Two Texas Gambling Plans Differ on Who Would Regulate the Market

Republican Representative Charlie Geren and Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado submitted their resolutions on November 9. Both aim for a statewide vote on November 2, 2027, although neither has advanced beyond filing.

Ten Casino Licenses, but No Mobile Betting Rules

Geren’s HJR 52 and Alvarado’s SJR 11 share several conditions:

• 10 – maximum number of licensed casino facilities statewide;
• 40 years – minimum initial term for casino licenses;
• 15% – maximum tax on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue;
• Onsite only – casino games must take place at licensed physical premises.

The ten-casino ceiling would become a constitutional restriction if approved. Raising it later would require another amendment rather than a change to ordinary legislation.

The 15% figure is also a ceiling, not a final tax rate. Both texts prohibit additional gambling-specific taxes and fees, apart from charges generally applicable to businesses.

Sports betting is treated differently from casino gaming. Lawmakers would decide where wagering could take place through subsequent legislation. The proposals give no explicit rules for mobile sportsbook apps or how many operators could enter that market.

Alvarado Proposes a Gaming Commission

SJR 11 includes an oversight structure absent from Geren’s resolution. It would establish a state commission responsible for lotteries, casinos and sports wagering, with investigative, enforcement and audit powers. Lottery proceeds, gaming taxes and licensing fees would finance the agency.

Geren’s approach leaves more of the regulatory structure for lawmakers to determine later. His latest resolution also has a familiar predecessor. The HJR 137 proposal from February 2025 contained essentially the same casino limits, tax ceiling and licensing conditions. It was referred to the House State Affairs Committee on March 19 and went no further.

The Senate Still Needs a Supermajority

The November 2026 elections changed control of the Texas House and the lieutenant governorship. Republicans, however, retained their majority in the Senate.

Getting either amendment onto the ballot requires:

• 100 votes in the 150-member House;
• 21 votes in the 31-member Senate.

Where the Missing Votes Would Have to Come From

The Texas Tribune’s post-election projection put Democrats at 83 House seats. Even unanimous Democratic support would leave supporters needing 17 Republican votes. In the Senate, where Republicans hold 19 seats, the measure would need at least nine Republican votes if all 12 Democrats backed it. These figures describe the voting hurdle, not lawmakers’ declared positions on gambling.

The 90th legislative session begins January 12, 2027. For operators, the next development to watch is whether either proposal can build enough support to reach a committee vote and eventually a statewide referendum. Texas has yet to authorize a new commercial casino or sports betting market.