Texas Sports Betting Bills Pass Through House of Representatives...Sort Of

"The head of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, joined in the opposition to both proposals, saying the process was rushed. 'I’m not a no,’I’m a not now,’ Martinez Fischer said. 'Let’s spend some time and get it right.' A fellow Democrat who co-authored the casino proposal, Rep. Yvonne Davis of Dallas, said the legislation is 'not perfect probably at this point, but as we do with legislation every day, we continue to perfect it.'"

Proponents for the expansion of the Texas casino business have argued that the measure would lead to "world-class" tourist hubs with "shopping and entertainment." They have also said that, at the very least, Texas voters deserve the chance to inject their voice into the matter. We'll know whether this approach resonates in the coming weeks.

Support for Texas Sports Betting Bill on the Rise

This year's Texas sports betting bill isn't facing nearly as much opposition as its casino counterpart. Make no mistake, it still has detractors. But Texas officials from both the Republican and Democratic parties have voiced fairly strong support.

Universal backing from every one of The Lone Star State's professional sports franchises certainly helps matters. So, too, does the increased presence of legal sports betting in the United States. More than 35 states are on track to have some form of legal sports gambling up and running by the end of the year.

More recently, Texas officials started reframing the context of the sports betting bill, as well. Democrats, in particular, have said this proposal doesn't actually represent a drastic change. Instead, it's merely a decision to capitalize on the increasing number of Texans already betting with top online sportsbooks in spite of the state's laws.

These sentiments hold serious weight. The off-shore sports betting market in Texas is believed to be worth in the billions. Even those in the House driven by moral opposition understand they can't prevent residents from betting on sports. But will the Senate feel the same?

The Senate is Still Viewed as a Wild Card When It Comes to Sports Gambling

Assuming the pair of Texas sports betting bills make it out of the House, everything hinges on the Senate's reaction. Thus far, this isn't seen as a good thing.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who sets the Senate agenda, has repeatedly dismissed the idea of sports betting. Most recently, he has claimed the Texas Senate doesn't have the votes necessary to legalize sports betting.

Of course, the best way to gauge Senate support is by holding a vote. By all accounts, however, he isn't prepared to do that. Entering the final weeks of legislative meetings, the Texas sports betting bills had yet to appear on the Senate's agenda.

Perhaps the Senate does, in fact, lack the votes to legalize sports betting. But preventing the latest measures from appearing on the floor, generating discussion and being put to a vote undermines the democratic process. And it's not like Lt. Gov. Patrick's views are shared by everyone. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed a willingness to discuss and even accept the legalization of sports betting.

At this rate, we'd wager against Texas legalizing either one of these gambling bills. But we'll know for sure by the end of May. Until then, all Texans can do is wait—and potentially find solace in knowing the push for sports betting is at least making progress, even if more slowly than surely.