Bill Introduced in Texas to Legalize Forms of Gambling

Gambling Bill Introduced in Texas

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 26 November 2022

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

See Full Bio

Is There a Future for Gambling in Texas?

If the amendment is successful, it will pave the way for gambling and sports betting to become legal in Texas. The amendment itself aims to create what would be called the Texas Gaming Commission – the regulatory agency which would be responsible for regulating gambling in the state. 

The amendment further states that four casino resorts would be established in the state – in major Texas cities, all of which have more than two million residents. 

At a Corpus Christi City Council meeting, members agreed that the legalization of gambling in Texas could be a major benefit to the surrounding communities. Councilman John Martinez said:

It brings in additional revenue sources, so that the cities and the counties and states don’t have to raise taxes. I think if we had an organized process, so that way a regulated process where these places could be vetted, it’s handled by the legislature.

The bill also specifies that there are different levels to the gaming licenses that would be awarded – with lower-level licenses allowing operators to do business in smaller cities across Texas. This has been done to try to make sure that the bigger operators don’t take up all the market share – allowing smaller operators to enjoy a slice of the pie, too.

A New Way to Fund Education?

According to those who have seen the bill, the goal is to take revenue and taxes from gambling within the state and pour this money into improving education and public safety. However, those involved with the process note that things can always change – and other options are available.

There were also other ideas of what the additional tax revenue could be used for. For example, one member of the Council said that they had always had problems funding the roads – and that infrastructure, in general, was lacking. Using tax money from gambling, some of these problems could be dealt with. They also believe funds could be used to improve mental health services in the state.

While some critics argue – of course – that legalizing gambling will lead to increased cases of problem gambling, those involved with the bill are confident that they can use the tax money to offset the damage done. What this means, in reality, remains to be seen – but it’s likely we’d see dedicated problem gambling support set up in the state.

There’s a long way to go, but for gambling fans in Texas, it looks like there is at least some appetite from lawmakers to legalize forms of gambling in the state.