Texas gambling politics heated up this year as casino money flowed into legislative races and longtime opponents started changing their tune.
The action peaked during the Senate District 9 special election. John Huffman, a Republican from Southlake, pulled in huge contributions from casino interests, hoping to crack open the Texas market. He finished third, but the race showed how much the gambling industry wants into Texas.
Other signs point to shifting politics around the issue. Sports betting bills moved further through the legislature than usual. Casino discussions happened in committee rooms where they’ve been taboo for years.
Casino Interests Double Down on Texas
Miriam Adelson has made Texas her political priority. Through Texas Sands PAC and Texas Defence PAC, she put more than $7 million into over ninety legislative races this cycle. Her latest move was cutting a $9.1 million check to keep the pressure on.
For casino companies, Texas looks like the ultimate prize. Nearly 30 million people live here, but gambling options stay limited to tribal casinos and some electronic gaming spots. That leaves a lot of potential business on the table.
More lawmakers report hearing from voters who question why Texas sends gambling money to Oklahoma and Louisiana instead of collecting taxes here.
Players Already Found Alternatives
Current state law keeps most gambling illegal, so people work around it. Some drive to neighboring states. Others use their computers.
The restrictions created a market for stake substitutes for American players that offer what Texas doesn’t: better bonuses, more games, and easier deposits. These sites run under real gaming licenses with actual player protections.
Texans gamble whether it’s legal here or not. The question is where the tax money goes.
Economic Arguments Gain Support
Neil Leibman from the Rangers ownership group laid out the financial case recently. Legal sports betting would generate hundreds of millions of tax income each year and would create thousands of jobs. Education receives investment, property taxes may be lowered, and there is no additional tax hiking that is required.
Gaming industry numbers show this isn’t wishful thinking. Commercial gaming pulled in $18.96 billion just in the third quarter nationwide. Sports betting alone could generate over $360 million in direct tax revenue each year.
Abbott Moves the Needle
Governor Abbott’s recent backing of sports betting changed the conversation in Austin. When governors support gambling expansion, legislators pay attention.
Texas Policy Foundation found gaming could pump billions into the state economy, though questions remain about implementation.
Political watchers expect sports betting to come first in 2025, assuming anything passes. Casino gaming would follow later if sports betting works out.
Tax rates will cause fights. Proposals run from low single digits up to 20 percent of what operators take in.
The legislature assembly convenes in January. The next few months will determine whether Texas will finally be able to compete with its neighbors to get gambling dollars or will continue to export that money.