Texas Considers Sports Betting Amendment
The state of Texas has long resisted legal sports betting, but recent developments show a shift in momentum. On February 12, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) in the Texas House. This bill could allow voters to decide on legalizing sports betting later this year. The proposal has sparked a new wave of debate, with supporters hopeful that Texas will finally join the growing list of states with legal sports wagering. However, opponents remain concerned about potential social and economic impacts.
The current version of HJR 134 focuses on retail, or in-person, sports betting. Earlier drafts included online sportsbooks, but those provisions have been removed. This omission has drawn criticism from those who believe that online betting is essential for a modern market. The bill also lacks details on how tax revenue from sports betting would be allocated, which is a key issue for many lawmakers and voters. If passed, only professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks that existed before January 2025 would be eligible for betting licenses. These entities could partner with management service providers to operate sportsbooks.
Despite growing public support and the potential for significant tax revenue, political barriers remain. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has stated he will not support the bill without strong Republican backing. Even if voters approve the measure in November 2025, legal sports betting may not launch until at least 2027 due to the state’s legislative schedule. The outcome in Texas will be closely watched, as it could influence other large states considering similar moves.
Missouri Set for Online Sports Betting Launch
Missouri has made significant progress toward legal online sports betting. In November 2024, voters approved Amendment 2, which changed the state constitution to allow sports wagering. The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is now developing regulations, with a full online launch targeted for December 1, 2025. This makes Missouri the 39th state to legalize sports betting, reflecting a national trend toward expanded gambling options.
The new law allows up to 21 online sportsbook licenses, with each professional sports franchise eligible for one. There are also 19 retail licenses available for casinos and stadium-adjacent locations. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Caesars Sportsbook are expected to enter the market. The St. Louis Cardinals have already partnered with bet365, signaling strong interest from both teams and betting companies.
Missouri’s tax rate for sports betting is set at 10 percent, which is lower than many neighboring states. Most of the tax revenue will go to public education, a key selling point for supporters. The legalization campaign was heavily funded by major sportsbooks, while some casino operators opposed the measure, arguing it favored out-of-state companies. The law requires bettors to be at least 21 years old and physically located within Missouri. The MGC will enforce responsible gaming measures, including self-exclusion programs and betting limits.
Mississippi Advances Mobile Sports Betting Bill
Mississippi is moving forward with legislation to legalize mobile sports betting. The state already allows retail sports betting at licensed casinos, but online betting is currently restricted to casino property. The new bill would let residents place bets from anywhere within state borders using their smartphones or computers. This change aims to modernize Mississippi’s gambling industry and capture revenue currently lost to neighboring states and offshore sites.
If the bill passes, Mississippi could see legal online sportsbooks launch as early as 2025. Supporters argue that mobile betting could generate up to $80 million in annual tax revenue, which could fund education and infrastructure projects. The state’s experience with casino gambling and retail sports betting provides a strong foundation for this expansion. However, some lawmakers remain cautious, citing concerns about problem gambling and regulatory challenges.
Minnesota Faces Setbacks in Legalization Efforts
In contrast to the progress seen in other states, Minnesota continues to struggle with sports betting legalization. On February 13, 2025, the state Senate held a hearing for Bill SB 757, which ended in a 6–6 deadlock. This marks the fifth straight year that legalization efforts have failed in Minnesota. The bill would have issued 11 sports betting licenses tied to tribal partners and allocated a portion of tax revenue to charitable causes and horse racing tracks.
Key points of contention included concerns about gambling addiction, the inclusion of college sports betting, and the structure of licensing fees. Some lawmakers argued that high fees would favor large operators and limit competition. Others pushed for stronger consumer protections, such as stricter advertising rules and bans on gambling ads at events with many minors. With neighboring states already offering legal sports betting, Minnesota risks losing tax revenue and regulatory control as residents turn to out-of-state or illegal options.
National Trends and Regional Comparisons
The push for legal online sports betting continues to reshape the gambling landscape in the United States. States like Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas have already launched legal markets, offering both retail and online options. These states have seen billions wagered and significant tax revenue generated, often directed toward public services like education.
The trend is clear: more states are moving to legalize and regulate online sports betting, driven by public demand and the promise of economic benefits. However, each state faces unique political, economic, and social challenges. The pace of legalization varies, with some states moving quickly and others, like Minnesota and Texas, facing ongoing debates and delays.
Outlook for Online Sports Betting in the USA
As 2025 unfolds, the landscape for online sports betting in the United States is rapidly evolving. States like Missouri and Mississippi are on track to launch legal online sportsbooks, while Texas and Minnesota continue to debate the issue. The success of sports betting in other states provides a roadmap for those still considering legalization. With strong public support and the potential for new tax revenue, more states are likely to join the movement in the coming years.
The future of online sports betting in the USA will depend on how lawmakers address concerns about problem gambling, tax allocation, and market competition. As more states legalize and regulate the industry, bettors will have greater access to safe and legal options, and states will benefit from increased revenue and job creation. The coming months will be critical as key states make decisions that could shape the national market for years to come.