This week Texas state senator Carol Alvarado introduced a bill that would legalize and regulate online casino gambling along with sportsbetting.
The bill is formally known as Senate Joint Resolution 17 and would authorize a public vote on sportsbetting to determine whether or not to legalize the activities. It would also form the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate the industry should the vote pass. The bill will be introduced for the next legislative session, which runs from January 10th to May 29th. It's status won't be determined until the lawmakers convene next year to determine whether it should be debated and voted on.
The measure would require a two-thirds vote to pass through and would then go to a public vote on November 7th of next year, as it would amend the Texas Constitution.
The verbiage of the bill reads: "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, authorising and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorising sports wagering, requiring occupational licences to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax."
Comments
It's pretty surprising to me that there's not more in the way of gambling both here in Texas or in California. They're both very high in population and could see a lot of tax money raised. Maybe next year!
Texan here. I doubt this will get far. State government is way too conservative while simultaneously spouting personal freedoms from government. 🙄