For many in Texas, the topic of gaming legalization is a big one and 2023 should feature some spirited debate in the Lone Star legislature with two gaming bills on tap. Per the Texas Tribune, House Bill 1942, put together by Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano), would “permit regulated sports betting that is already legal in 29 states.” Moreover, another bill, House Bill 2843, would “permit casino gambling in Texas.” The latter piece of legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Juempel (R-Seguin), could create a ton of new revenue streams in the state and would add a new layer to the diverse Texas economy.
For this report, SBS will be going over the latest gaming news coming out of Texas and also some more notes and information about Lone Star gaming.
According to the article from the Texas Tribune, critics and also proponents of gaming legislation in Texas locked horns before lawmakers in a Texas House committee hearing last week. Per the report, supporters of the bills stressed that gaming legalization efforts would create an economic boom for the state, in turn creating thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue. Of course, this is a familiar narrative that many are hearing in other states around the country, like California, that are on the borderline between gaming legalization state-wide or not. In this case, opponents of the bills appealed to lawmakers’ “sense of family values, stressing the immortality of legalizing the potentially addictive gaming (activity).”
The former new piece of legislation, House Bill 1942, championed by Rep. Leach said in the House State Affairs Committee hearing that sports gaming is already present in Texas due to websites and apps residents can access. Moreover, he said that a regulated model would help protect customers in Texas. Leach was quoted in the report saying that many in the state are taking advantage of this loophole and that statewide legalization would cure a lot of these problems. Moreover, he stressed the bill would not permit betting on youth sports, and professional athletes and coaches would be prohibited from participating.
Per the report, the debate about the bill to legalize casinos fell along similar lines of argument. For instance, Kuempel, the author, said his intentions are to promote high-class gaming and entertainment facilities that provide thousands of jobs and increase revenues to local governments via sales and hotel taxes. However, Rep. Kuempel said, “(the bill) is not the creation of a new Las Vegas Strip and slot machines in gas stations and convenience stores.” In the same article, the committee left both bills pending rather than immediately taking a vote to advance to the full chamber. Moreover, it is noteworthy that neither bill has ever received a floor vote in the House or Senate.
It is important to also note that in the past, Texas has allowed only a limited form of gambling. This includes activities like the lottery, greyhound, and horse racing along with bingo. While efforts in the past to push legalization through have failed, national gaming interests have made a concerted push during this legislative session to make that a thing of the past.
After you are all done getting up to speed on the latest gaming news pertaining to the Lone Star State, make sure to check out the variety of resources that SBS has in store for you. For even more gaming information related to the topic at hand, our sports betting in Texas guide gives you everything you need on the latest gaming developments going down in the state. If you are perhaps interested in more ways to maximize your wagers, then the SBS best bonus betting sites rundown goes over the latest welcome bonuses available. Moreover, this page contains a well-curated catalog of the best welcome bonuses out there. On a final note, in a state as large as Texas, our best betting apps breakdown could come in handy as it gives you all the details related to mobile betting sites.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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