Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2329

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the operation of casino gaming in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; requiring occupational licenses or certifications; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties; authorizing fees.

Impact

The bill represents a significant shift in Texas gaming law, creating a legal landscape that accommodates the operation of casinos, provided that local communities approve them through elections. This provision for local option elections means that each county can decide on its own whether to permit casino gaming. Consequently, the bill may lead to a more diverse and potentially lucrative gaming environment in Texas, enhancing economic opportunities in counties that choose to permit casinos. However, the impact will vary widely based on local decisions.

Summary

House Bill 2329 seeks to establish a structured framework for casino gaming in Texas. It allows licensed operators to conduct casino games in counties where such activity has been approved by local voters. The bill introduces a licensing regime, overseen by the Texas Lottery Commission, that requires operators, gaming vendors, and employees to obtain various occupational licenses or certifications. By outlining strict definitions of what constitutes casino gaming, the bill aims to regulate the industry effectively while ensuring adherence to state laws pertaining to gambling.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 2329 reflect a degree of polarization. While supporters argue that the bill could generate substantial tax revenue and promote tourism, opponents express concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and its social implications. Furthermore, the prohibition on the operation of gambling devices unless licensed under this statute faces scrutiny, as critics argue it could lead to increased regulation of previously established gambling practices in Texas. Additionally, the local election requirement may lead to disparities in gaming availability across the state.

Companion Bills

TX HJR105

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of casino games in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; providing for certification or licensing of persons engaged in occupations related to casino gaming.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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

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 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.

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 HB1601

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2100

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

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.

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