Governor Greg Abbott’s recent comments have provided a glimmer of hope for those advocating for legalized sports betting in Texas. The governor’s stance could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing debate over gambling regulations in the state, especially as growing support from Texans, along with major sports organizations, continues to push the issue forward.

Texas governor’s shift on online sports betting: a game-changer?

In an interview with Scott Braddock and Jeremy Wallace on the Texas Take Podcast, Abbott declared that he has “no problem with online sports betting.” He added, “The reality is, I would be shocked if there are not some Texans who do it already.” This remark comes amid a nationwide shift in attitudes toward sports betting, with many states legalizing the practice since the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that overturned a federal law banning most states from allowing sports betting. Abbott’s support signals a growing openness to an issue that has previously faced significant opposition in Texas.

Abbott’s comments align with the sentiments of various Texans, according to a recent study from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs, which found that 60% of the state’s population supports legalizing online sports betting. According to 29 KABB, this includes both Democrats and Republicans, with 64% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans backing the idea. The increasing backing of Texans seems to reflect a broader cultural shift, as sports betting becomes an increasingly accepted form of entertainment in the U.S.

Despite this rising support, the issue of expanding gambling faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the Texas Constitution. Any attempt to legalize sports betting would require a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the state legislature and, subsequently, approval from the public in a referendum. To date, efforts to expand gambling in Texas have faltered largely because of constitutional restrictions.

In 2023, a bill allowing sports betting passed the Texas House with an 82-51 vote, but it ultimately stalled in the Senate, where opposition remains strong. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, has been a consistent critic of expanding gambling, asserting that such efforts do not enjoy broad support among Senate Republicans.

Support from professional sports teams and industry advocates:

Abbott’s remarks come as a coalition of powerful Texas sports franchises—such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and San Antonio Spurs—has teamed up with major sports betting companies like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. This group, known as the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), is working tirelessly to legalize sports betting and expand gambling in the state. As Chron reports, Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, welcomed Abbott’s comments, noting that they reflect what Texans have been saying: they want to have a say in legalizing sports betting. Kudon emphasized that the public supports creating a regulated framework that protects consumers while boosting state revenue.

Giles Kibbe, executive vice president and general counsel for the Houston Astros, echoed these sentiments, arguing that illegal sports betting is already rampant through foreign companies, and the state should regulate it to ensure fairness and safety. He stressed that regulating sports betting would align with what Texans want.

Although Abbott’s comments mark a notable shift in his stance, significant obstacles remain in the Texas Senate. The most influential Senate figures, such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have not wavered in their opposition to expanding gambling. Patrick, in particular, has stated that there is little to no support for such proposals among Senate Republicans.

Moreover, conservative groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation have raised concerns about the potential social harms of gambling, including addiction. These groups continue to argue that the negative impact of legalized gambling could outweigh the economic benefits it might bring. However, advocates of sports betting dismiss these concerns, claiming that the potential revenue generated from legalized sports betting and the establishment of a regulatory framework would benefit the state.