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Texas Legislature Introduces Two Sports Betting Bills

February 14, 2025

Bills to legalize sports betting (HJR 134) and casino gambling and sports betting (HJR 137) have been introduced in the Texas Legislature. If passed, they would then go on the ballot.

HJR 134 would authorize sports betting only through specific entities: 

  1. Professional sports teams in existence as of Jan. 1, 2025
  2. Professional golf organizations that held sanctioned tour events in Texas prior to Jan. 1, 2025
  3. Class I racetracks in operation on that date

HJR 137  would  impose a tax on casino gaming and sports wagering not to exceed 15 percent. It would also require the state to negotiate compacts with the 3 federally recognized Indian tribes to allow Class III gaming on tribal lands.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has not relented on his opposition to expanded gambling (sports betting and casino).

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Texas