Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4062

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

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.

Impact

If passed, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of gambling in Texas by establishing a state-regulated video lottery system, which could enhance revenues from gambling activities. It includes provisions to prevent local governments from imposing taxes on the operation of video lottery games that are not expressly authorized by the state law, thus centralizing regulatory authority and potentially increasing state revenues allocated towards various programs. Additionally, revenue generated from video lottery operations would be earmarked for specific state programs, including compulsive gambling treatment and equine research.

Summary

House Bill 4062 seeks to authorize the operation of video lottery games at licensed horse and greyhound racetracks in Texas, thereby expanding the scope of legal gambling activities within the state. The bill proposes a regulatory framework under which the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission would oversee the implementation and management of video lottery systems. It explicitly allows Indian tribes to operate video lottery games as well, as long as they adhere to the applicable laws, thereby aligning state regulations with federal gaming legislation and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill will provide economic benefits and promote tourism within Texas, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential increase in gambling-related issues, such as addiction and its socioeconomic impact. Furthermore, by formally legislating video lottery operations, the bill might face resistance from various advocacy groups and local governments concerned about the moral implications of expanded gambling. The fundamental tension exists between economic incentives and potential public health concerns, highlighting the diverse perspectives surrounding the legalization and regulation of video gambling in the state.

Latest TX HB4062 Activity

View All Events: TX 2009 - 81st Regular HB4062

Companion Bills

TX HJR129

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the state to operate video lottery games at certain horse and greyhound racetracks and providing that federally recognized Indian tribes are not prohibited from conducting gaming on certain Indian lands.

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 HB1395

Relating to the Texas Lottery Commission establishing at least one weekly lottery game with a drawing held on Sundays.

TX HB903

Relating to the operation of a quick draw lottery game; requiring an occupational license.

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.

TX HJR84

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR30

TX SB2633

Relating to the regulation of horse and greyhound racing by the Texas Racing Commission.

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 HJR105

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of five casinos in this state by licensed persons in certain counties that have approved casino gaming to provide funding for public education; providing for the requirement of occupational licenses, the authorization of fees, the imposition of a tax, and the provision of criminal penalties.

TX SB1820

Relating to the prohibited play and facilitation of play of a lottery game by telephone or through the Internet.

Similar Bills

TX SB789

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to 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; authorizing fees.