elect, prospects improve, but significant hurdles remain.
Texas legislators have initiated their first significant move on gambling expansion for the upcoming 2027 session. On November 9, Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican from Fort Worth, presented a House joint resolution that would enable voters to decide on a constitutional amendment granting lawmakers authority to regulate casinos and sports betting.
The proposed resolution outlines that any legalized casinos would be restricted to a predetermined number statewide, with initial license agreements lasting a minimum of 40 years. Additionally, it would empower the Legislature to designate specific locations for sports betting. The ballot language would address the licensing process, associated fees, and a taxation structure for gaming revenue at select sites.
Geren emphasized that the statewide vote would conclusively settle the issue. Should the proposal be rejected by voters, he noted, the matter would be permanently off the table.
Political Landscape Change
The political dynamics have shifted since Geren’s last legislative effort. The recent elections on November 3 resulted in a Democratic majority in the Texas House, while Republicans maintained control over the Senate. Newly elected Representative Goodwin previously supported a 2023 gambling initiative and has taken over a position once held by Dan Patrick, who had long resisted gambling expansion efforts.
Achieving a constitutional amendment remains a challenging endeavor, requiring a two-thirds vote from both chambers followed by a majority approval from voters. In the 2023 session, online sports betting gained traction in the House with 101 votes, whereas Geren’s casino resolution only mustered 92, falling short of the necessary threshold.
Senate Power Struggles
The Senate presents a more significant challenge, as it remains under Republican leadership where any amendment must garner two-thirds support. On the same day Geren filed the resolution, Patrick encouraged Republican senators on a conservative radio program to revoke Goodwin’s powers as Senate president before she assumes office, potentially influencing the direction of any gambling legislation.
Goodwin has indicated a desire for collaboration, with her team expressing intentions to work harmoniously with Republican senators, arguing that a cooperative approach benefits the state.
Despite strong financial backing from the gaming industry, including the Las Vegas Sands-funded Texas Sands PAC, opponents of gambling have prevailed against pro-casino candidates in past primaries. Nevertheless, the Texas Sands PAC remains dedicated to supporting candidates advocating for casino legalization in Texas.
Ultimately, Geren’s resolution faces uncertainty, heavily dependent on a Senate where leadership roles are still in contention. The dynamics of the chamber could shift further when legislatures reconvene in January, potentially altering the fate of the proposed amendment.
Sources
- 89(R) H.J.R. No. 137 (Introduced) (Texas Legislature Online)
- The Texas Constitution, Article 17: Mode of Amending the Constitution of This State (Texas Legislative Council)
- Democrats chart ambitious course as bill filing begins for a divided Texas Legislature (The Texas Tribune)
- Casinos and sports betting in Texas? Bill would let voters decide on gambling (Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Yahoo News))
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