Bruce Dias 
As of October 2023, sports betting, whether online or in-person, isn’t yet available. Below, we’ll go over the latest news regarding the status of legalizing this form of online gaming, provide a timeline of recent events, and cover the sports teams that you’ll be able to bet on in Texas once sports betting becomes legal.
Latest News On Legal Sports Betting In Texas
With HB1942, sports betting seemed like a possibility for Texas. It was filed to the legislature in early 2023 and passed in the House during the most recent legislative session. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said it wouldn’t receive any consideration. Thus, the bill that passed in the House won’t advance further. That session concluded on May 29, and the next session isn’t happening until 2025. So, if you’re wondering, “When will Texas legalize sports betting?” it won’t be until 2025.
Thus, online sports betting will take some time before it’s passed. This comes after a poll by The Dallas Morning News showed that Texas residents want sports betting. This poll happened in 2021. In the poll, 43% favored it, 31% were ambivalent, and 26% outright opposed it.
Texas Sports Betting Recent Events
● October 25, 2023: Several raids were performed by Texas law enforcement officials, seizing thousands of dollars worth of cash and gambling machines.
● October 20, 2023: The Chickasaw Nation announced plans to open the Lakecrest Hotel and Casino in 2024. It will reside 30 minutes away from the Oklahoma border.
● October 16, 2023: Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller, said he’s fine with legal gaming but wouldn’t partake in it.
● September 13, 2023: Golden Mesa Casino in Oklahoma is undergoing a massive $70 million renovation. This resides on the Texas/Oklahoma border.
● July 25, 2023: The National Indian Gaming Commission unveiled the finances for the 2022-23 fiscal year, showing a positive trend in revenue in Texas. Notably, the Oklahoma City region, which includes Texas, disclosed a total revenue of $3.1 billion, marking a 4% year-over-year increase.
Now, here is a complete list of the sports betting bills that I’ve been introduced to the Texas legislature over the years:
● HB 1942 (2023)
● HJR 97 (2021)
● HB 2070 (2021)
● HJR 68 (2021)
● SB 736 (2021)
● HB 1121 (2021)
● HJR 61 (2019)
● HB 4040 (2015)
Texas-Based Sports Teams
Texas Rangers
As of late October 2023, the Texas Rangers are in the midst of the 2023 World Series. They’ve won three pennants since 2010. Since 1996, they’ve won seven AL West titles. They were established in 1961.
Houston Astros
Established in 1962, the Astros have won two World Series since 2017, four AL pennants since 2017, and one NL pennant before switching to the American League in 2005.
Dallas Mavericks
Home of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks won their division in 2021. They won their only NBA title in 2011.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets were founded in 1967 and won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. They’ve won their division three times since 2015.
They haven’t had a winning season since 2019-20. During that stretch, they haven’t had a winning percentage above .268.
Dallas Cowboys
During the 1990s, the Cowboys won three championships between 1992-1995. Before their playoff win during the 2022-23 postseason, they hadn’t won a playoff game since January 7, 1996.
Houston Texans
The Texans are the most recent expansion franchise in the NFL, debuting in 2002. Their first-ever draft pick was quarterback David Carr. Since 2011, they’ve made the playoffs six times.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have been a franchise since 1993, previously known as the Minnesota North Stars. They’ve won just one Stanley Cup (1998-99). They’ve won three conference titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, and eight division titles.
San Antonio Spurs
First known as the Dallas Chaparrals, the Spurs have won five NBA Championships since 1999. During that stretch, they’ve also won six conference titles. Since 1978, they’ve won 22 division titles.
There are currently ten numbers that are retired, led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
