Texas Lawmakers Advance Bill for 2027 Gambling Referendum

Texas state representative Charlie Geren has introduced a constitutional amendment, HJR 52, which could allow Texans to vote on casino gaming and sports wagering in November 2027. This proposal outlines potential regulations, including a limit on casino properties and a revenue tax cap.

What Happened

A new proposal filed in advance of Texas’ 2027 legislative session, HJR 52, aims to enable Texas voters to decide on the future of sports betting and casino gambling. Republican lawmaker Charlie Geren of Fort Worth introduced the constitutional amendment (iGaming Today). This amendment, if approved by the legislature, would allow Texans to vote on November 2, 2027, on whether the state should permit and regulate casino gaming and sports wagering, as reported by iGaming Today.

Historically, attempts to legalize casinos and sports betting in Texas have encountered legislative resistance, particularly in the Senate. However, the political landscape has reportedly shifted following the November midterms (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, cited by iGaming Today). The departure of former Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who was seen as an impediment to gambling expansion, has altered the dynamic for the 2027 session. His successor, Vikki Goodwin, has indicated a willingness to allow a public vote on the matter, stating to WFAA, “I’m ambivalent on gambling… I would be willing to put it up to a vote of Texans,” according to iGaming Today.

Key Details

• State Representative Charlie Geren filed HJR 52, a constitutional amendment proposing a public vote on regulated casino gaming and sports wagering (iGaming Today).
• The proposed public vote on the constitutional amendment is scheduled for November 2, 2027 (iGaming Today).
• The proposal specifies that Texas would be limited to a maximum of 10 casino properties, each granted an initial license term of at least 40 years (iGaming Today).
• Future legislation, contingent on voter approval, would include a tax on casino and sports betting revenue capped at 15%, with prohibitions on additional state or local gambling-specific taxes (iGaming Today).
• The amendment mandates good-faith negotiations with Texas’ three federally recognized tribes to establish gaming compacts, creating a formal avenue for Class III gaming on tribal lands (iGaming Today).

Why It Matters

The introduction of HJR 52 represents a significant step toward potentially expanding regulated gambling options in Texas, a state that has historically resisted such measures. The shift in Senate leadership, specifically the departure of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and the stance of his successor, Vikki Goodwin, indicates a potentially more receptive environment for gambling legislation (iGaming Today). This legislative movement could have implications for B2B operators and affiliates seeking entry into one of the largest untapped markets in the United States. The proposal’s specific conditions, such as the limit on casino properties, a defined tax rate, and provisions for tribal gaming, provide a framework for potential market entry and regulatory structure, offering clarity for industry analysts assessing future opportunities (iGaming Today).

What’s Next

For HJR 52 to reach a public vote, it must first secure approval from two-thirds of both chambers of the Texas Legislature (iGaming Today).