Texas lawmakers have filed constitutional amendments that would ask voters to authorize commercial casinos and sports wagering, reopening the issue ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Republican Representative Charlie Geren filed House Joint Resolution 52 on November 9, while Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado introduced Senate Joint Resolution 11 the same day. Both measures remain at the filing stage.
The proposals would permit the Legislature to establish a regulated market through subsequent legislation. They would limit commercial casino licenses and locations to 10 facilities, with initial license terms of at least 40 years. Casino gambling would be restricted to licensed operators’ physical premises, rather than authorizing online casino games.
The resolutions would cap the tax on casino and sports wagering revenue at 15%. Operators would also need licenses and would pay application fees, although those amounts are not specified. The proposed framework would prevent additional gaming-specific state or local taxes beyond the charges authorized by the amendment and taxes generally applicable to businesses.
Sports wagering locations and the activities permitted would be determined through implementing legislation. HJR 52 does not expressly establish statewide mobile betting, making that a separate policy question for lawmakers. The proposed constitutional amendment identifies November 2, 2027, as the date for a public vote if the Legislature approves its submission.
Senate proposal includes a gambling regulator
Alvarado’s Senate version additionally calls for a state agency with authority over authorized gambling. The proposed commission would receive funding from lottery proceeds, gaming taxes and licensing fees, and would have investigative and enforcement powers. That provision distinguishes SJR 11 from Geren’s House proposal.
The measures also address tribal gaming. They would require a process for negotiating and executing Class III gaming compacts, upon request, with the three federally recognized tribes that have Indian lands in Texas. Those arrangements would concern gaming on existing tribal lands under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
A constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of each legislative chamber before it can reach voters. The upcoming session begins January 12, 2027. Similar casino and sports betting proposals introduced by Geren and Alvarado in 2025 did not advance beyond committee consideration.
The official legislative histories currently record the November 9 filings as the latest substantive actions on HJR 52 and SJR 11. Neither filing itself changes Texas gambling law: legislative approval, a successful statewide vote, and implementing legislation would be required before the proposed market could operate.
