The debate over casino legislation in Texas has picked up again, and Governor Greg Abbott has made it clear he is not ready to support major changes. Speaking in a televised interview in Fort Worth, he gave one of his firmest public positions yet on the question of whether Texans should be allowed to vote on a constitutional amendment that would open the door to full casino resorts.
His answer was short and direct, and he repeated it to avoid any confusion. For now, he does not support taking that step.
The push for casinos has come up several times in recent legislative sessions, especially as large operators continue to argue that Texas is missing out on economic activity. While physical casinos remain off the table, many Texans already play through online casinos based offshore and read the Escapist’s analysis to find the best of these platforms, which have grown popular simply because people enjoy having easy access to games. Convenience and variety are the main draws, and the strong interest shows there is an appetite for regulated, home-grown options if lawmakers ever choose to authorise them.
In the interview, Abbott was pressed on why he remains hesitant. Rather than engaging in a long policy explanation, he focused on broader questions about how big expansions of gaming would fit into the state’s direction. He spoke about wanting to be cautious when considering any proposal that could reshape long-standing norms in Texas.
He did not suggest the issue was closed permanently, but he did stress that he is not ready to commit to a constitutional change. His comments suggest that the burden of proof still lies with casino advocates to persuade both lawmakers and the public.
One of the ideas that has been floated in recent years is the limited resort model. Under this structure, a handful of large-scale entertainment complexes would be authorised in major cities such as Houston, Dallas, and possibly San Antonio. These sites would offer hotels, shows, dining, and convention space, with casinos as part of the wider package.
Abbott did not criticise the concept outright, and he acknowledged that legislators have spent time discussing it. Even so, he noted that any plan must first clear the high hurdle of constitutional approval before anything else can happen.
Abbott also emphasised that his main priority remains property tax reform. He argued that the state’s strong financial position gives lawmakers room to rethink how public education is funded without relying on new tax sources. Notably, he did not pitch casinos as a solution for revenue challenges. For him, the two issues belong to separate conversations rather than a combined deal.
It is clear that casino supporters still face a steep climb. While major operators and business groups continue to promote the benefits of destination resorts, resistance remains strong among conservative lawmakers who prefer to keep the current system in place, and Abbott’s remarks show he is staying aligned with that cautious approach for now.
Even so, the fact that the governor is asked about casinos in high-profile interviews shows how mainstream the issue has become. It now sits alongside major policy debates, rather than being treated as a fringe topic.
Ultimately, Governor Greg Abbott did not close the door, but he made the present situation clear. Texas is still some distance away from changing course, and unless the governor shifts his position, casino proposals will continue to face long odds at the Capitol.