Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1970

Caption

Relating to fantasy sports contests.

Impact

The bill establishes a regulatory framework for fantasy sports in Texas by adding Chapter 2053 to the Occupations Code. This inclusion formally legalizes the operation of fantasy sports contests, thereby influencing existing laws around gambling and consumer protection. As a result, the bill may impact the landscape of online sports competitions and gaming, potentially allowing operators to run their businesses legitimately and encouraging growth within the industry. However, operators are required to adhere to certain stipulations aimed at safeguarding participants, such as ensuring participants are of legal age.

Summary

Senate Bill 1970 (SB1970) proposes regulations for fantasy sports contests in Texas. The bill defines 'fantasy sports contest' as a competition in which participants pay to create fictional teams that compete based on the actual performance of athletes. This legislation is designed to clarify the legal status of these contests, asserting that paying an entrance fee to participate does not constitute illegal betting under Texas law. By codifying these definitions, SB1970 aims to create a framework that promotes participation in fantasy sports while ensuring consumer protection.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of increased regulation, there may be points of contention surrounding SB1970. Critics of the legislation might argue that it opens the door to gambling under the guise of fantasy sports, which could lead to broader gambling issues in Texas. Additionally, the bill's limitations on contest operations—prohibiting awards based on the performance of a single team or athlete—could be scrutinized for potentially limiting the creativity and appeal of fantasy contests. Stakeholders from both sides of the debate may present concerns regarding the balance between regulation and opportunity within the gaming industry.

Companion Bills

TX HB1457

Relating to fantasy sports contests.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB904

Relating to definitions for purposes of gambling criminal offenses.

TX HB2142

Relating to definitions for purposes of gambling criminal offenses.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3583

Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SB649

Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.

TX HB4223

Relating to youth injury mitigation and information training for coaches and youth athletics personnel.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB4419

Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.

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IA HF2003

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