Table of Contents
- The Steam Report #12: A Fresh Push for Sports Betting in the Lone Star State
- A Fresh Push for Sports Betting in the Lone Star State 🇺🇸
- The Economic Argument Grows Stronger
- Political Roadblocks Remain Formidable
- Professional Sports Teams Lead the Charge
- The Long Road Ahead
- A New Frontier for Advantage Bettors
- 🗞 In The News
- Telegram Poll of the Week 📊
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The Steam Report #12: A Fresh Push for Sports Betting in the Lone Star State
Hey advantage bettors!
Texas is back in the spotlight with a new sports betting legalization effort, while our latest poll reveals fascinating insights about how many sportsbooks our community actively uses to maintain their edge.
Let's dive in...
Today's in-depth story is:
🇺🇸 A Fresh Push for Sports Betting in the Lone Star State
This, and more, in just 5 minutes to read.
- Dylan
A Fresh Push for Sports Betting in the Lone Star State 🇺🇸
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Texas – a state with over 31 million residents that loves its sports but remains steadfastly opposed to gambling on them – is once again facing the question of sports betting legalization. Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) this month, opening the door to what would be the newest attempt to bring sports betting to America's second most populous state.
The constitutional amendment's wording is notably vague, merely authorizing "the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events." This ambiguity leaves plenty of room for interpretation – and potential limitations. Unlike previous proposals, HJR 134 appears to focus primarily on retail sports betting, suggesting professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks could be eligible for licenses, while conspicuously making no explicit mention of online betting.
The Economic Argument Grows Stronger
The economic case for legalization has never been more compelling. As neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas embrace legal sports betting, Texans continue to pour money across state lines or into offshore sportsbooks. Conservative estimates suggest Texans wager billions annually despite the prohibition, generating precisely zero tax dollars for state coffers.
"We're seeing millions of dollars in potential tax revenue simply vanish across our borders," explains Texas economist Dr. Martin Reynolds. "In the current economic climate, that's money Texas can ill afford to ignore."
Supporting this view, a 2021 poll revealed that 43% of Texans favor allowing sports betting in the state, with another 31% ambivalent about the issue. Only 26% were outright opposed – numbers that were consistent across party lines.
Political Roadblocks Remain Formidable
Despite the economic incentives and apparent public support, the path to legalization remains treacherous. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick – who effectively controls the Texas Senate – has historically been a staunch opponent of gambling expansion. In late 2024, Patrick bluntly assessed the situation: "I might have three or four Senators out of 20 Republicans who support it, that's it."
This is not mere posturing. During the 2023 legislative session, a similar resolution (HJR 102) passed through the House with a 100-43 vote, only to be stopped dead in its tracks when Patrick exercised his power as Senate president to prevent a vote.
The Texas political landscape is further complicated by substantial contributions from out-of-state casino interests. The Chickasaw Nation, which owns WinStar World Casino just across the Oklahoma border, has donated more than $15 million to Texas political interests over the years – creating a powerful incentive structure that favors the status quo.
Professional Sports Teams Lead the Charge
Where legislators have faltered, professional sports franchises have taken up the banner of legalization. The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, and several other major teams have voiced support for legal sports betting. More than just talk, several have already established partnerships with operators in anticipation of eventual legalization.
The Houston Astros partnered with BetMGM in 2022, the Dallas Stars joined forces with both PrizePicks and Jackpocket, and Austin FC announced a deal with PointsBet back in 2021. These partnerships reflect both the teams' confidence in eventual legalization and their desire to secure early positioning in what would instantly become one of America's largest betting markets.
The Long Road Ahead
Even in a best-case scenario, Texans shouldn't expect to place legal sports bets anytime soon. The Texas legislature only meets in odd-numbered years, meaning that even if voters approve the bill in 2025, implementation will likely be delayed until 2027.
Industry analyst Kelly Pratt of Eilers & Krejcik Gaming has an even more conservative timeline: "Our analysis suggests Texas sports betting won't launch until 2028 or later, given the political complexities and the legislature's biennial schedule."
For now, Texans looking to place legal wagers must either travel to neighboring states or make do with the limited options available in-state: daily fantasy sports contests and "social sportsbooks" like Fliff, Underdog, and PrizePicks – platforms that operate in a legal gray area by using sweepstakes models or skill-game designations to avoid gambling classification.
A New Frontier for Advantage Bettors
For the advantage betting community, Texas legalization would create a significant new playing field.
New markets typically bring an influx of operators competing for market share – a dynamic that historically creates favorable conditions for value-seeking bettors. As sportsbooks battle for new customers in a state with 31+ million residents, promotional offers and competitive lines could create opportunities for those with a mathematical approach to betting.
At the same time, Texas's entry would likely introduce a new generation to advantage betting tactics as locals develop strategies to maximize value in their home state's market.
🗞 In The News
🏝️ Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Advances - Hawaii's House Finance Committee approved HB 1308, bringing the state closer to legalizing online sports betting. The bill, which still needs full legislative approval, faces debates over taxation, licensing fees, and concerns about gambling addiction
🇭🇰 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Invited to Submit Proposal for Basketball Betting - The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been invited to propose a legal basketball betting framework as part of the 2025-26 budget. This move aims to generate revenue for the government and combat illegal gambling, though past attempts faced resistance
🇺🇸 Missouri Legal Sports Betting Market Facing Delays - Missouri's sports betting launch has been delayed due to the rejection of emergency regulations, pushing the expected rollout to late 2025. Legal interpretations of digital licensing rules may further impact the number of sportsbook operators allowed
Telegram Poll of the Week 📊
How many sportsbooks do you actively use?
(Count multiple accounts on a sportsbook as 1)
Final Results:
- 19%: 1 sportsbook
- 24%: 2 sportsbooks
- 12%: 3 sportsbooks
- 9%: 4 sportsbooks
- 8%: 5 sportsbooks
- 10%: 6 sportsbooks
- 0%: 7 sportsbooks
- 2%: 8 sportsbooks
- 1%: 9 sportsbooks
- 15%: 10 sportsbooks
The results clearly demonstrate why successful value bettors prioritize multiple sportsbook accounts. With inevitable account limitations, having access to numerous books is essential for maintaining high turnover. Those 15% using ten different sportsbooks understand this reality perfectly - when one door closes due to limitations, having multiple alternatives allows you to continue executing your betting strategy without disruption.
See you next time!
That's it for today on The Steam Report ♨️!
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dylan@Pinnacleoddsdropper.com
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Author: dylan@pinnacleoddsdropper.com
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Written by
Co-founder of Pinnacle Odds Dropper and Editor of The Steam Report - a popular weekly advantage betting newsletter
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