Bill > SJR65

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the Texas Constitution by allowing the state legislature to legalize sports wagering under specific conditions. The amendment would permit the legislature to authorize sports betting only through four specific types of entities: professional sports teams existing as of January 1, 2025, sports organizations that have held sanctioned annual professional golf tournaments in Texas before that date, class 1 racetracks operational on January 1, 2025, or designated representatives of these entities. The proposed amendment would add a new subsection to the existing constitutional provisions regarding lotteries and gambling, expanding the current restrictions. If approved, the amendment would be submitted to Texas voters for consideration at the November 4, 2025 election, with ballot language explicitly describing the proposed change as authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering on certain sporting events. This resolution represents a potential significant expansion of legal gambling options in Texas, carefully limiting the initial scope of sports betting to established sports and racing organizations.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SJR65