By: Herrero H.B. No. 4040
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the licensing and regulation of sports betting web
sites, providing penalties; requiring a license; allowing a fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2502, Occupations Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 2502.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "License" means a license, certificate, registration,
permit, or other authorization that:
(A) is issued by a licensing authority; and
(B) a person or entity must obtain to practice or
engage in a particular business, occupation, or profession.
(2) "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation.
(3) "Sports betting website" means an internet website that
allows a user to make through use of the website a bet on the outcome
of a sporting event or participation in a competition based on the
performance of the players in a sporting event or series of sporting
events.
Sec. 2502.002. OPERATING SPORTS BETTING WEBSITE; LICENSE
REQUIRED. (a) A person or entity must obtain a license issued by
the department annually, if the person or entity operates a sports
betting website.
(b) The department shall adopt rules for the licensing of
sports betting websites including charging a license fee.
2502.003. OPERATING SPORTS BETTING WEBSITE WITHOUT A
LICENSE; OFFENSE. (a) Unless licensed under Section 2502.002, a
person or entity commits an offense under Section 47.02(a)(1),
Penal Code.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class A
misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.