TX
Texas House Bill HB1121

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1121

Caption

Relating to the regulation of sports betting; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

If passed, HB1121 will significantly alter the landscape of gambling regulations in Texas, allowing for the legalization of sports betting while simultaneously imposes strict penalties and restrictions to mitigate risks associated with gambling. A 6.25% tax will be applied to each bet placed, with those revenues intended to support the foundation school fund, thereby linking the potential economic boon of legalized betting to educational funding in the state. By controlling who may participate in sports betting operations and how they operate, the state aims to ensure public safety and financial integrity in this new arena.

Summary

House Bill 1121 aims to regulate sports betting in Texas, introducing occupational permits for sports betting operation providers and establishing a framework for taxation and enforcement. The bill defines key terms related to sports betting, including 'sports bettor' and 'sports betting platform', while outlining the requirements for obtaining a permit, such as a thorough background investigation of the applicant. A substantial fee of $250,000 will be required for the application, reflecting the bill's intent to ensure that only financially stable and compliant operators can engage in sports betting within the state.

Contention

However, the bill does face contention primarily regarding its restrictions on betting on Texas college sports and youth sports, which some believe undermines potential local interests in these events. There are also concerns about the regulatory burdens placed on operators and the resources required to enforce compliance. Critics might argue that this level of control could stifle the industry instead of promoting it. Overall, discussion on the bill is likely to spark debates on gambling's role in Texas, local versus state control over sports betting, and the implications for social responsibility.

Companion Bills

TX HJR68

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering on professional and collegiate sporting events in this state.

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 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 HB2057

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.

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 HB3583

Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB3827

Relating to the regulation of earned wage access services; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; imposing fees.

TX HB2274

Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

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