Texas Lawmakers File Resolutions for November 2027 Vote on Sports Betting and Casino Legalization

Texas lawmakers moved quickly after the midterm elections to file two joint resolutions that would place a constitutional amendment for sports betting and casino gaming before voters on November 2, 2027. Republican Representative Charlie Geren introduced House Joint Resolution 52 and Democrat Senator Carol Alvarado filed Senate Joint Resolution 11. The measures were submitted on November 9, ahead of the legislative session that convenes January 12 and must conclude by May 31.

Both resolutions would allow voters to decide on legalizing casino gaming and sports betting in a state that currently hosts only two Tribal casinos operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe plus a state lottery. Annual gross gaming revenue from sports betting could reach between $3.2 billion and $3.7 billion once mature, according to reporting by iGaming Future. The proposals are limited to retail casinos and sports betting; they do not address iGaming, though online sportsbooks could follow pending further rules.

Framework and Licensing Provisions

The resolutions define gambling, establish licensing, fees and compliance systems, and cap casino licenses at 10. The tax rate would be no more than 15 percent, with initial licensing terms of at least 40 years for land-based casinos. SJR 11 additionally calls for creation of a state commission to regulate gambling activities following the 2025 disbandment of the Texas Lottery Commission amid scandals. Both measures authorize the legislature to negotiate new compacts with the state's three federally recognized Tribes to permit Class III gaming. They also shield operators from supplementary "rogue" local taxes.

Political Shift and Path Forward

The filings reflect a changed landscape after Democrats captured the Texas governorship for the first time in 30 years. Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott, while Vikki Goodwin unseated Dan Patrick as lieutenant governor and Senate president. Goodwin has expressed a progressive stance on gambling, stating: "Right now, people leave and take their dollars with them to go to nearby states where they can gamble, which means Texas is losing out on potential revenue and economic activity." She added that the people of Texas should decide through the democratic process.

Hinojosa holds a more nuanced position and voted against a similar expansion in 2023. Republicans retain a 19-12 majority in the Senate, so two-thirds support in both chambers remains necessary. Prediction markets already show strong Texas activity, with the state and California generating 43 percent of Kalshi's sports-event trading volume. Operators eyeing this market must track whether the resolutions advance before the May 31 deadline and how the new administration shapes the final framework.