Greg Abbott Opens Door For Texas Sports Gambling Legalization
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Texas Governor Opens The Door To Sports Gambling Legalization

There has been earth-shaking news out of Texas as Governor Greg Abbott states he is supportive of legalizing sports gambling in his state. The Lone Star State is one of the biggest markets that has yet to legalize sports gambling in the US, and Abbott's comments move them one step closer. 

In an exclusive interview with the Texas Take Podcast, Abbott stated: "I don’t have a problem with online sports betting." While the quote might sound lukewarm to you, in the Texas market it's as hot as the Texas sun in mid-August and the exact type of endorsement proponents of legalized gambling have been waiting for.

Failed Attempts

In 2023 HB1942 sought to legalize online gambling and tack on a 15% tax on gaming revenues, a tax that research has shown would bring in $363 million in annual tax revenues to the state. That bill passed in the House 82-51 but died in the Senate with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick saying there is "little to no support from the Senate" and that it lacked overwhelming GOP support.

With Abbott, the most powerful Republican in the state on board, Texas's sports gambling movement has finally found the opening they've been looking for.

Majority Of Texans In Favor Of Sports Gambling

The Texas GOP's stance on gambling has been increasingly indefensible. Not only did HB1942 pass through the house, a majority of Texans from across party lines agree it's time to legalize gambling. 

A recent University of Houston survey found that 73% of 1,200 Texans surveyed support legalizing retail gambling. In terms of online sports gambling 60% of Texans said yes with 64% being Democrats and 59% Republican.

It's studies like these that have people like Draft Kings CEO Jason Robins confident 2025 could be the year that sports gambling finally becomes legal in Texas. And now with Abbott in tow, 2025 might very well be the year for legalized gambling in Texas.

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