California and Texas Move Closer to Legal Online Gambling in 2025
The conversation around legal online gambling in the U.S. is heating up again, and this time, two of the biggest states are right in the middle of it. California and Texas. Home to over 20% of the American population are now considering major steps toward legalizing online gambling. If either one gives the green light, it could open the floodgates for millions of new players across the country.
States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have already embraced online casinos for USA players and are bringing in some serious tax money. However, California and Texas have taken a slower, more cautious approach. Now, in 2025, things are starting to shift. Lawmakers, tribal leaders, and casino companies are all sitting at the table. This is because the pressure to act is growing.
California Could Be the Game-Changer
California has always had huge potential for online gambling, but the laws just haven’t kept up. That could change with a new proposal. The Senate Bill 852 which is being pushed by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman. This bill would allow tribal casinos to run their own online gambling platforms or partner with big names like Caesars or BetMGM. In return, a share of the profits would go to the state in taxes.
What’s interesting is that some tribes who were once strongly against online gambling are now showing support. Mostly because the bill gives them control over how it’s handled. Recent public hearings have seen big turnouts, showing that public interest is strong and opinions are evolving.
If California moves forward, it could bring in over $3 billion per year in revenue. More than any other state has ever seen from online gambling.
Texas Might Be Ready to Take a Big Step
Texas has always been one of the toughest states for gambling expansion, but this year looks different. A new proposal, the House Joint Resolution 97, would allow Texas voters to decide whether to allow destination casinos and regulated sportsbooks. While the plan doesn’t cover online casino games like blackjack or slots just yet, it’s seen as a first step toward more widespread legalization.
The bill is picking up support from both political parties, and big companies like Las Vegas Sands and DraftKings are spending heavily on ads and lobbying efforts. They clearly believe that Texas could become a major player in sports betting almost overnight, thanks to its huge population and passionate sports fan base.
A recent poll from the University of Texas found that 58% of Texans now support legal online gambling. Up 16% from just four years ago. People are starting to see the benefits: more jobs, extra tax revenue, and the convenience of gambling from home instead of crossing state lines.
What It Means for the Industry
If either of these two states makes online gambling legal, the impact will be huge—not just for local players, but for the entire industry. Big-name operators are already making plans, building new features into their apps, and preparing to launch quickly if they get the go-ahead.
Crypto casinos are also in the mix. More and more players are looking for quick, secure payment options, and platforms that accept Bitcoin or other digital coins are gaining traction. These sites offer fast deposits and withdrawals, which appeals especially to younger gamblers.
At the same time, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is calling for clearer regulations. They say that without proper oversight, billions of dollars are ending up in unlicensed offshore casinos. The AGA believes that if states like California and Texas set up legal, regulated markets, they can keep that money in the U.S. and protect players more effectively.
California and Texas – The Bottom Line
2025 could be a turning point. With real bills on the table in California and Texas, and growing support from voters, online gambling in these massive states may finally become a reality. It won’t happen overnight, but the wheels are definitely in motion.
