People who want to legalize Texas sports betting said they play a long game during the current legislative session. They are also convinced that the Republican-led Legislature would allow the gambling bills to pass this year.
According to The Sports Interaction, Las Vegas Sands wants to bring casinos to Texas. However, they acknowledged the challenge of getting lawmakers on board the policy change. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick questioned whether gambling has enough support to pass in the Legislature.
However, Sands is confident that its lobbyists can change lawmakers’ minds to progress. According to bookie pay per head reports, lawmakers will file the gambling bill within the next month. Sands is confident that it can make some lawmakers support the legislation.
Legalize Texas Sports Betting
Sands’ founder, Sheldon Adelson, died last month. In the past, Adelson was against any form of online gambling. The company’s policy changed after his passing. Talks about legalizing casinos and sports betting gained traction before the 2021 legislative session. Professional sports teams support the legalization of sports wagering in the state.
However, both sports betting and gambling faced challenges in previous legislative sessions because they require a constitutional amendment. Also, they need support from two-thirds of the Senate and House to pass. After lawmakers passed the bill, voters can decide on its fate through a referendum.
Patrick said that gambling bills would not get enough support in the upper chamber this year. To make things worse, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban decided not to play the national anthem at home games. Thus, it sparked a backlash from Republicans. Patrick also said that his top priorities this session is to require the national anthem played at all public events.
You can learn the secrets to becoming a bookie as you wait for lawmakers to allow sports betting in Texas. That way, you are prepared to start a sportsbook when it becomes legal.