Sports betting has expanded rapidly in recent years, with online gaming now available in 38 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. While more expansion is imminent this year, not everyone is sold on opening their doors to one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.
Texas has long been on the fence about sports betting, with some opponents fearful of its addictive behaviors. But as the calendar flips to 2025, could the tune be changing for some key decision-makers?
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said during an appearance this week on the Texas Take Podcast that he has no objections to legalizing online sports betting, noting that many Texans already take part in the activity through unrelated avenues. Abbott’s comments marked a notable departure from his usual neutral stance.
“It’s a very common practice,” Abbott said, “and it seems to be a part of the entertainment that goes along when you’re watching a football game, especially pro football or other types of sports and things like that. I don’t have a problem with that.”
Abbott’s support doesn’t necessarily mean online sports betting is in Texas’ future. In 2023, legislation passed through the House but stalled in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick remains a strong opponent. Patrick has said previously that he will only bring it to a vote if the majority of Senate Republicans Senate want it passed.
“I’ve said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP,” Abbott wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in 2023.
“I polled members this week. Nothing changed. The senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass. We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support.”
Highly influential figures like Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson have flexed their financial muscles in recent years in hopes of drawing more support for online betting. However, even with the obvious benefits — estimates from the Texas Sports Betting Alliance say online betting would generate $360 million in annual state tax revenue — there likely will not be enough support to make legalized betting a reality in the Lone Star State anytime soon.
Nevertheless, SBA president Jeremy Kudon voiced his appreciation for Abbott’s comments, saying in a statement it “echoes what they’re hearing from Texans” regarding potential legislation. Kudon added: “They want the opportunity to vote on legalizing sports betting and putting in place a strong regulatory framework that protects consumers and boosts revenue in the state.”
According to GeoComply, a geolocation compliance service, Texans made 1.48 million attempts in November to log into legal online sportsbooks in other states. That marked an increase from 1.15 million in October.
For now, that’s the only way for Texans to legally place a bet. And that’ll remain the case so long as legislation remains in limbo.
Conversely, several other states could soon green light expansion. Missouri is slated to launch services this summer after passing legislation in November. Alabama and Georgia continue to work on measures as well.
Doug Bonjour
Doug is a seasoned sports writer/editor with bylines for the New York Times, Associated Press and CBS Sports. He also has extensive experience in the betting industry, including work for Point Spreads. Prior to that, he covered UConn women's basketball and football for Hearst Connecticut Media.
