Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2731

Caption

Relating to the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks and the distribution of certain live, simulcast, and historical pari-mutuel pools.

Impact

The enactment of HB2731 is expected to significantly impact the operations of racetracks, particularly those wishing to offer historical racing. By establishing clearer definitions and regulatory measures, the bill aims to promote a transparent and accountable structure for historical pari-mutuel wagering. This could enhance the integrity of the racing industry and ensure that funds generated through these wagering activities align with state laws. The standardized regulations could potentially lead to increased revenues for the state through improved compliance and operational efficiency among licensed racetracks.

Summary

House Bill 2731 addresses the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks in Texas. The bill introduces several definitions related to historical racing and stipulates the commission's authority to regulate these activities comprehensively. This includes guidance on how historical races are displayed, and specifically addresses the need for proper licensing and the conditions under which pari-mutuel wagering can occur. The bill effectively standardizes procedures for the licensing of race tracks engaging in historical racing practices, emphasizing the necessity for compliance with the Texas Racing Commission's regulations.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB2731 indicated some levels of contention regarding the regulations imposed on racetrack operators, particularly concerning the historical racing totalisator systems. Opponents may argue that strict regulations could disadvantage smaller racetracks that may not have the resources to meet the stringent operational standards. Additionally, concerns about the potential for increased state oversight could lead to apprehensions regarding the autonomy of racetrack associations. The balance between necessary regulation and maintaining the viability of racetracks stands as a critical point of contention in the discussions around this bill.

Companion Bills

TX SB1920

Same As Relating to the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks and the distribution of certain live, simulcast, and historical pari-mutuel pools.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4100

Relating to the regulation of wagering through telephone, the Internet, or other approved electronic means on horse races and greyhound races under the pari-mutuel system of wagering; requiring a license to operate account wagering; requiring a fee.

TX HB4115

Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

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 HJR155

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, support the horse racing industry, and reform horse racing and greyhound racing by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, authorizing sports wagering, authorizing Tribal-State compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes, and creating the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering; requiring a license to conduct casino gaming; and requiring the imposition of a casino gaming tax, sports wagering tax, and license application fees.

TX HJR97

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, and reform and support the horse racing industry by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring a license to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a gaming and sports wagering tax and license application fees.

TX SB2633

Relating to the regulation of horse and greyhound racing by the Texas Racing Commission.

TX HB2550

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

TX SJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax.

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.

Similar Bills

TX SB1969

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the Texas Racing Act, including conforming amendments.

TX SB1920

Relating to the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks and the distribution of certain live, simulcast, and historical pari-mutuel pools.

TX HB3926

Relating to the regulation of horse racing and greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering in connection with that racing.

TX HB4396

Relating to distributions to the state greyhound breed registry.

TX HB2575

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

TX HB2550

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

TX HB1537

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

TX HB2463

Relating to the deposit and allocation of certain funds to the horse industry escrow account and to the maximum balance of that account.