Texas is the second most populous and the biggest state in terms of the landmass in the United States. It has a population of about 30 million people and resides in five of the country’s top fifteen largest cities. Texas, along with California, is a shining example of legalized internet gaming in the United States.
If sports betting becomes legal in Texas, it will have a ripple effect on the entire industry. Legal betting access would be available to more people than that of the two largest regulated markets, Illinois and Pennsylvania, combined, in one fell swoop.
Is there a chance? Despite the fact that the state has some of the most stringent gaming regulations in the country, this isn’t as far-fetched as once thought. Because of its sports fan base, the state has already introduced legislation that could lead to the bill becoming law. Here is a look at the present state of things in Texas with regard to sports betting.
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Current Texas online sports betting progress
Inside the heart of Texas, there are whispers of trouble. Eddie Lucio III, a Democrat in the Texas House of Representatives, introduced a bill in 2019. HB 1275 aimed to allow all Texans (and people visiting) to place bets on both professional and college sports teams. Retail wagering as well as online sports betting on the internet and smartphone applications were proposed for regulation. It only mentioned five possible licenses for sports betting and specifically ruled out wagering on amateur-level sports.
In spite of the fact that HB 1275 was stalled due to Republican opposition, it remains viable. Due to the fact that it was denied advancement but not killed completely, it’s currently in an undetermined state of affairs. It’s still possible that if things get better politically, it won’t be difficult to change and put into practice.
Is there anything that could alter the equation? Enter: COVID-19. State governments around the world have been hard hit by the global pandemic, and Texas is no exception. There is no partisanship in sports betting legislation, despite the fact that the Texas House of Representatives was indeed currently controlled by the House Republican Party. Thousands of jobs and more than $1 billion in annual revenue are expected to be generated by the legal industry, according to estimates that are sure to excite both liberals and conservatives.
What needs to happen for Texas to legalize sports betting
Texas’s House of Representatives must approve any sports betting legislation with a majority vote. An overwhelming majority of Republican senators oppose the bill and have voted against it 83-67 (55 percent) since it was first proposed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a well-known opponent of gambling, is not anticipated to back the bill.
If the House manages to garner a democratic majority and progress a bill, Governor Abbott would have the option of signing it into law, allowing it to sit for ten days, or exercising his veto power.
Greg Abbott would be powerless to stop this measure from passing with a two-thirds of majority in both houses of the Texas legislature, despite the governor’s veto. The cards will remain in the hands of Abbott until the expiration of his term in 2023 if there is only one-third support for his candidacy. There is a candidate named Beto O’Rourke that has vouged to make sports betting legal in Texas if he is elected governor, so we just have to wait and see as to what will unfold.
Gambling in Texas: what is, and isn’t legal
While the state is known for giving its citizens more freedom, the state’s gambling legislation is exceedingly restrictive. This chart shows what you can and cannot do right now.
Not permitted in Texas
It is against the law to wager on everything in Texas that relies on chance in any way. It’s not allowed if it’s not solely a game of skill.
- Casino gaming – The state has made it illegal to play any kind of casino game in the state. Table games and slot machines are included in this category. Craps, blackjack, and roulette are just a few of the many options available. All of it is forbidden.
- Poker – Isn’t poker a game of skill, rather than chance?!” Even though this is true, Texas has not yet come to this conclusion.” Poker is still categorized as a form of gambling because there are still some components of the match that are based on chance.
- Sports betting – The current law in Texas prohibits any and all types of sports wagering. This covers both Texas-based online and off-premises wagering on sporting events.
- Bingo – In the US, bingo is a popular pastime; however, because it relies on chance, it’s not recommended unless the money is going to charity.
- Raffles – Class A misdemeanour charges can be levied for unpermitted raffles. However, there’s a few exceptions to the rule: if it’s for profit, it’s not allowed.
Legal forms of gambling in Texas
The state is really not completely out of luck when it comes to gambling. It’s possible to get involved in a variety of activities.
- Horse racing – It is legal to wager on horse races in the state, but only at certified establishments. Simulcast and pari-mutuel betting are both included in this.
- Dog racing – A different animal is involved in the same type of activity.
- Lottery – The Texas Lottery Commission oversees the state’s lottery, which was established in 1991 as a result of a House Bill.
