If Texas Casinos Come, Dallas-Fort Worth Wants to Be Ready

If Texas Casinos Come, Dallas-Fort Worth Wants to Be Ready
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Texas casinos and legal Texas sports betting are still open questions in the Lone Star State. But if voters approve a constitutional amendment to usher in Texas gambling, a Dallas-Fort Worth group wants to be ready.

The North Texas Commission put out a call for city leaders to join a gambling exploratory committee. The panel would study the potential impact of casino destination resorts in the state.

Any Texas gambling package needs two-thirds support in the Texas Senate and the state’s House of Representatives. Then, voters would need to give a constitutional amendment their majority support at the polls.

Huge resort casinos impact the state’s workforce, infrastructure, transportation, and public safety needs, so Dallas-Fort Worth leaders are trying to take a proactive approach.

The North Texas Commission’s exploratory committee isn’t automatically a gambling pep rally, either. Holden Wilen of the Dallas Business Journal covered the Texas gaming discussion on Wednesday.

The Journal quoted North Texas Commission COO Patrick Brophey as part of its coverage. Brophey said his group wants a full range of opinions — advocates and opponents alike.

“This is open to North Texas Commission members who we traditionally cater to, but well beyond that as well to get the full scope of our community, including social services, public safety, nonprofits, arts and entertainment, mental health professionals, and business and industry leaders. We want parity across the region.”

Next year’s legislative session takes place from Jan. 14 to June 2, 2025. The eventual commission members hope to meet this fall as they stay ahead of legislative developments in Austin.

Texas Casinos Face a Tricky Two-Step

Texas state representatives advanced House Joint Resolution 102 to bring gambling to a public vote in 2023. The measure stalled in the Texas Senate, however.

Dallas Stars President Brad Alberts told Legal Sports Report’s Mike Mazzeo that Texas gambling efforts are “50-50 at best” in 2025. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick seems reluctant to give voters a say on gambling through a constitutional amendment referendum.

District 67 state Rep. Jeff Leach is on the November ballot for reelection in 2024. He’s been endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott — and supported Texas gaming efforts in 2023.

Texas bettors already place wagers, he told fellow House members. They just use offshore, illegal apps.

“Every single one of them are criminals … under Texas law,” Leach said on the House floor in 2023. “I believe that we should pass this bill to let them come out of the shadows — and to carefully and safely regulate this.”

About the Author
Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell

Lead Writer
Russ Mitchell joined Gaming Today as a lead writer in February 2023 after joining Catena Media in 2021 as a managing editor for the PlayIA and PlayVA brands. He covers sports betting industry, market developments, the college sports betting industry, and the four major North American pro sports leagues. He brings 25+ years of journalism experience to Gaming Today. He is a five-time winner of the Iowa’s prestigious Harrison “Skip” Weber Investigative Reporting award, a two-time National Newspaper Association award winner and a 50-time Iowa Newspaper Association award winner.

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