Appearing on the World Series of Politics podcast, Former Texas Governor Rick Perry still has hopes the Legislature will get its act together and approve sports betting.
Perry believes the best option is the one state Senator Lois Kolkhorst introduced in February. Rep. Jeff Leach has a companion bill in the House. Both chambers need two-thirds of the lawmakers to approve to put the measure on the ballot for a referendum in November, according to Casino.org.
Both bills call for a 10 percent tax rate. Licensees would pay a $500,000 fee. Pro teams would be eligible for master permits, which lets them partner with sportsbook operators. Same deal with golf courses that host pro tournaments, also Class 1 pari-mutuel venues.
The bills propose alterations to the Texas Constitution—if that happens, the issue would be put directly to voters in November.
“There’s never been this coming together, to work on one issue [before],” he said on the podcast. “I’ve been in politics since around 1984, so I’ve seen a lot of interesting efforts but this one caught my attention for a number of reasons.”
Perry believes the state could reap $500 million in revenue from sports betting, which could reduce property taxes, fund education and infrastructure.
Last year, Perry became spokesman for the Sports Betting Alliance—a group of pro sports franchises and gaming companies. If it makes the ballot, Perry has no doubt voters will approve.
“I feel comfortable that once it becomes a constitutional amendment and the people of the state have a chance to look at it, it will pass,” he said in the interview. “And I think it will pass rather overwhelmingly.”
The 2023 legislative session ends May 29, so the calendar is a factor.
And then there’s Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who has so far opposed any gambling expansion. If he doesn’t come around the next opportunity would be 2025.
