A senator in Texas recently filed a bill for casino resorts and sports betting in Texas cities, including San Antonio, according to one news outlet (KSAT). This bill would authorize, and regulate, casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts in Texas. There has been a new push in the state capital of Austin for legal casinos and sports betting right before the Texas legislative session gets underway on January 10. According to one report, Texas state senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) recently filed bill SJR 17 in the legislature. If passed, the bill would authorize and regulate casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities in Texas.
For this article, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest news coming out of the Lone Star State, along with more notes about Texas wagering.
As pointed out by KSAT, if this new bill goes through, it will authorize and regulate casino gaming at numerous destination resorts in the state. The major metro destinations outlined by Alvarado included Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, among others. Per one article, Alvarado said this is something she has been pushing for quite some time because, in her words, it would “help diversify our economy.” Moreover, the senator said it would make Texas a destination place with resorts and “all sorts of amenities.” The bill also states that facilities licensed by a proposed Texas Gaming Commission would require occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming and require the imposition of a tax.
According to Alvarado, the proposed bill would put together destination resorts with multiple built-out amenities. In her words, “this would have to be a casino that has a four or five-star hotel, shops, and restaurants.” Moreover, the senator also pointed out that the regulations and everything for a licensee to even bid would be pretty strict. Additionally, you would have to go through extensive background checks and would have to be pretty specific in terms of what standards need to be met.
As referenced in one article, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has staunchly opposed any form of legalization in the state. He has said in the past the Senate would not have enough votes to send the amendment to the voters. However, Alvarado is staying optimistic because she said she’s started to receive bipartisan support on the topic. She also added in one article that it could bring thousands of jobs to these specific metropolitan areas and keeps millions of dollars in the state that would otherwise go to neighboring states that have legalized some form of gambling.
Senator Alvarado also said that this is not “merely somebody putting up a slot machine or blackjack table in a restaurant or bar.” This is something that she says will spur some job growth and value to the Texas economy. The bill would need two-thirds support by the state legislature before it can go to Texas voters. For the proposed bill to go through, it would have to pass a constitutional amendment where it would go before the voters, and once the voters approve, then would move to the legislature. After that, then the gaming commission is established, and where a lot of the critical parts of the bill moving forward would need to be ironed out.
After you have done all your homework regarding the latest gambling news coming out of the Lone Star State, SBS has your back when it comes to all kinds of resources. For instance, if you are in need of more notes about gaming news from the topic at hand, our sports betting in Texas guide has everything you need when it comes to wagering in Texas. For those gamblers on the go, the SBS best betting apps rundown is a must-read, so you can never miss out on any action. Finally, if you are maybe uncertain about which payment options are the best for you, then do not fret as SBS has a page for you. With our payment methods breakdown, you can explore a variety of ways to make deposits and withdrawals.
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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