Governor Greg Abbott has formally rejected a renewed legislative push to legalize commercial Texas casinos, stating that he remains unconvinced of the benefits such an expansion would bring to the state. In a recent statement addressing the issue, Abbott made it clear that he is not currently prepared to support a constitutional amendment that would allow for the development of destination resorts and casino gambling.
The governor cited several concerns as the primary reasons for his opposition, including potential impacts on state culture and risks associated with gambling addiction. He specifically mentioned recent red flags involving sports wagering and the integrity of athletic events as factors that have caused him to take a step back and evaluate the situation. Abbott emphasized that the state should not move forward with any proposal that could prove harmful to the residents of Texas or its established business environment.
This stance creates a significant obstacle for proponents of Texas casinos, who have spent years lobbying for the right to build high-end gaming facilities in major metropolitan areas like Dallas and Houston. Under current state law, expanding the gaming footprint requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate, followed by approval from a majority of voters in a general election. Without the full endorsement of the governor, achieving the necessary supermajority in the Republican-controlled legislature is viewed by analysts as nearly impossible.
Supporters of the expansion have long argued that legalizing Texas casinos would capture billions of dollars in revenue that currently flows across state lines to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico. They contend that destination resorts would create thousands of local jobs and generate substantial tax revenue without the need for additional tax increases. However, the governor noted that the Texas economy is already performing at a high level with a robust budget surplus, reducing the urgency for new revenue streams derived from gaming.
The rejection effectively stalls the momentum for the gaming industry in the upcoming legislative cycle. While some lawmakers continue to file bills to put the issue on the ballot, the lack of support from the highest office in the state means the current prohibition on commercial casinos is unlikely to change before 2027.
