There are plenty of issues that divide Texas residents, but gambling legalization is not one of them. According to a new survey from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs, majority of Texans are in favor of legalizing casino gaming and sports betting in The Lone Star State.
Massive Public Support for Expanded Gambling in Texas
The survey, conducted from January 9-19, 2023 on 1,200 Texans aged at least 18 years old, found that 75% of Texas residents support a new Bill that would allow expanded gambling in the state, with only 13% strongly opposing the new changes.
Under proposals contained in Senate Joint Resolution 17 (SJR 17), each of Texas’ biggest metropolitan areas – Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth – would have one casino resort. The Bill would also allow “limited casino gaming” in certain locations and would create a sports betting licensing framework.
Casino Gambling Could Be Coming to Texas
The survey found massive public support for the Bill which cuts across ethnic, racial, religious, partisan, and generational lines. It has gained majority backing from men and women in the state, major political parties, and those residing in urban, rural, and suburban locations.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Renée Cross, senior executive director and researcher at the Hobby School, said there is room for common ground when it comes to allowing expanded gambling in Texas.
