Three bills that seek to legalize Texas sports betting will be heard, for the first time since being introduced, in the House of Representatives State Affairs Committee today.
Two of the bills seek to legalize "destination resorts," casino gaming, and sports betting; while the third only seeks to allow online sports betting. Lawmakers will consider the bills and their proposals to place casinos and sports betting on the general election ballot in November 2023. Each proposal seeks a constitutional amendment for legalization, which would have to be approved by a two-thirds majority in both Texas legislative chambers and by state voters in the November general election.
HJR 155 from Rep. Charlie Geren (R-99) seek to allow destination resorts in major metropolitan areas and legal sports betting, while attempting to revitalize the state’s horse racing and greyhound industry. The proposal calls for the creation of the Texas Gaming Commission to oversee legalized gaming; Senator Carol Alvarado has also filed a bill to expand casino gambling through legislation that would also let voters decide on whether or not to legalize resort-style casino gambling and sports betting, but with different parameters from Geren’s proposal.
For it´s part the State Affairs Committee will also hear Rep. Jeff Leach’s (R-67) HB 1942 and HJR 102 legislation to legalize online sports betting through a constitutional amendment. The legislation is supported by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which is comprised of Texas professional sports franchises, sports leagues, racetracks, and sports betting platforms.
No doubt today will be a decisive day for gambling industry in Texas
