Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR82

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment, to be submitted to the voters of Texas for approval, authorizing the legislature to strictly regulate and authorize casino gaming and sports wagering by general law and establishing certain requirements for such law, including establishment of a state agency with powers to regulate all lotteries and gift enterprises, imposition of a tax on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue, requiring licensing of casino gaming and sports wagering operators, and requiring license application fees.

Impact

If passed, SJR82 would amend Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution. Significant changes include the creation of a licensing system for operators involved in casino gaming and sports wagering, along with a taxation scheme for their revenue capped at 15%. This revenue would be crucial for funding the newly established regulatory agency, which would hold powers akin to law enforcement regarding regulation compliance. The amendment is also designed to limit the number of licensed casino facilities to ten locations statewide, with terms for licenses extending up to 40 years.

Summary

SJR82 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas Legislature to regulate and authorize casino gaming and sports wagering. This amendment seeks to formalize the state's approach to these activities by laying out specific requirements for regulation, including the establishment of a state agency to oversee the enforcement of related laws and regulations. The bill is framed to enhance state control and oversight, creating a legal framework within which casino gaming and sports betting can operate under strict guidelines and licensing requirements.

Contention

The proposal to strictly regulate casino gaming and sports wagering is likely to stir debate among lawmakers and the public. Proponents argue that regulated gaming can generate substantial tax revenue for state initiatives and economic growth, while critics may raise concerns about gambling's social implications, such as addiction and its impact on communities. Additionally, the exclusivity of the licenses and the specific regulations may be contested, with questions about the fairness of the selection process for casino locations and operators. The bill's passage would also require voter approval in a referendum scheduled for November 4, 2025.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

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 SJR39

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events.

TX HJR105

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.

TX HJR84

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.