Key Takeaways
- Rep. Charlie Geren filed HJR 52 on November 9, a proposed constitutional amendment on casino gambling and sports wagering.
- The plan would cap Texas at 10 regulated casinos and limit the gambling revenue tax to 15%.
- It needs 100 House votes and 21 Senate votes to reach the November 2, 2027, ballot.
- Texas gambling laws remain unchanged for now.
Texas Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) filed House Joint Resolution 52 on November 9, days after an election reshaped the state’s top leadership.
It would let voters decide on casinos and sports betting, with up to 10 regulated casinos and a 15% tax cap. If two-thirds of both chambers approve it, Texans would vote on November 2, 2027.
What HJR 52 Would Change for Texas Casino Gambling and Sports Betting
The Texas Legislature Online bill page lists HJR 52 as a proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to voters. It was filed for the 90th Legislature’s regular session.
The resolution would not change anything on its own. It would give the Legislature power to authorize casino gambling and sports wagering. According to KPRC 2, these are the core provisions:
| Provision | What HJR 52 Would Do |
|---|---|
| Casino cap | Allow no more than 10 regulated casino facilities statewide |
| License length | Set initial casino licenses at a minimum of 40 years |
| Casino locations | Limit casino gambling to regulated physical locations |
| Siting | Let lawmakers decide where casinos and sports wagering can operate |
| Licensing | Require operators to hold licenses and pay application fees |
| Taxes | Cap the gambling revenue tax at 15% and limit extra gambling-specific taxes or fees |
| Tribal gaming | Create a process to negotiate gaming agreements with Texas’s three federally recognized tribes with Indian lands in the state |
The physical-location rule applies to casino gambling. The KPRC 2 report does not say whether sports betting could happen online or only in person.
The Vote Math HJR 52 Needs to Reach the 2027 Ballot
HJR 52 needs a two-thirds vote in both chambers before it can go to voters. Here is how the numbers break down:
| Chamber | Votes Needed | Makeup Reported by KPRC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Texas House | At least 100 of 150 | Democrats set to take control after the 2026 election |
| Texas Senate | At least 21 of 31 | 19 Republicans, 12 Democrats |
The Senate figures are specific. Even if all 12 Democrats support HJR 52, at least nine Republicans would need to vote yes.
KPRC 2 did not report a seat count for the incoming House. That makes the House math harder to gauge from the available reporting.
How the 2026 Election Reshaped Texas Gambling Politics
Last week’s election shifted power in Austin. Democrats are set to control the Texas House, and Gina Hinojosa is governor-elect.
The Senate will also have a new presiding officer. Vikki Goodwin will replace outgoing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has long opposed gambling regulation. As a state representative, Goodwin supported legislation letting Texans vote on expanding gambling.
The new lineup carries no guarantee of support. Hinojosa voted against gambling constitutional amendments as a state representative in 2023. Republicans could also move to limit Goodwin’s authority over committee assignments and procedures.
Geren’s Earlier Casino and Sports Betting Proposals Stalled
HJR 52 is Geren’s latest attempt. In 2023, his broader proposal with destination resorts and a gaming commission failed.
In 2025, Geren’s HJR 137 was referred to the House State Affairs Committee in March. It never received a full House vote.
Other 2025 proposals also stalled. Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) filed SJR 16, covering destination resort casinos, sports wagering and a Texas Gaming Commission. Rep. Sam Harless (R-Spring) filed HJR 134 for a sports betting vote, with an identical companion from Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.
Neither the Alvarado nor the Harless proposal left committee.
What Happens Before the 90th Legislature Convenes
The 90th Legislature convenes January 12, 2027. Readers can follow committee referrals and votes on the HJR 52 bill page at Texas Legislature Online.
The status of Texas sports betting is unchanged for now, but allowing casinos surely would suggest that’s on the table for the near future as well.
Why HJR 52 Matters for Texas Bettors
HJR 52 gives Texas bettors an early look at what a regulated market could include. Its terms cover up to 10 casinos, regulated operators and a tax ceiling of 15%.
The legislative path remains difficult. Two-thirds of each chamber must pass it, and voters must approve it in November 2027. Even then, the amendment would only let the Legislature authorize casino gambling and sports wagering.
However, Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones has backed regulated sports betting in Texas following the midterms. If legalized gambling gathers enough support, lawmakers might respond and open the door.
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