Texas Considers Major Sports Betting Amendment
The state of Texas is once again at the center of the sports betting legalization debate. On February 12, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless filed the Sports Betting Amendment Bill, HJR 134, in the Texas House. This move marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to bring legal sports betting to the state. Historically, Texas has faced many obstacles and bureaucratic challenges that have kept it from joining other states in legalizing sports betting. However, there is now renewed momentum and fresh proposals that are rallying more support for legalization.
If passed, HJR 134 would put the final decision on legal sports betting directly into the hands of Texas voters later in 2025. This has sparked strong reactions and debate across the state. The bill has been amended to focus mainly on retail (in-person) sports betting, removing earlier provisions for online sportsbooks. The omission of online betting and the lack of specifics regarding tax allocation from gaming revenue have become major discussion points. Licensing eligibility under HJR 134 would extend to professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks, but only entities existing before January 2025 would qualify for licenses.
Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting would help recapture millions of dollars currently lost to neighboring states and offshore sites. Polls show a majority of Texans support legalization, especially if tax revenues benefit public services. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed openness toward online sports betting, referencing successful revenue collection models in states like New York and Michigan. However, key political hurdles remain. Senate leader Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick continues to resist gambling expansion without substantial Republican backing. Even if voters approve HJR 134 in November 2025, actual implementation could be delayed until at least 2027 due to the legislature’s biennial schedule.
While optimism is growing as Texans approach a possible referendum, familiar obstacles persist. The lack of clarity around tax allocation and licensing details, as well as new issues that may arise during legislative negotiations, remain challenges. If passed, Texas would join neighboring states like Louisiana and Maryland in allowing legal sports betting, ending a long-standing prohibition within the state.
Missouri Set for December 2025 Sports Betting Launch
In Missouri, both retail and online sports betting have been legalized, with the official statewide launch set for December 1, 2025. This means most of the football season will occur before legal betting is available. The law could not be enacted under an emergency statute due to intervention by the Secretary of State, so it takes effect August 30, 2025. Only then can regulators begin screening and approving up to 19 retail and 23 online licenses.
The first licenses, those not tied to a casino, will be awarded on August 15, with other applicants having until September 15 to apply. Major sportsbook brands are expected to enter Missouri’s market, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and bet365. Legalization was driven by a campaign led by Missouri’s professional sports teams, giving the measure legitimacy among voters. The ballot measure narrowly passed in November by fewer than 10,000 votes out of 2.9 million cast.
Missouri’s new law allows pro sports teams to establish retail sportsbooks near their stadiums and partner with branded betting apps. Eligible teams include the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis City SC, and Kansas City Current. Six casino operators in Missouri can operate retail sportsbooks at their properties and offer online casinos, while two additional online-only licenses are available for companies without a casino or team partnership.
The Missouri Gaming Commission will regulate all licensed wagering, including mobile and online betting. Betting is restricted to individuals physically located in-state and over age 21. License fees are set by the Commission, and a 10% tax on revenues goes toward education after covering regulatory expenses and compulsive gambling prevention funding. The legalization process was financially supported by FanDuel MO and DraftKings MO, who spent over $32 million backing Amendment 2. Caesars opposed the bill, spending $14 million due to concerns about favoring out-of-state operators.
Until launch day, only daily fantasy platforms like DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel Fantasy are available. Once live, major brands are expected to operate in-state, and proceeds will support education and responsible gambling programs via a dedicated tax structure.
Mississippi Advances Mobile Sports Betting Bill
Mississippi is moving forward with a bill to legalize mobile (online) sports betting, aiming to modernize its gambling market and improve tax revenue collection. The state legalized retail sports betting in 2018 but has not yet allowed online or mobile wagering outside of casino properties. Currently, sports betting in Mississippi is restricted to licensed casinos, and even casino-based mobile apps can only be used on the premises. This limitation has led many bettors to use offshore sportsbooks or travel to other states with legal online options, resulting in lost revenue for Mississippi.
The proposed legislation would allow residents to place bets from anywhere within the state using smartphones or computers, removing the requirement to visit a physical casino. If passed, Mississippi would join states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan that already permit mobile sports betting. Legalizing online sports betting could generate significant new tax revenue for the state—potentially around $80 million annually—which could be allocated toward education programs and infrastructure improvements.
The move is seen as necessary for Mississippi’s gambling industry to remain competitive with neighboring states such as Tennessee and Louisiana that have already embraced online betting. There are operational challenges and some opposition despite strong support from industry stakeholders and gaming operators. Legislative committees are currently reviewing the bill, and supporters are optimistic due to positive trends in other states expanding their online betting services. If licensing and regulatory frameworks are established promptly, legal online sportsbooks could launch in Mississippi as early as 2025.
Minnesota Faces Ongoing Legalization Deadlock
On February 13, 2025, Minnesota’s Senate Committee on Government and Local Affairs held a hearing for Bill SB 757, which aimed to legalize sports betting in the state. The bill failed to gain enough support, ending in a 6–6 deadlock, marking the fifth consecutive session where legalization efforts have stalled. Senator Matt Klein, the main proponent of SB 757, proposed tying 11 sports betting licenses to tribal partners and allocating 45% of tax revenue from sportsbooks to charitable causes. An additional 15% was earmarked for supporting horse racing tracks.
Despite these provisions, the bill faced strong resistance due to concerns over gambling addiction, market entry affordability, and especially the inclusion of college sports betting. Critics argued that licensing fees and revenue splits were too complex and favored large sportsbook brands over smaller operators. Senator Erin Maye Quade opposed legalizing college sports betting and described in-play betting as “the most predatory” form of gambling. She advocated for removing both from any legal framework.
Industry advocates warned that excessive restrictions would drive bettors toward illegal offshore sportsbooks, resulting in lost revenue for the state. Senator Steve Drazkowski challenged the proposed licensing fees as potential barriers to entry, arguing they could stifle competition if not properly calibrated. He also criticized provisions penalizing harassment of athletes related to their betting activities as adding unnecessary regulatory burdens.
A second proposal by Senator John Marty called for stricter consumer protections, such as banning all gambling advertising at events with more than 30% minors present and prohibiting such ads in public buildings. Minnesota is surrounded by regions where sports betting is already legal, raising concerns that continued prohibition will push residents toward illegal markets or neighboring states—costing Minnesota valuable tax revenue and creating further regulatory challenges. The ongoing legislative deadlock leaves Minnesotans without regulated sports betting options while neighboring states continue to advance their own legal markets.
Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape for Online Sports Betting
The landscape of online sports betting legalization in the United States is rapidly changing. States like Missouri and Mississippi are making significant progress, while Texas is considering a major amendment that could put the issue directly to voters. Meanwhile, Minnesota continues to face legislative gridlock. As more states move toward legalizing online and retail sports betting, the focus remains on balancing economic benefits, consumer protections, and responsible gambling measures. The coming year will be crucial as these states finalize their approaches and potentially set new standards for the rest of the country.