The gambling industry told the House State Affairs Committee casinos and sports betting could bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue.
Members of both political parties are pushing a constitutional amendment to license a handful of casinos across the Lone Star State.
Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth filed a resolution to allow Texans to vote on seven commercial casinos and a sports wagering program.
Sen. Carol Alvarado filed a joint resolution to legalize a limited number of casinos and authorize a sports wagering program in Texas.
Texas is among a minority of states that have not created a legal sports betting market since it became permissible under federal law.
Casinos are constitutionally banned in Texas and opponents say legalizing them would have adverse social effects.
The Democratic candidate for governor suggested legalizing gambling could provide an opening for property tax relief.
Texas lawmakers considered sports betting legislation last year, but the proposals did not make it out of committee.
Proposed constitutional amendments to establish four commercial casinos in Texas are currently pending in committees.
A representative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., which has hired 73 lobbyists in Texas, testified in favor of legalizing casinos.
Under the proposed laws, the state would require a $500,000 application fee for a sports wagering operator license.
