TX
Texas House Bill HB4237

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4237

Caption

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming in this state and the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing a tax; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses; making an appropriation.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly impact existing laws regarding gambling and gaming in Texas. By allowing integrated casino operations alongside existing horse and greyhound racing venues, the bill seeks to revitalize those industries and create new job opportunities. Moreover, it aims to regulate the gaming sector thoroughly, establishing penalties for non-compliance and creating a dedicated fund supported by license fees and taxes on gross gaming revenues. This legislative move is anticipated to enhance revenue streams for state and local municipalities, potentially increasing funding for education and public safety programs.

Summary

House Bill 4237 aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming in Texas. The bill outlines the creation of the Texas Gaming Commission, which will oversee the operation and regulatory compliance of casino establishments within the state. It delineates specific classes of casino licenses, including Class I for large destination resorts, Class II for limited gaming at existing locations, and Class III for operations associated with greyhound racetracks. Each class has distinct operational and financial obligations aimed at promoting economic growth and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Contention

Several points of contention have emerged regarding HB 4237. Opponents argue that the expansion of gaming could lead to social issues related to gambling addiction and local opposition to casino establishments. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the integrity of the regulatory process and the potential for conflicts of interest in licensing decisions. Supporters believe that the bill will stimulate economic development and create substantial financial benefits for the state while emphasizing the need for a robust regulatory framework to mitigate risks. The balance between local and state control over gaming regulations remains a key debate point as legislators consider the broader implications of casino gambling in Texas.

Companion Bills

TX HJR133

Enabling for 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.

Previously Filed As

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 HB1568

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

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 SB765

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

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 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 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 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 HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

Similar Bills

TX SB1084

Relating to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in this state, the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, and the powers and duties of the Texas Racing Commission; providing penalties.

TX HB1724

Relating to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in this state, the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, and the powers and duties of the Texas Racing Commission; providing penalties.

TX HB382

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB292

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB222

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal 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 HB1549

Relating to the creation, organization, duties, and functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; providing a penalty.

TX HB4062

Relating to authorizing the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to providing a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties.