Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2070

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 2070 would amend existing laws under the Occupations Code, specifically adding Chapter 2005 dedicated to sports wagering. This allows for the operation of both retail and interactive sports wagering, significantly altering the legal landscape concerning gambling in Texas. The tax revenues generated from sports wagering operators are earmarked for special education services, further emphasizing the bill's fiscal implications for educational funding within the state. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is tasked with developing the regulatory framework, including the issuance of permits to eligible sports entities.

Summary

House Bill 2070 introduces a comprehensive framework for the regulation of sports wagering in Texas, following a significant 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill aims to establish a legal, regulated sports wagering market that is expected to curb illegal betting and provide state oversight, while generating revenue for the state through taxation and licensing. Key provisions include requiring an occupational permit for sports wagering operators, a tax set at ten percent on adjusted gross revenue, and the creation of criminal offenses to deter unlawful activities related to wagering.

Contention

While supporters argue that HB 2070 will provide a much-needed regulatory structure that benefits both consumers and the state, critics raise concerns over potential addiction issues and the adequacy of safeguards to prevent underage gambling. There are fears that the accessibility of online and mobile sports wagering could lead to increased gambling-related harms. Additionally, some advocates for local governance question whether the state should impose such detailed regulatory measures without allowing cities and communities to have a say in how sports wagering should be conducted in their jurisdictions.

Companion Bills

TX SB736

Similar To Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses; decriminalizing wagering on sports events.

TX HJR97

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize sports wagering 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 HJR155

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, support the horse racing industry, and reform horse racing and greyhound racing by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, authorizing sports wagering, authorizing Tribal-State compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes, and creating the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering; requiring a license to conduct casino gaming; and requiring the imposition of a casino gaming tax, sports wagering tax, and license application fees.

TX HJR97

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, and reform and support the horse racing industry by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring a license to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a gaming and sports wagering tax and license application fees.

TX HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

TX HB4100

Relating to the regulation of wagering through telephone, the Internet, or other approved electronic means on horse races and greyhound races under the pari-mutuel system of wagering; requiring a license to operate account wagering; requiring a fee.

TX SJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax.

TX SJR39

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events.

TX HB4115

Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

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 SB736

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

NC H347

Sports Wagering/Horse Racing Wagering

MO SB852

Authorizes sports wagering

MO SB30

Authorizes sports wagering

MO SB764

Modifies provisions relating to gaming

MO SB643

Authorizes sports wagering