Texas legislative docket grows as array of sports betting bills filed

Legislators in Texas have added to the state’s clamor for sports betting legalization with a quartet of fresh bills aiming to bring the vertical to the Lone Star State.

These bills included SB715 and SJR39, authored by Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst, as well as HB 1942 and HJR 102, filed by Representative Jeff Leach, all of which aim to legalize sports betting through constitutional amendment following a statewide referendum.

All four of these bills are backed by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, an advocacy group which counts online sportsbook operators and local sports teams among its membership.

Leach’s bill, HJR 102, allows Texas-based sports franchises to operate sportsbooks, with each franchise able to apply for one online sports betting license and partner with one online sports betting operator.

In addition, professional golf tournaments forming part of the PGA Tour, and the state’s racetrack operators will be able to apply for licenses to operate sportsbooks.

This legislation could see franchises in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and WNBA apply for licenses.

HJR 102’s companion bills deal with the individual regulations governing the vertical in areas including licensing, taxation, and standards by which operators must adhere in the state.

Licenses will cost $500,000, with renewal fees payable of $100,000 for a sportsbook operator and $10,000 for a sports betting service provider.

Operators will be taxed at a rate of 10% of their respective gross gambling revenue (GGR), with 2% of this redirected to problem gambling treatment groups operating in the state.

A contentious issue across many states, betting on college sports, will be allowed through the bills.

In a statement concerning the legislation, Representative Leach highlighted the need to protect Texans from the illegal gambling market.

“It will serve to promote freedom and liberty in Texas and protect our citizens from the illegal and increasingly dangerous sports betting market that preys on unsuspecting consumers, including minors, putting their personal and financial information at great risk,” Leach said.

“It is time for the Lone Star State to join the 35 other states who have passed similar legislation – and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure this referendum is on the ballot of  Texas’ voters in November,” he added.

Leach’s remarks were echoed by Senator Kolkhorst, with the Senator citing the prevailing need to keep sports betting proceeds inside the state.

“I introduced SB 715 and SJR 39 because Texas needs to bring security and safety into the world of mobile sports betting,” Kolkhorst said.

“It makes sense to rein in all of the illegal offshore betting and keep sports wagering funds here in Texas. This is a sensible plan, which is why so many states have already passed similar legislation.

“As a former collegiate athlete, I respect the purity of sports and feel SB 715 and SJR 39 will promote integrity through transparent licensing, permitting, and reporting requirements. Most important of all, it will stop underage offshore betting that is happening across Texas today,” she concluded.