In the ongoing saga of Texas state gaming legalization, a new study says that gambling legalization could be huge for the state. Per a recent article that has been touched on in this space, Texas is one of 11 states that currently doesn’t permit any form of regulated sports betting. However, should that change, the second-largest state by area could reap significant economic benefits. In its recently published “Legal Online Sports Betting in Texas: Revenue Forecast and Economic Impact Analysis,” Eilers and Krejcik Gaming (EKG) forecast that should Texas permit mobile sports wagering, it could result in the creation of 8,000 jobs and $360 million in direct tax revenue flowing to state coffers. The research firm added that by legalizing sports betting, the Lone Star State could haul in $24.3 million annually in additional non gaming taxes while enjoying an overall economic benefit of $2.6 billion.
For this report, SBS will be going over the latest gaming updates and notes coming from the Lone Star State along with some additional thoughts and info regarding Texas gaming.
Per the same report, former Gov. Rick Perry (R), now a spokesman for the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), previously said a regulated sports betting market could generate $250 million for the state, based on an estimated black market handle of $8.7 billion. Additionally, there’s been debate regarding the efficacy of that unregulated estimate, but there’s no denying that Texans are betting on sports. Whether that be with local bookies, offshore sites, or in some cases, going to Louisiana – and the state is missing out on that revenue.
Per the same article, gaming companies and politicians pushing for sports betting legalization always lean into the revenue argument, among others and, it could “be pertinent in Texas” because the state doesn’t levy an income tax. That implies unleashing new revenue sources is important. Moreover, data confirms sports betting taxes have bolstered states’ revenue streams. A LendingTree study out earlier this year noted the states that permitted sports betting hauled in $2.5 billion in revenue last year, a 34.&% year-over-year increase. That’s an impressive figure when considering California and Texas – the two largest states by population – don’t permit sports betting.
In Texas, the same article notes that the heavy lift may be convincing politicians that revenue is a problem and that a controversial source such as sports betting is the way to ameliorate it. Last year, it was widely reported that the state was running a $32.3 billion surplus, a significant portion of which was spent on property tax relief. Data from the state comptroller and the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) indicated politicians had $188.2 billion in available funds with an appropriate base of $109.8 billion, meaning excess funds were $78.4 billion, well above the aforementioned surplus of $32.3 billion. In other words, Texas is not in dire need of new revenue over the near term.
Noted in the same article, despite economic benefits highlighted by EKG and various polling suggesting a majority of Texans want to see sports wagering approved, the issue remains touchy in the state. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R), who sets the agenda for the State Senate, remains opposed to casinos and sports betting. However, there has been speculation that Patrick could join the Trump Administration, however, it has been widely believed that his successor would also be opposed to these forms of gaming expansion.
All of that is to say the likelihood of a sports betting ballot measure being put to Texas voters in November 2025 – the best-case scenario – appears unlikely at the moment. Some industry observers have noted the most plausible timeline is a vote in 2027 with sports betting launching in the state the following year.
In addition to government officials, sports teams have also been proponents of gaming by way of sponsorships in the state. In fact, Texas Rangers COO Neil Leibman just wrote in favor of legalizing gaming in the state in a recent article in a local media outlet in Dallas. This was of course in advance of the opening of the 2025 legislative session. Moreover, sports teams in the state have in one way or another profited from the proliferation of gaming, be it by team sponsorships or by another revenue-generating avenue thanks to interest in the sport. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has also been a vocal advocate of gaming along with former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
After you are all squared away regarding the latest gambling news and notes coming from Texas, make sure to check out the excellent array of information for you over at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis and insights on the topic covered here, please check out the sports betting in Texas guide which goes over all of the latest insights and notes from the state. Additionally, for those intrigued by maximizing their wagers and who qualify the best bonus betting sites rundown is a must-read page for you. Here you can find a catalog of the latest and greatest welcome bonus offers and beyond. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is a fantastic page where you can learn more about the nuances of mobile betting and how you can stay on top of the action.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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