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An illegal betting operation in San Juan, Texas was shut down by police in an operation that saw four arrested and the confiscation of money and betting machines.

Texas is home to a strict regulatory framework in regard to gambling operations and licensing, with a limited variety of betting markets available for Texans to enjoy.

The state currently has licensed betting operations for parimutuel horse and dog racing, the Texas Lottery, charitable raffles, and bingo, as well as tribal betting that is available in Eagle Pass’s Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino run by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s Livingston based Naskilia Gaming casino, and the Tigua Tribe’s El Paso Speaking Rock Entertainment Center operation.

While Texan regulations help to maintain a safer betting environment for citizens, there are alternative options that many explore. 

Offshore facilities provide secure online platforms to enjoy a wide selection of betting markets. Gambling expert Khadija Bilal explains that the growing selection of legitimate offshore betting operators offers a safe way for bettors to enjoy traditional casino games, sports betting, and other gambling markets.

Licensed offshore betting sites operate in external jurisdictions and observe the rules and regulations that make them a secure option. They have been a popular option among bettors living in states that prohibit betting activities.

Another option that is more worrying for the state is the illegal gambling operations like the recently disbanded effort in San Juan. While bettors may think that it is a harmless and victimless activity, these operations can often be part of a bigger crime network and support more serious criminal activities including drug trafficking and extortion.

The latest crackdown saw the confiscation of an unspecified sum of cash as well as 77 gambling machines. Four arrests were made with charges of the running of an illegal gambling operation and organized crime activity. Fernando Arteaga, Frida Sanchez, and Fatima Hernandez were all named by the police, with Jordi Alejandro Gonzalez facing an additional charge of evading arrest after an attempt to flee the scene before resisting arrest.

Events like this have led to increased support for an expanded Texan gambling industry which would offer greater protections to consumers. The Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation conducted a recent survey that showed 47% of voters supported the legalization of online sports betting. Destination casino resorts got even more support with 56% backing the construction of these sites.

As well as providing greater control over the industry, the revenue that online and retail betting operations bring in would result in a significant increase in tax revenue for the state.

Crypto gambling and offshore betting see millions of dollars leave the state every year. These operations will continue to offer good competition to state-licensed betting operations and ensure high gaming standards are met.

Support for legalized casino gambling in the state has also gathered support from Las Vegas Sands, the new Dallas Mavericks owners. They filed a new petition following attempts in 2022 to amend legislation.

As well as this petition, several Bills have been proposed to allow sports betting in the state, with major league sports franchises giving their full support.

With mounting support for legislative changes and continued legal action against illegal operations, Texas could see its gambling landscape change in the near future.

If constitutional changes are to take place, legislation would need a minimum of 100 of the 150 House Representatives to vote in its favor, it would then need a minimum of 21 of the 31 Senators to back changes before an election could take place that would allow Texan voters to vote on the future of the state’s betting industry.