Texas Republican Files Legislation for Up to Ten Casinos Pending Voter Approval

Texas State Republican Charlie Geren has filed legislation that would place a constitutional amendment before voters to authorize up to ten casinos and sports wagering in the state. Texas currently operates a state lottery, horse and greyhound racing, and some tribal casinos. The proposed amendment directs the Legislature to authorize and regulate casino gaming and sports wagering at a limited number of locations, including requirements for licenses, application fees, and a tax on revenue.

Geren described the vote as conclusive. “If they say ‘no,’ then we’re done with it forever,” he said. “If voters approve the ballot measure we can move forward.”

Interest from Major Casino Operators

Operators such as Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands have long viewed Texas as a significant opportunity. Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, said “The whole landscape changed. Texas is a fascinating market. So it’s kind of a stealth market that is giant.” Patrick Dumont, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, stated that any future project there would function as “an asset that will be both for business and future tourism” with “its own location, its own site and its own timeline.”

Voter Approval as the Deciding Factor

This proposal follows the March failure of the Las Vegas Sands-funded Texas Sands PAC and Texas Defence PAC to advance casino legislation. That history underscores the difficulty of securing both legislative momentum and public support. A negative voter outcome would close the matter permanently, according to reporting by G3 Newswire. Gaming operators and investors tracking Texas must therefore assess not only the scale of the potential market but the persistent political barriers to entry. Future movement will turn on whether this attempt overcomes the procedural and electoral thresholds that stopped prior efforts.