Three out of four Texans are in favor of a proposed constitutional amendment by Senator Carol Alvarado that seeks to legalize gaming and online sports wagering in the Lone Star state. The stats were released by a recent survey published by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, conducted between January 9th and 19th.

The study indicates a major shift of stance by the masses in Texas, whose population has long shown a strong aversion to gambling. No doubt, this is fantastic news for the future of gambling in the state. If okayed by the legislative process, the bill, dubbed Texas Senate Joint Resolution 17 (SJR 17), will also need approval by a majority of the Texan residents in a constitutional referendum.

University of Huston’s survey, which involved 1200 Texans, found that out of the 75% of the Texas residents who support the proposed legislation, 41% said they strongly support it. Further, the findings also disclosed that a paltry 13% would strongly oppose the amendment. Also, 69% of Texas residents would be willing to support a stand-alone legislation that would legalize in-person and online sports betting, whereas 31% would oppose such a legislation.

Religious, Gender, Political, Geographical, and Racial Demographics

The survey further revealed that even 69% of born-again Christians living in Texas, who have long been opposed to legal gambling, now support the legislation. Going further down racial lines, the survey revealed that the proposed gambling legislation received support from 83% of African Americans, 77% of Latinos, and 73% of white Texans.

Meanwhile, along gender lines, it revealed that 78% of men and 72% of women support the proposed legislation. The survey also revealed widespread support along political party lines, with 80% of Texan Democrats, 74% of Independents, and 72% of Republicans backing the bill.

Finally, in terms of geography, the survey revealed that 75% of urban Texans, 74% of rural Texans, and 66% of suburban Texans support the passage of the gambling expansion measure.

Widespread Bi-Partisan Support in the Legislature

Texas’ gambling expansion bill is already receiving support from both sides of the political divide. The motion, led by Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado, is reported to have Democratic and Republican lawmakers on its side in the Senate. Speaking to KRTK-TV, which is an affiliate of ABC news, Alvarado remarked:

Quote

“It simply allows Texans to go to the polls and vote on whether or not we should have gaming in Texas. The way it is crafted, it would be very specific for casinos in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. It would have to have several components, starting with a four to five-star hotel, a complex for conventions, conferences, entertainment, restaurants, and shops.”

Likewise, there is legitimate cause for optimism that the bill will sail through the House in the right-wing-leaning state, as it already has a Republican sponsor. The bill will now proceed to the floors of the House, where legislators who will be under intense pressure in the next couple of months will comb through its details.

Of course, the prospect of legalized gambling in the Lone Star State comes with plenty of benefits to Texans and the local economy. Sen. Alvarado, the leader of this gambling expansion initiative, pointed out some benefits that could tag along with the bill’s passage. He said:

Quote

“In construction, indirect jobs in hospitality, and entrepreneurs, Houston is a place where people come for economic opportunity. Having restaurants and shops open up would be a boost to our economy locally.”

Another pointer of the bill doing well is the fact that it has the support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan. The two have thrown their weight behind the proposal to establish four destination casinos and eight smaller ones around the state.

Be that as it may, the proposers of this legislation face a significant hurdle in the form of Lt. Gov Don Patrick. He is an influential leader who enjoys the backing of many Republicans in the Senate but is deemed to like the bill. While it may be true that Patrick has long opposed any form of gambling, the combined support of both Governor Abbott and Speaker Phelan will likely sway his stance.

Pro-Gaming Expansion Lobbying is Gathering Pace

Before gambling is passed in Texas, the amendment must first win a two-thirds majority in both Houses. Voters will then have the final say. As you can imagine, such is the audacious task set for gambling to see the light of day that lobbyists have already set camp in the state.

For instance, just last year, the Las Vegas Sands contributed at least $3 million to loads of lawmakers and legislative groups, with $1.7 million of the money going to the Republican party. Las Vegas Sands also hired 63 lobbyists to continue their push to bring gambling to the state. The initiative has also received the backing of Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban.