Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is once again expressing a desire for The Lone Star State to pursue casino gaming expansion and Texas sports betting.
You needn’t pretend to be surprised. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is composed of pro sports franchises in the state that openly advocate for gambling legalization and expansion. And generally speaking, pro teams will always support not only sports betting in Texas but the entire United States. In markets that have legal sports gambling, these organizations can rake in financial gain with lucrative partnerships and even in-arena sportsbooks.
Like pretty much every other team in The Lone Star State, the Mavericks are tied to the Texas Sports Betting Alliance. This time, however, Cuban’s most pointed comments spotlighted the economical benefits of commercializing the casino industry. And make no mistake, the two issues are inextricably tied together.
Mark Cuban Thinks Sports Gambling and Casino Gaming Can Drive Texas Tourism
Here are Cuban’s latest comments, via The Dallas Morning News:
“I’d like to see resort casino gambling. When you think of all the places you want to save up to vacation, Texas isn’t one of them. There’s no real destination that you save up for. That’s a problem, and I think resort gaming would have a huge impact.”
This is a valid point. So many believe resort casino gambling is specific to Las Vegas (Nevada) and Atlantic City (New Jersey). That’s not really the case. There are plenty of casinos that double as hotel and entertainment destinations, many of which can be found in the midwestern region.
Just as the state would benefit from the legalization of Texas online sports betting, they would surely capitalize on destination casinos. The Lone Star State is so large that it would attract in-state residents looking for more localized getaways. Equally important, Texas’ proximity to Mexico, a big-time vacation destination, would serve them well for people inclined to make multi-leg trips.
Would Casino Expansion Go Hand-in-Hand with Texas Sports Betting?
Technically, paving the way for resort casino gaming would not necessitate the rollout of Texas sports betting. But the two would most likely go hand-in-hand.
For starters, some of the biggest supporters of resort gaming, including Cuban, are also Texas sports betting advocates. Mostly, though, it doesn’t really make sense to commercialize casino gaming without the inclusion of sports gambling. While most bets these days are processed through online sportsbooks in the United States, the most profitable retail locations are typically resort casinos with on-site sportsbooks and kiosks.
What’s more, pairing on-site gaming with the legalization of online sports betting in Texas would only drive up gambling tax revenue. Over 1 million Texans have tried to bet with online sports betting apps since the start of September alone. That is nothing if not additional proof of interest in Texas sports betting.
Of course, given that The Lone Star State has legalized neither commercial casinos or sports betting, the introduction of either one would be a welcomed development among gaming enthusiasts. Because if nothing else, having one without the other at least nods toward progress on an issue that’s remained stubbornly hopeless for years.
What’s the Future Look Like for Texas Sports Betting and Casino Gaming?
Despite repeated calls like Cuban’s, Texas does not appear to be on the verge of passing casino or sports betting legislation. Justin Byers from Covers recently broke down the roadblocks still impeding both issues:
“Cuban’s willingness to embrace casino gaming at resorts in Texas is far from reality due to a long history of lawmakers opposing the industry along with the emerging sports betting market. For casino gaming to be authorized in Texas, a constitutional amendment is required, which would need to garner at least a two-thirds vote from lawmakers. As a result, 21 out of 31 senators would need to approve the change. The casino and sports betting industries have yet to find favor with state lawmakers, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.”
Lieutenant Governor Patrick likely looms as the biggest obstacle. He has opposed Texas sports betting at every turn. And though there have positive indicators in the House of Representatives, Mr. Patrick has steadfastly maintained the issue isn’t worth adding to the Texas Senate agenda.
Texans Must Continue to Sit Tight and Wait for Resort Casinos and Sports Betting
Timing is another issue for both casino gaming and sports betting. The Texas legislature meets only in odd-numbered years. Even if lawmakers wanted to, they aren’t able to pass casino and sports betting bills in time for them to appear on the 2024 general election ballot.
The Lone Star State’s legislature is next scheduled to meet in 2025. Assuming they garner two-thirds support for Texas sports betting and casino gaming, the approved measure wouldn’t make it to voters until 2026 elections.
This invariably puts Texas sports betting on a years-long timeline. Experts still consider its legalization inevitable. But that legalization and subsequent rollout doesn’t seem like it will be happening at any point in the near future. At this rate, if Texans get the ability to bet on sports before 2027, it will be a fairly large shock.
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