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Published on February 04, 2025
Survey Reveals 73% of Texans Support Casino Resorts, Majority Back Online Sports Betting Amid Legislative HesitationSource: Wikipedia/Jamie Adams from Hull, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It appears that the winds of change are blowing across Texas, as a recent survey indicates a majority of the state's residents are ready to roll the dice on expanding gambling options, including the introduction of big-ticket casino resorts and online sports betting platforms. According to a KHOU report, the poll conducted between January 13 and January 21 by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston found that 73% of Texans are in favor of allowing destination resort casinos and a clear majority, 60%, support legalizing online sports betting—a significant shift in public sentiment that could fuel potential legislative changes.

The survey, which represents a cross-section of Texas's adult population in terms of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education, provides a comprehensive picture of the state's gambling preferences. The support for gambling liberalization is not limited to a niche group, as 74% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and even traditionally conservative groups like Born-Again Protestants and the Silent Generation/Baby Boomers (with support at 62% and 65%, respectively) reflect this emerging trend, albeit with less fervor.

On the frontlines of the issue, bipartisan backing for gambling expansion spans various demographics, with Mark P. Jones, a political science fellow, noting the support crosses demographic and partisan lines. A palpable interest materializes in the form of 56% of residents in favor of sportsbooks at professional sports venues, regardless of the notable need for constitutional amendments to enact such changes.

However, gambling expansion in the state of Texas still faces a formidable wall of resistance, despite public support, as GOP leaders double down on their reluctance to entertain such legislation. In stark contrast to civilian opinion, "I've said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP," Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick stated in a post on X in May 2023, echoing the sentiment that gambling bills remain a low priority for Texas Senate Republicans, according to a Chron article. Meanwhile, entities like the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, composed of several prominent Texas sports teams, remain optimistic despite the legislative stalemate, highlighting the discrepancy between the electorate's preferences and the political roadblocks that lie ahead.

As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, the question remains whether the compelling chorus of public proponents for gambling expansion can sway the high-stakes political game in Texas—a game where the house rules are dictated by a legislature historically staunch in its opposition to betting, even as a majority of its constituents seem ready to place a wager on its potential benefits.