A survey conducted by the news site PlayTexas.com shows that 65 percent of the state’s citizens would support a ballot measure to legalize casinos and sports betting.
Legalization would require Texas voters to approve a change to the state constitution, which outlaws nearly all gambling. The only gaming allowed is at three tribal venues and poker rooms at private social clubs. The state’s dominant Republican Party, moreover, opposes gambling as part of its platform.
Conducted in October, the survey asked Texans if they would support Texas gambling if it were regulated. According to PlayTexas, the results are:
- Yes – 65 percent
- No – 11 percent
- Unsure – 23 percent
The survey also asked which type of gambling options they would prefer. Of the 750 responses, a majority favored some version of casino gambling.
- Casino gambling – 63 percent
- Resort casinos – 50 percent
- Online poker – 35 percent
- Daily fantasy sports – 32 percent
Additionally, respondents favored Texas online sports betting over traditional retail sportsbooks.
- Online sports betting – 39 percent
- Retail sports betting – 36 percent
Current legislation on file in the state legislature, sponsored by Senator Carol Alvarado, includes Joint Resolution 17, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize casino gaming and sports betting. Per language in the bill, metropolitan areas would be required to invest $1 billion-$2 billion in land and development, depending on population.
The survey showed respondents favored casino gaming because of job growth (35 percent) and tax revenue (31 percent). SJR 17 proposes a 10 percent tax on gross gaming revenue for table games and 25 percent for slot machines. The survey results name education and property tax reduction as the favored uses of the revenue.
Gaming proponents in Texas have lamented the revenue from state residents that currently pours to neighboring states, headed by Oklahoma, home to the largest casino in the country, WinStar World, just across the border.
