A new University of Houston poll shows growing support among Texans for the legalization of both destination casino resorts and online sports betting.
According to the poll, 73% of Texans support establishing destination resort casinos, while 60% support the legalization of online sports betting.
The new numbers reflect a shift in prior public opinions, as both forms of gambling are now pulling substantial backing from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Notably, 74% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans endorse the idea of destination casinos, while 65% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans favor allowing online sports betting.
State Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has filed a senate joint resolution that would allow both types of gambling. Unlike a standard bill, a joint resolution does not require the governor’s signature, meaning the proposal would only need to pass by two-thirds in the Texas House and Senate before being placed before voters. If approved, the proposal would allow for up to seven casino resort locations across “major metro areas” and legalize online sports betting in the state, reported Audacy.
“This would be, I think, a real boost to our economy, creating thousands and thousands of jobs,” Alvarado said.
While the push for legal gambling is gaining momentum, some experts are more cautious. Political scientist Mark Jones of the University of Houston, who conducted the poll, acknowledged the widespread support for the measures but warned that legislative approval may not come easily.
“We have a budget surplus, not a budget deficit and so the need to tap gambling for both the fees these casinos will pay, which are in the billions (of dollars) as well of the additional tax revenue is less urgent,” Jones added.
This marks the second consecutive year that efforts to legalize gambling have made their way into the legislative spotlight. In 2023, House Bill 2843, which would have legalized casinos and sports betting, passed the Texas House but ultimately failed to earn enough votes in the Senate.