Efforts to bring casino gambling to Texas have encountered repeated setbacks, with proposals failing in recent legislative sessions. Despite ongoing industry interest, Governor Greg Abbott has made clear that he is not yet prepared to support changing the Texas Constitution to permit such establishments. In an interview in Fort Worth, Abbott stated: “I’m not there yet. I’m simply not there yet.”
The governor expanded on his reservations when asked to explain his position. “Because we’ve seen increasingly problems that go along with gaming. Whether it be addiction or whether it be things that are happening in sporting events and athletes who are on the take. And so, there have been more red flags raised. That caused us to have to pause, step back, take a look at this and make sure that we wouldn’t do anything that would be harmful, either to the people of the state of Texas, the culture that we have in the state, or to sporting events that we have in the state.”
Abbott’s caution reflects broader concerns about the potential social and ethical impacts of legal casino operations. Addiction remains a prominent worry, along with possible integrity issues in sports, which could be exacerbated by expanded gambling opportunities. These factors have prompted the governor to adopt a deliberate approach, emphasizing careful consideration before altering the state’s legal framework.
Proposed Casino Resorts and Constitutional Hurdles
Previous legislative efforts envisioned a limited number of casino resorts concentrated around major urban areas, specifically Dallas and Houston. These proposals would have allowed select locations to operate casino gambling while maintaining strict oversight and regulatory controls. However, for the legislation to succeed, a supermajority in both the Texas House and Senate would have been required to approve a constitutional amendment, which would then be submitted to voters for final approval.
The combination of procedural complexity and public concern has slowed progress, demonstrating the challenges of enacting casino legalization in a state with entrenched regulatory and cultural considerations. Abbott’s position underscores the difficulties in achieving the necessary political and social consensus.
Industry Persistence Amid Uncertainty
While Abbott has not signaled support at this time, the gambling industry continues to explore opportunities for expansion in Texas. Operators and advocates maintain interest in legalizing casinos, citing potential economic benefits, tourism growth, and job creation. Nevertheless, executive caution, combined with legislative requirements for constitutional amendments, poses substantial barriers to near-term change.
Governor Abbott’s comments suggest that any move toward legalization will require careful examination of social impacts, particularly the potential for increased addiction and risks to sports integrity.
Looking Forward
As legislative sessions progress, the question of casino gambling in Texas is likely to resurface, but Abbott’s remarks set clear boundaries for the executive branch’s current stance. Any shift toward legalization would require broad political alignment and public support, alongside mechanisms to mitigate social risks identified by the governor and other stakeholders.
With the state’s legal and cultural landscape in mind, Texas continues to monitor proposals, but Abbott’s cautious approach makes clear that significant hurdles remain before casino gambling could become a reality.
Source:
“Governor Abbott doesn’t support changing the Texas Constitution to legalize casino gambling, ‘I’m not there yet’”, publicgaming.com, December 7, 2025
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