Members of the Texas Senate and House filed joint resolutions this month proposing amendments to the state's constitution that would allow the legislature to legalize and tax "casino gaming and sports wagering.

With plenty of patience and money, the industry is extending its multi-year campaign to bring legal casinos and sports betting to the state.

In research commissioned by the Sports betting alliance, gaming Firm Eilers and Krejcik gaming found that gaming could become a billion-dollar industry in the state. Kling says they also found many Texans are already trying to place bets, although it is not yet legal.

The Texas Constitution requires voter approval to authorize gambling in Texas, but the issue has traditionally faced intense opposition from religious groups, various law enforcement advocates and state lawmakers who don’t want to see gaming in the Lone Star State.