Home News Texas Lawmakers File New Casino and Sports Betting Proposals for 2027 Vote

Texas Lawmakers File New Casino and Sports Betting Proposals for 2027 Vote

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Altay Celikkaya

Content Manager

Updated: 11/11/26

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Texas lawmakers have introduced new proposals that could allow voters to decide whether to legalise casino gaming and sports betting in November 2027.

Republican Representative Charlie Geren and Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado filed separate constitutional amendment proposals on 9 November 2026, ahead of the state’s next legislative session.

The measures outline a potential regulated gambling framework, including casino licensing limits, taxation and oversight. However, neither proposal has been approved, and Texas gambling laws remain unchanged.

Texas Legislature introduces proposals for casino and sports betting legalisation ahead of 2027.

Regulation & Compliance

Key Takeaways From Texas Gambling Proposals

HJR 52 and SJR 11 propose a statewide vote on casino gaming and sports betting in November 2027.
The measures would permit up to 10 licensed casinos, with initial licence terms of at least 40 years.
Casino and sports betting revenue would face a proposed maximum tax rate of 15%.
Both legislative chambers must approve a constitutional amendment before voters can consider it.

Texas Proposes New Gambling Licensing Framework

According to the official Texas Legislature records for HJR 52, Representative Charlie Geren submitted a resolution seeking constitutional authorisation for regulated casino gaming and sports wagering.

Senator Carol Alvarado introduced a similar proposal through Senate Joint Resolution 11.

Both measures would require lawmakers to establish licensing procedures, application fees and permitted gambling locations.

Casino operations would be limited to physical premises, with no more than 10 licensed facilities statewide. Sports betting locations and delivery methods would require further legislative clarification.

SJR 11 also proposes establishing a regulatory commission with oversight and enforcement powers covering authorised gambling activities.

Casino Licences and Taxation Under the Proposals

The proposed framework would allow initial casino licences lasting at least 40 years, potentially providing long-term operational certainty for approved businesses. Both resolutions also propose limiting taxation on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue to 15%.

The measures include provisions for negotiating gaming agreements with federally recognised Native American tribes. Texas’ approach to tribal gaming could become another significant consideration, particularly as other states continue updating their tribal gaming agreements.

What Must Happen Before the 2027 Vote?

The proposed constitutional amendments must receive two-thirds approval in both the Texas House of Representatives and Senate before reaching voters. The resolutions identify 2 November 2027 as the proposed election date, although no statewide gambling referendum has been authorised.

Geren said:

If they say ‘no,’ then we’re done with it forever.

Previous gambling expansion proposals have repeatedly stalled in Texas, making legislative approval a significant procedural hurdle. The new proposals follow broader US debates over sports betting regulation. Nebraska recently rejected online sports betting legalisation in a statewide ballot.

What Could This Mean for the iGaming Industry?

For casino operators, sportsbook providers and B2B technology suppliers, the proposals outline a possible route into a major US market. However, any future licensing opportunities would depend on constitutional approval and subsequent implementing legislation.

Texas lawmakers are also examining prediction market regulation ahead of the 2027 legislative session, reflecting wider questions surrounding gambling oversight.

The 90th Texas Legislature convenes on 12 January 2027. Until the constitutional process advances, the proposals represent a potential market expansion rather than an approved regulatory framework.