Texas is once again looking at legalizing sports gambling during this years’ legislative session, and supporters are being backed by some of the most influential people in Texas sports.
Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), has filed Senate Joint Resolution 16, proposes legal sports wagering and legal gambling at casinos and other destination resorts in the state. If passed, it would also create the Texas Gaming Commission, a new organization that would regulate gambling.
Alvarado has been filing bills on gaming in Texas since 2009, including a measure that cleared the Texas House in 2023, but stalled in the state Senate. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads that chamber, has expressed strong opposition to legalized sports betting.
