All Signs Point To Legalizing Gambling In Texas In 2025

UPDATE: Things are starting to get interesting in the legalizing gambling in Texas world. Previously, Gov. Abbott had mentioned gambling was “really just a form of entertainment,” and I completely agree with this statement.

However, he stopped short of saying anything else about it. Now, Gov. Abbott says he support legalizing gambling here, which is putting him at odds with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who doesn't support it one bit.

It's easy to see why Abbott may be changing his stance on it and beginning to soften. Just on the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament alone, an estimated $3.1 BILLION is going to be spent across the country on the tourney.

Meanwhile, Texas won't see a penny of that. Imagine the tax money that could be made from something like this? We're missing out, and the Governor is beginning to see that.

Just because he is now a supporter of it doesn't mean it's a foregone conclusion that it's going to happen. There are still a lot of hoops to jump through, and just like the President, it has to get through other channels such as the Senate and House.

However, with the Governor now supporting legalizing it in Texas, we are one step closer to being able to place those bets.

I have been one of the biggest cheerleaders for legalizing gambling in Texas since I moved here over 10 years ago. Yes, a big reason for it is because I enjoy gambling. Whether it's hitting the tables, cranking the slots, or placing a parlay, I find great enjoyment in it.

Because I'm unable to legally place bets on sporting events, I have a tendency to immerse myself in DraftKings and other daily fantasy platforms. Look, the chances of winning good money there isn't great, but again, I use it more for entertainment.

I understand all the reasons why people are against. People can't control themselves, they blow entire paychecks, they become addicted, etc. I've heard it all. What about tobacco? Alcohol maybe? All things people can't control and become addicted to.

"But gambling could ruin someone's life". Yeah it could, but that's up to the person doing the gambling. Learn limits, know how to control spending, etc.

Each year, there are legislators in Texas who lobby hard for legalizing it in the state. They point out all the potential financial windfalls it could bring to the state, and it would do just that.

One lawmaker pointed out all the Texas license plates you see at casinos in Oklahoma and Louisiana. They aren't wrong. Another says it's not even about the money the state could realize, it's more a "freedom and liberty issue".

Even Governor Greg Abbot has said he sees sports betting as "just a form of entertainment".

How can we have horse racing tracks where you can legally bet on races there AND across the country, but can't do it online? How can we play daily fantasy games for money, but not place a bet on the game itself?

It's all considered gambling, therefore it should be fully legalized at this point. 39 of the 50 states in the union have legalized it, so why haven't we?

That could all change in 2025. There is even more growing support for it, and now that casino tycoons own the Dallas Mavericks, there's an even bigger push behind it.

On November 12, State Sen. Carol Alvarado filed a amendment to the state constitution, Senate Joint Resolution 16 that would legalize all types of gambling in Texas.

Now, this has happened on many different occasions, but this time it feels different. More and more lawmakers are warming up to the idea, and if the Governor views it as just "entertainment", it's only a matter of time before it finally gets pushed through.

So stay tuned, because 2025 could be the year we can finally hit the casino in our own state.