The State of Texas moved one step closer to regulated sports betting this week when Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134. If passed, this measure would put a resolution on regulated sports betting on the November ballot and let the people of Texas decide whether or not they want sports betting to be part of their gambling ecosystem.
Under the terms of HJR 134, Texas sports betting would be approved in partnership with one of the state’s current sports teams, horse racing tracks, and “a designee of an approved entity.” Though straightforward in its approach, HJR 134 lacks in some details that are covered by HJR 137, which was introduced by Representative Charlie Green.
Green’s bill would add ten new land-based commercial casinos, three tribal casinos, and online casino betting to the regulated gaming framework. Operators in this framework would be taxed at 15 percent.
The move to put sports betting to a vote by the people of Texas went over very well with the Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), a lobbying group focused on this subject. In comments reported on by Fox 26 Houston, TSBA spokesperson Karina King praised the bill saying, “We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment. Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year.”
“It’s time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong, regulatory framework for sports betting — just like the 39 states that have already moved forward,” she added.
With a population of just over 30 million people, Texas is America’s second most populated state and would be massive opportunity for sports betting operators of all stripes.