Relating to the operation of casino gaming in this state by licensed persons in certain areas of this state to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage in the coastal areas; requiring occupational licenses or certifications; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties; authorizing fees; imposing a tax.
Impact
If enacted, HB 3839 would amend various provisions within the Occupations and Penal Codes to include casino gaming. It will introduce a system for licensing and certifying gaming operations, with strict oversight aimed at safeguarding public interest. The bill imposes an 18% tax on gross gaming revenues from casino operations, allocating funds to the catastrophe reserve trust fund for windstorm insurance. This measure is particularly relevant for areas vulnerable to natural disasters, promoting economic resilience through enhanced insurance funding from casino-generated revenue.
Summary
House Bill 3839 proposes to regulate casino gaming operations in Texas, allowing licensed operators to conduct casino games in designated areas of the state. The bill aims to create a structured environment for casino gaming, ensuring adherence to public safety and integrity standards. The operations would be overseen by the Texas Lottery Commission, which would be responsible for establishing rules, granting licenses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory protocols. By adding this framework, the bill seeks to harness casino gaming as a source of revenue for the state, specifically to bolster the funding for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
Contention
The introduction of casino gaming regulations via HB 3839 is expected to spark debate among legislators and community stakeholders. Proponents argue that regulated gaming could lead to significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased state revenues benefitting crucial public services. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential social implications of expanded gambling, including enhanced risks of gambling addiction and societal problems linked to gambling activities. The balance between economic opportunity and social responsibility represents a notable point of contention as discussions around the bill progress.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of casino games in certain areas of this state by licensed persons to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage in the coastal areas; providing for certification or licensing of persons engaged in occupations related to casino gaming.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.