“It will generate more revenue for our state, protect Texans, and help keep folks invested and energized about our sports teams,” Sanchez says.
In a recent column in Texas Insider, Orlando Sanchez, former Harris County Treasurer and Houston City Council Member, argues that legalizing sports betting would provide Texas with a substantial new revenue stream without raising taxes on Texans. Highlighting the example of nearly 40 other states that have already legalized sports betting and generated over $6 billion in tax revenue, Sanchez notes the opportunity for Texas to generate millions in additional revenue annually.
“By legalizing sports betting in the Lone Star State, we could generate additional tax revenue – that doesn’t include taxing Texans more, which could be used to fund a variety of public projects while keeping Texans safe,” Sanchez says.
Sanchez, a U.S. Air Force and Texas Air National Guard veteran, also emphasizes that Texas legislative action would allow Texans to opportunity to choose for themselves whether to embrace sports betting through a ballot measure.
“The Legislature had the chance last session to give Texans the opportunity to vote on it as a ballot measure. Unfortunately, this legislation did not receive Senate approval after passing in the House. But we have the opportunity this session to give voters a voice and tap into an additional revenue stream that could benefit our state and its people,” Sanchez explains.
The column also touches on Texas pride, as Sanchez, a devoted fan the Houston Astros and the son of a former Houston Colt .45s broadcaster, suggests that legal sports betting could increase fan engagement, bolster state pride, and increase personal freedoms.
As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Sanchez urges lawmakers to give Texans the right to decide on sports betting legalization. With obvious fiscal, consumer protection, and personal freedom benefits, Sanchez argues, the Texas Legislature has an opportunity to safeguard taxpayer dollars, keep valuable revenue within the Lone Star State, empower Texans, and increase support for Texas sports teams.
Read the full column on Texas Insider here.