To do that, two-thirds of the House (100 of 150 Representatives) and Senate (21 of 31 Senators) would have to approve legislation, and then voters would have to give their ok in an election this November.Įthan Watts, a Dallas resident said he supports legalizing gambling and sports betting. We did not hear back from Abbott and Patrick's offices, and a spokeswoman for Phelan said he declined comment at this time. Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont seeking comment about this issue. We reached out to the offices for Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. To make this a reality in Texas, the state constitution would have to be changed. 'It will give Texans the ability to decide for themselves if they want this activity safely regulated or continue to be conducted in the shadows by out of state betting platforms.' Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a statement as part of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance.