Texas Representative Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Casino Gambling and Sports Wagering

Texas state representative Charlie Green is proposing a constitutional amendment that would authorize the Legislature to legalize and strictly regulate casino gambling and sports wagering. The measure would appear before voters, who must approve it by more than 50% for it to take effect. This latest effort follows several prior unsuccessful attempts to expand gambling in the state, arriving amid a shifting political environment after the recent midterm elections.

Measure Details and Licensing Framework

Green’s proposal envisions up to 10 licensed casinos operating under 40-year licenses limited to designated physical locations. It directs negotiations with Texas tribes to establish gambling compacts that could permit tribal casinos on reservation land. The amendment outlines a strict licensing regime under which operators would pay up to 15% in taxes along with additional licensing fees and levies. The text does not reference iGaming or online sports betting, though approval of physical casinos could create a foundation for future expansion. The measure must first secure two-thirds support in both chambers of the Texas legislature before advancing to the ballot.

Previous proposals lost momentum due to legislative resistance, with Governor Greg Abbott expressing hesitation over risks including addiction and sports integrity. High-profile operators have continued lobbying for expansion. Recent legislative debates over prediction platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, as reported by GamblingNews, could indirectly lend momentum to broader gambling reform. With Democrats poised to assume control of the House, the political landscape may now favor passage more than in prior cycles.

The Path Forward for Texas Expansion

Significant legislative and voter thresholds remain, and the proposal must overcome the same barriers that stalled earlier initiatives. Operators monitoring the Texas market will track whether this amendment gathers the required supermajority support in the coming weeks or joins the list of unsuccessful attempts. The outcome will clarify whether the state moves closer to regulated gaming or maintains its current restrictions.