Texas Sports Betting Could Be This Year

The prospect of legalised sports betting in Texas has finally been aired before a committee in the county’s House of Representatives.

But no action was taken either for or against the two pieces of legislation. Named HB1942 and HJR102 they were introduced to the House by republican Jeff Leach. He wants the pro-sports betting bill to be voted on in November – although no formal decision was given on this.

And naturally, he’s not the only one. The bill was backed in the House by representatives from professional sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros and Houston Rockets. Unsurprisingly, they were joined in their enthusiasm by The Texas Sports Betting Alliance lobbying group. This is made up of all the major Texas professional sports teams, as well as five sportsbooks, namely BetMGM, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel and Fanatics.

At this moment in time legal sports betting is already available in 29 US states.

There are several issues surrounding the acceptance of sports betting in the Texas according to it is critics – not least when it comes to the proposed tax rate. This is currently sitting at 10 per cent (a far lower rate than many other states). The cost of the licensing fee ($500,000) has been queriedby Rep. John Smithee as being far too low. It’s believed around 15 licences would be awarded, should the vote be enough for sports betting in the state to go ahead.

Another matter to be considered is that there is no mention of tribal inclusion – a matter the local Kickapoo Tribe is already angered by.

Meanwhile, those in favour of the bill point to around $7 billion being spent in illegal gambling practices in Texas on an annual basis. This is via various websites and apps.

Leach added: “There are hundreds of our constituents, citizens of all ages, including minors, who right now, especially with March Madness, are placing unsafe, unsecure, illegal, criminal bets very easily.”

In order to be accepted, the proposed sports betting legislation must be accepted by the House by a two-thirds majority. It would then go to the House of Representatives where a similar number of votes would be required for it to pass and be made in to law. But that looks extremely doubtful, according to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

“Right now, there are no votes in the Senate,” he said. “There’s no support I can see. There wasn’t when the session began and there’s not now with the numbers to pass a bill.”