TX
Texas House Bill HB1544

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1544

Caption

Relating to fantasy sports contests.

Impact

The introduction of HB1544 aims to create a legal framework for the operation of fantasy sports contests, which have not been previously regulated. By doing so, it seeks to protect consumers and ensure fair play within these contests. Requirements such as age verification for participants and measures to prevent insider information usage are included to safeguard participant interests. This regulation could lead to a safer environment for consumers while also allowing fantasy sports operators to operate legally and transparently within Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1544 introduces regulations concerning fantasy sports contests within the state of Texas. The bill defines what constitutes a fantasy sports contest, emphasizing that it is distinct from traditional gambling. Participants pay to assemble fictional teams of athletes, and the results are based on the actual performance of these athletes in professional or amateur sports competitions. This distinction is crucial as it allows these contests to operate without being classified under gambling laws, provided they comply with the parameters set forth in the legislation.

Contention

The bill may generate debate among stakeholders concerning its implications for the gambling landscape in Texas. Some advocacy groups may argue that while the bill tries to define fantasy sports contests as skill-based games, it could lead to an expansion of gambling-type operations. Critics may express concerns that the bill might inadvertently blur the lines between legal gaming and unlawful gambling, particularly regarding the definition of what constitutes a bet versus a contest. Moreover, the restrictions on contest offerings based on youth and collegiate sports competitions may also attract scrutiny from various sports organizations.

Companion Bills

TX SB731

Same As Relating to fantasy sports contests.

TX SB731

Same As Relating to fantasy sports contests.

Previously Filed As

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 HB904

Relating to definitions for purposes of gambling criminal offenses.

TX HB2142

Relating to definitions for purposes of gambling criminal offenses.

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 HB1719

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.

TX HB4419

Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.

TX SB2325

Relating to the eligibility of certain events for funding under the Major Events Reimbursement Program.

TX SB649

Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.

TX HB1950

Relating to the major events reimbursement program, including event funding eligibility, site selection organizations, and single event and single year classifications.

Similar Bills

IA HF189

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public schools, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 1.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 08/01/2025.

MD HB484

Fantasy Competitions - Alterations and Voluntary Exclusion Requirements

MD SB470

Fantasy Competitions - Alterations and Voluntary Exclusion Requirements

IA HF2003

A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests and competitions by students with disabilities who are enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools.

NV AB199

Authorizes chiropractic physicians to evaluate and treat a person who has sustained an injury to the head. (BDR 54-828)

MS HB498

"Tim Tebow Act"; establish to provide equal access for homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities.

ME LD950

An Act to Authorize Kickboxing and Muay Thai Competition Under the Combat Sports Authority of Maine

IA HF1

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public schools, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 189.)