Sports betting enthusiasts and casino gamers in Texas scored a big win early this year when two bills (HJR 102 and HJR 155) advanced through the House Joint Resolutions. It all began with the House Speaker, Dade Phelan, expressing his enthusiasm to bring destination-style casinos to the cities, creating job opportunities and improving the livelihoods of communities.
In recent news, however, the future of the bills has been met with uncertainties, particularly on the floor of the Senate. Even though public polls showed strong support for a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting, securing a majority vote has been challenging.
If passed into law, the HJR 102 and HJR 155 gambling bills would open up a new era of mobile betting in Texas and allow casino gambling in eight locations. As a Texan, you wouldn’t have to fight through VPN firewalls to play and bet to your heart’s content. But will these bills sail through? Let’s take a closer look at the progress so far.
Overview of the HJR 102 and HJR 155 bills
No doubt, Texas holds enormous potential for legalized gambling as the nation’s second most populous state with,h teams in the Big Four leagues. It would be interesting to know what the gambling bills entail and the chances of any of them succeeding. Let’s begin with a brief overview.
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Proponents of the bills
The HJR 102 bill was introduced by North Texas representative Jeff Leach, who argued that sports betting presents an opportunity for over 1 million Texans betting illegally to do so without fear and create economic opportunities for the state. He’s supported by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst in the Senate, who affirmed that the bill would be the perfect way to rein in illegal offshore betting and keep the funds circulating within Texas. She said this would help ensure security and safety in the mobile sports betting arena. HJR 155, on the other hand, was brought to the House by Rep. Charlie Geren and is yet to receive any senatorial backing.
As usual, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance is throwing its weight behind the bills, including high-profile members like the Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and Draft Kings. Former Gov. Rick Perry is notably a part of the alliance as well.
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Purpose of the bills
It is essential to know the objectives of the bills. While HJR 102 seeks the amendment of the Texas constitution to legalize online sports betting, opening the door to online casinos in Texas and allowing Texans to place wagers on sporting events through licensed apps and websites, HJR 155 proposes an amendment of the constitution to authorize eight resort casinos across the state.
Authorized games would include a full range of Las Vegas-style options. Both bills call for a ballot measure to allow voters to decide their fate. Also, they both offer job creation and economic development opportunities for the state.
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Opponents of the bill
Let’s begin from the state house. Rep. Matt Shaheen called HJR 155 dead on arrival. He touted that passing the bill would increase cases of domestic violence and sex trafficking at an alarming rate. Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer had joined the opposition in May. Although he indicated he’s not entirely against the bills, he thinks the process is rushed. A similar statement was made by another Democrat, Rep. Yvonne Davis, who said the bills were not perfect yet at that point.
Opposition to the bills extends further, as Tim Hardin, president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, highlighted the impact of corporate welfare on taxpayers as a significant reason for their opposition. He is joined by Cindy Amussen, a public advisor for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, who stated that the bill’s impact would lead to socioeconomic costs borne by taxpayers.
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Economic implications
It’s interesting to note that while Texas is yet to legalize gambling, the state’s tribal casinos, Livingston and Eagle Pass (under federal regulations), generate about $500 million annually in economic impact and approximately $50 million in tax revenues. The impact also reached over 3,000 jobs in 2022. This motivates Texas legislators to keep fighting for the state’s legalization of sports betting and casino gaming. Neighboring states of Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas have already made significant progress in expanding sports betting within their borders. Eyes are set on Texas to make giant strides in advancing the bills and ensuring their success.
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Social implications
This has been the central argument of opponents of the Texas gambling bills. Fears about increased addictions and ethical implications have been the reasons major opponents like Lt. Gov Dan Patrick and grassroots organizations like the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Texas refused to assent to the bills.
These concerns must be addressed if proponents of the bills visualize a future where sports betting becomes legal in Texas. Legislators can learn from the playbook of states like New Jersey and Nevada, where sports betting and online casino gaming are legal and negative social implications are minimal. With proper regulations in place and limitations proposed by HJR 102 and HJR 155 that allow only mobile betting on apps and casino gambling in designated spots around the states, responsible gambling can be promoted and encouraged.
The Status of The HJR 102 and HJR 155 Bills to date
The HJR 102 for online betting passed the House through narrow votes in February 2023 but has yet to receive a vote in the Senate. The silence and inaction that followed the bill in the Senate stalled its progress and prevented it from appearing on the November 2023 ballot as intended. The HJR 155 for Casino gambling met the same fate. The bill passed the House in April 2023 but didn’t reach a vote in the Senate and missed being included in the November ballots. Despite the promises they hold for most voters who want them passed, neither of the bills is yet a regulation for gambling in Texas.
What Will Happen to the Texas Gambling Bills in 2024?
The future remains to be seen. However, proponents of the bills are expected to address some concerns raised earlier and modify them to gain more support. Lobbying and advocacy efforts will continue as well. Also, public opinion will likely continue to sway in favor of the bills, putting more pressure on legislators.
Texas Gambling Bills: What Next?
Beyond 2023, there are a lot of open-ended questions regarding the Texas gambling bills. What would happen if the bills eventually get passed? Will Texas witness a new level of economic prosperity, as proponents claimed, or will the Lone Star State be thrown into a battle of the resulting socioeconomic implications of compulsive gambling, as warned by vocal opponents? Nonetheless, we can only find out if the bills ever become law.