Texas House Bill HB477

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the operation of casino gaming in certain state coastal areas to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in the coastal areas; requiring occupational licenses and certifications; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB 477 will establish a framework for regulating casino gaming and create several new positions under the Texas Lottery Commission to oversee these operations. By requiring various licenses for gaming operators, vendors, and employees, the bill seeks to ensure that gaming activities are conducted in a secure manner, safeguarding the public interest and maintaining fairness within the industry. The revenue generated from casino taxes is to be allocated to two specific funds: the catastrophe reserve trust fund to assist in covering insured losses during emergencies, and the catastrophic flooding assistance trust fund to provide direct aid in the event of disaster declarations.

Summary

House Bill 477 addresses the operation of casino gaming in certain coastal areas of Texas, aiming to provide additional funding for residual windstorm insurance coverage and assistance for catastrophic flooding in those regions. The bill requires occupational licenses and certifications to operate casino gaming, and it imposes a tax on casino revenues. By authorizing these gaming operations, the bill facilitates the creation of a state casino gaming fund, which will collect revenues generated by the casinos, thus contributing to the state's financial stability in light of potential natural disasters.

Contention

While proponents of the bill view it as a vital step towards generating necessary funds for insurance coverage and disaster preparedness, there are notable points of contention. Critics express concerns regarding the expansion of gambling in Texas, fearing it may lead to negative social impacts such as gambling addiction. Additionally, some stakeholders worry that the focus on casino gaming as a revenue source could distract from alternative funding mechanisms or disaster preparedness strategies that do not involve gambling. The regulatory framework also raises questions about local community control over such activities and the potential consequences of allowing gaming operations near their areas.