There isn’t a new law yet. But history has been made. The Texas House has passed a bill that would pave the way to legal sports betting online in Texas.
HJR 102 became the first gambling bill to pass the Texas House in many years. And the bar was high. Changing Texas gambling laws requires a constitutional amendment, which, in turn, requires a two-thirds majority in each legislative body.
It was close. Proponents needed at least 100 votes. The Texas House passed the bill 101-42 in its third reading. A companion bill, HB 1942, which did not require a two-thirds majority, passed by a vote of 82-51.
Other than one Indian casino, the Texas Lottery, horse racing, and charitable bingo and raffles, gambling is illegal statewide — and has been for decades. Now, online sports betting in Texas has a chance.
The online sports betting bill must still pass the Senate. And admittedly the odds are long. But HJR 102 is supported by every major league team in Texas and many business organizations. And as the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jeff Leach has noted, more than one million Texans are betting on sports in illegal and unregulated markets. And this would offer a legal and regulated alternative.
A vote HJR 155, a bill to pave the way for destination casinos, was postponed until 10:00 pm Thursday night.
