TX
Texas House Bill HB1275

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1275

Caption

Relating to the regulation of sports betting; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

The bill imposes a tax of 6.25% on each bet placed by sports bettors, to be collected at the time of the wager. This revenue is earmarked for the foundation school fund, potentially impacting education funding in Texas. By mandating a permit for sports betting operations and establishing penalties for non-compliance, the bill aims to provide oversight and enhance public safety while also generating revenue for state coffers. If passed, the bill would create new legal avenues for sports betting while outlining strict regulations to govern the process.

Summary

House Bill 1275 seeks to regulate sports betting in Texas through the establishment of a detailed framework for operations, which includes requiring an occupational permit for entities wishing to engage in sports betting. The bill outlines a structure where applicants must undergo comprehensive background checks and adhere to regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on operational integrity and responsible gambling measures. It aims to ensure that betting occurs within a controlled environment, protecting both the bettors and the integrity of the sports involved.

Contention

There are concerns regarding the restrictions placed on betting, particularly the prohibition against betting on Texas college and youth sports. Critics argue that these limitations may not adequately address the needs and freedoms of potential bettors, raising questions about fair access to sports betting opportunities. Moreover, the stringent requirements for obtaining and maintaining a permit could hinder smaller operators from entering the market, raising concerns over potential monopolization by larger entities.

Companion Bills

TX HJR61

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize sports betting in this state.

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 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 HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB2057

Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB173

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX SB484

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4538

Relating to the regulation of beekeeping; imposing fees and authorizing other fees; expanding the applicability of an occupational permit.

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