Relating to the operation of video gaming by authorized organizations and commercial operators that are licensed to conduct bingo or lease bingo premises; providing penalties; imposing fees.
Impact
If enacted, SB799 would significantly modify current gambling laws in Texas, allowing for state-regulated video gaming while still imposing limitations to maintain a controlled environment. The Texas Lottery Commission is empowered to establish rules for video gaming operations, including licensing requirements and operational compliance standards. The legislation indicates that while poker and lotteries can still exist, video gaming would be limited to specific authorized premises, with strict financial accountability and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that a percentage of gross gaming income is remitted to the state and distributed to charitable organizations.
Summary
Senate Bill 799 seeks to authorize the operation of video gaming by charitable organizations and licensed commercial operators in Texas, particularly in conjunction with existing bingo operations. The bill aims to enhance the state’s revenue sources while closely monitoring these gaming activities to prevent illegal gambling practices. It establishes a framework under the Texas Lottery Commission for regulating video gaming terminals, including the licensing of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, as well as ensuring compliance with strict security regulations during gaming operations.
Sentiment
The reception of SB799 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing it provides much-needed revenue sources for the state amid financial concerns, while critics worry about the ethical implications of expanding gambling in Texas. Discussions may emphasize concerns regarding the effectiveness of regulatory measures and the potential for gambling addiction. Advocates for the bill highlight its focus on community benefit through charitable distribution of funds, whereas opponents argue that it could lead to wider gambling proliferation and related social issues.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB799 include concerns over the effectiveness of self-exclusion lists meant to protect at-risk individuals from gambling. Additionally, the bill's reliance on the successful implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and regulatory framework by the Texas Lottery Commission creates skepticism over governmental capacity to effectively control the proposed video gaming landscape. Some local officials express apprehension about how the bill may conflict with existing zoning laws or community desires regarding local gambling regulations.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize the operation of video gaming in this state by persons and organizations licensed to conduct bingo or lease bingo premises and providing that federally recognized Indian tribes are not prohibited from conducting gaming on certain Indian lands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to the operation of video gaming by authorized organizations and commercial operators that are licensed to conduct bingo or lease bingo premises; providing penalties.
Relating to the operation of video gaming by authorized organizations and commercial operators that are licensed to conduct bingo or lease bingo premises; providing penalties.
Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, including the consolidation, repeal, and creation of certain licenses and permits; changing fees.