University of Houston conducts survey to see if Texans back major changes to state's gambling laws

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A new study by the University of Houston shows most Texans want casino gambling legalized in the state.

The video above is from a previous report.

The report, which was released Thursday, takes everything from gender to location into account.

The study comes as Texas Senate Joint Resolution 17 has been introduced in this year's state legislative session, which, if passed, would allow one casino in each of the state's largest four metropolitan areas - Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio - as well as the legalization of sports betting in the state.

RELATED: Houston lawmaker says there's bipartisan support for legalized gambling heading into 2023 session

There is a 2023 push for casino and sports betting to become legal in Texas as we head into the new legislative session. The resolution would legalize a limited number of resorts and facilities to do so.

Overall, 75% of the 1,200 surveyed said they'd support the passage of the legislation - including all political parties, races, genders, and those who identify as born-again Christians.

In terms of allowing sports wagering in Texas, 69% of those surveyed were in support, with the lowest support total coming in at 57% among baby boomers.

This joint resolution has been introduced, but that doesn't mean it will even be voted on.

In fact, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the senate in the state legislature, said it's not something that he'll take up. The resolution will not pass if that continues to be the case.

"The hard part is we literally are talking about one person," said Dr. Mark Jones at UH. "I think Patrick is conflicted between people lobbying him to pass it, and his own viewpoint that casino gambling would not be a good thing for Texas."

That being said, Jones said all hope should not be lost for those who want gambling in the Lone Star State.

"Casino gambling optimists would say this is the first time the governor and the speaker of the house have been supportive," Jones said.

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SEE ALSO: Former Gov. Rick Perry 'quite confident' Texans would vote to legalize sports betting

The Lone Star State is nowhere close to legal sports wagering, but that all could change in the next legislative session as the push to make that happen has gained the least likely of allies.