Major casino companies have been lobbying strongly in recent years for legalized casino gambling, with Texas being a massive potential market. The bill proposes different types of gaming licenses, including some which would allow certain forms of gambling in smaller Texas cities at race tracks and tribal facilities. If successful, the bill would see the creation of the Texas Gaming Commission and would allow for the construction of four casino resorts in major cities with over two million residents. The earliest such a public vote could take place is November 2023. If it gets two-thirds support in both chambers of the state legislature, the matter of legalizing sports betting and/or casinos would then go to a public vote. The bill aims to amend the state constitution. Senator Carol Alvarado introduced Senate Joint Resolution 17 on Monday. Politicians in the state are getting ready for the beginning of the 2023 legislative session in January by pre-filing bills. Getting ready for the new legislative sessionĪ new bill in Texas aims to legalize sports betting and casinos.
