Texas Lt. Gov. Casts Doubt on 2025 Casino Legislation

Not only is casino legislation not happening in in Texas in 2024, but it appears that it wouldn’t be a good bet to count on 2025, either. 

Speaking with WFAA in Dallas, Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn’t rule out some momentum for a bill in 2025, but he wasn’t exactly positive about it either. 

This comes after rumblings of a united casino and sports betting bill was rumored for the next legislative session. 

Gov. Dan Patrick’s Comments

“When we finished this last session, no one called and said, ‘Oh, you didn’t pass the casino bill,’” Patrick said during a recent interview. “It’s not on anyone’s top-20 list.”

“It doesn’t mean there aren’t people who really want it,” Patrick added. “But like anything else, … it really bubbles up from the ground to tell a House member or a Senator that they want this legislation to pass. And that just has not happened.” 

That said, Las Vegas Sands Corp. has made some lobbying efforts to help get it moving in the right direction. 

Patrick Could Be Headed Out 

While it’s not confirmed, Patrick could potentially be part of President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration. 

Still, even if he leaves, in his place could be Sen. Charles Schwertner who also opposes casino legislation.

Should Patrick stay, he’s sad he’ll only consider it if the majority of Republican senators support it.

The Future of Gaming in Texas

We saw the House pass a sports betting bill (HB 1942) in 2023, but it died in the Senate due to Patrick and fellow Republicans. 

However, as mentioned, Las Vegas Sands Corp is trying hard. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is also approaching it from a sports betting angle. 

Mark Cuban, most known for his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, has also spoken out about it. 

Cuban sold his majority stake in the Mavericks to Miriam Adelson, the controlling shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp. 

For now, though, it appears Texas legislation is on ice.