Should Texas legalize gambling, marijuana? These Texans think so

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A January survey polled Texans on legislation topics being considered by the Texas Legislature during the 2025 regular session. The University of Houston conducted the survey.

The report looked at the opinions of Texans on legislation that would legalize different forms of gambling and marijuana use in the Lone Star State.

Gambling

According to the survey, 73% of Texans support legalizing the construction and operation of destination resort casinos in Texas, including 74% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans.

The study showed that 60% of Texans support legalizing online sports betting in Texas. Supporters of the legislation included 64% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans.

According to the report, 56% of Texans also support legalizing the operation of sportsbooks in the stadiums and arenas of Texas professional sports teams. Of those, 59% of those in favor were Democrats and 55% were Republicans.

UH said the survey showed more Texans approved of destination resort casinos versus the legalization of online sports betting or sportsbooks at professional sports venues.

Marijuana

When asked about marijuana, 79% of Texans surveyed said they support legislation that would legalize the sale and use of marijuana in Texas for medical purposes. Of those in favor, 86% were Democrats and 75% were Republicans.

The report said 69% of Texans support legislation that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana for personal use in Texas by those 21 and older. The penalty would be similar to a ticket for a minor traffic violation. Those in favor of the legislation included 79% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans.

According to the study, 62% of Texans support legislation that would legalize the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes in Texas by those 21 and older, including 71% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans.

Those who oppose legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana in Texas include:

• 47% of Republicans, with 31% who strongly oppose the legislation
• 56% of Born-Again Protestants, including 39% who strongly oppose the legislation

THC

Regarding THC, 55% of Texans support a ban on the sale of consumable THC in the state. The ban would pertain to retail outlets “taking advantage of a loophole in a 2019 agricultural law designed to boost the state’s industrial hemp industry.”

The survey showed 61% of Republicans support the ban compared to 48% of Democrats.

According to the report, 70% of Generation Z support the ban compared to 46% of the Silent Generation/Baby Boomers and 49% of Generation X.