Texas lawmakers are renewing their push to legalize casinos and sports betting in the Lone Star State, and Galveston — the birthplace of Fertitta Entertainment — could be at the center of it all.
A House Joint Resolution is working its way through the Texas Legislature that would begin the process of amending the Texas Constitution. If it clears both chambers and receives the governor’s signature, voters could have the final say as early as November 2027.
Under the proposal, Texas could issue up to 10 casino licenses, each valid for 40 years. Casino and sports betting revenue would be taxed at no more than 15 percent, though the resolution does not specify where that money would go.
Fertitta Entertainment, which owns Pleasure Pier in Galveston, has signaled it is not opposed to the idea. In a statement to KPRC 2, the company said it supports “destination-style casinos that attract tourists and visitors” and believes “these destinations can provide experiences that appeal to Texans.”
Galveston residents are divided on the prospect of legalized gambling coming to their island.
“Personally, I don’t know how to feel about it,” one resident said. “People are going to spend their money on what they like.”
Another resident echoed the sentiment of personal freedom. “It’s all personal choice — I wouldn’t vote against it, I don’t think.”
Not everyone shares that enthusiasm. “It’s an addiction,” one resident warned. “You can lose money. It can end bad.”
Galveston resident Brian Starnes is firmly in favor, pointing to neighboring Louisiana as proof of concept.
“I absolutely think we should, for sure,” Starnes said. “I gamble — I go to Louisiana quite a bit. I think it would bring a lot of business, a lot of money to the island, to the state for that matter.”
When asked how potential casino revenue should be spent, Starnes didn’t hesitate. “Education,” they said, “and city projects and cleaning up.”
Rice University political analyst Mark Jones said the debate will go far beyond just the economics.
“They’ll be discussing not only how much of the revenue will go towards, say, public education, but also how much will go to solving some of the societal problems that will be engendered by having casinos in these cities,” Jones said.
Efforts to legalize gambling and sports betting have stalled in Austin for years. The resolution must pass both the House and Senate before it reaches the governor’s desk. If signed, the measure could appear on the November 2027 ballot.
