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; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties.
Impact
The legislation amends existing laws related to gambling and introduces new provisions under the Occupations Code. It mandates that operators receive a casino gaming operator license and sets forth standards for their operations, including requirements for inspections and oversight to safeguard public health, safety, and integrity within casino gaming. The bill also creates a state casino gaming account for the collection and management of revenue generated through the imposed 18% tax on the gross gaming revenue from casino operations. This revenue will primarily support the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, providing a financial safety net against potential windstorm disaster-related claims.
Summary
House Bill 2741 aims to regulate casino gaming in Texas by permitting licensed operators to conduct casino games in specific areas, with the generated revenue providing additional funding for residual windstorm insurance coverage in coastal regions. By establishing a structured framework, the legislation seeks to ensure casino operations are managed by licensed personnel, instituting strict oversight from the Texas Lottery Commission. The bill introduces occupational licenses and certifications for various roles within casino gaming, ensuring that the employees are vetted and qualified for their positions.
Contention
Despite the potential economic benefits, there are points of contention regarding the bill's implications. Opponents may argue that introducing casino operations could contribute to social issues related to gambling addiction and gambling-related crimes. Others may raise concerns about the fair distribution of gaming licenses and the risk of monopolies forming within the casino industry. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of regulation, asserting that the bill would create jobs and stimulate local economies while providing essential funds to address windstorm insurance needs in vulnerable areas.
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.