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The Texas Sports Betting Alliance believes 2023 is the year the Lone Star State will legalize online sports betting.
Support for a Texas online sports betting bill is evident in the legislature and state voters will likely approve such a ballot measure if it moves through the Senate and House, Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Cara Gustafson told Saturday Down South.
“Yes and yes. We have had ongoing conversations on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers since we launched the Alliance in 2021. We crafted legislation that works best for Texas,” Gustafson said.
Texas online sports betting bills introduced
Earlier this month, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance announced that Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-18) introduced SB 715 and SJR 39 and Rep. Jeff Leach (R-67) introduced HB 1942 and HJR 102 to legalize Texas online sports betting through a constitutional amendment.
The bills will legalize online sports betting through Texas professional sports franchises. If approved by Texas lawmakers, an amendment to the Texas constitution will be placed on the November 2023 general election ballot for approval by state voters.
Sports betting is already happening illegally in Texas, Gustafson said, and it’s time the state takes action to support its consumers.
“It’s time to legalize and regulate mobile sports betting in Texas to protect consumers, create a new revenue stream for the state. We believe the voters of Texas want to bring a legal sports betting market here and that they would vote in favor of it on the November 2023 ballot.”
Sports betting bills have been introduced in the state in years past, but 2023 may have a different outcome since lawmakers seem to have a healthy appetite for legalized online sports betting, Gustafson said.
The proposed bills will allow for the legalization of online sports betting through Texas professional sports teams. Each franchise will be able to apply for an online sports betting license, and if awarded one, can partner with up to one online sports betting operator.
“2023 is the year to legalize sports betting, as 35 other states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico have already done so. Texas has an opportunity to be a leader in mobile sports betting and we believe the voting threshold and the support of the voters is there,” she said.
Sports betting is already happening illegally in Texas, Gustafson said, and it’s time the state takes action to support its consumers.
Texas sports franchises center of bills
If approved, WNBA, MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL franchises in the state will be eligible for online sports betting licenses.
Additionally, sanctioned, annual professional golf tournaments that are part of a national tour of professional golfers will also be eligible. Racetracks as well.
Bets on college sports will be allowed through the bill.
The law will set the online sports betting tax rate at 10% of adjusted gross sports betting revenue and each license will cost $500,000.
“It was important to have all professional sports franchises in the states as they want a new way to engage with fans and want to combat the illegal market in Texas. They have demonstrated dedication to their communities and want to offer a pastime that is sweeping the nation and has been legalized in 35 other states, including our neighboring states,” Gustafson said.
The Alliance is backed by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, several sports franchises, and sports betting operators.
The following are officially part of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance:
- Austin FC
- Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Mavericks
- Dallas Stars
- FC Dallas
- Houston Astros
- Houston Dynamo FC
- Houston Dash
- Houston Rockets
- Houston Texans
- San Antonio Spurs
- Texas Motor Speedway
- Texas Rangers
- PGA TOUR
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- DraftKings
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
Robert is an expert on sports betting in the United States, specifically the legalization process and regulation surrounding the industry.
