Pre-filing has begun in the Texas legislature, where lawmakers filed 875 pieces of legislation. Among them was SJR17, filed by state Senator Carol Alvarado, which would legalize casinos and sports betting in the Lone Star State.
The bill is a duplicate of SJR49, which Alvarado filed in 2021. It would allow four Class I gaming licenses for four different metropolitan areas with a population of at least 2 million people; three Class II gaming licenses for venues with parimutuel horse racing in metro areas with populations of at least 2 million people; and two Class III gaming licenses for venues with parimutuel greyhound racing in metro areas with populations of less than 2 million people.
Operators developing casino-resorts in metropolitan areas with at least 5 million people must invest at least $2 billion; operators developing casino-resorts in metro areas with 2 million to 5 million people must invest at least $1 billion.
Gross gaming revenue from slots would be taxed at 25 percent; from table games, 10 percent. In addition, federally recognized Native American tribes would be allowed to operate casino games and slots at their casinos. The bill also would establish the Texas Gaming Commission.
Sports betting is mentioned in Alvarado’s legislation, which refers to the authorization and regulation “of the placing of wagers on sporting events.” No further details are given and no reference is made to online or retail sports betting.
Governor Greg Abbott appears to be softening his opposition to legal gambling and expressed interest in casino resorts, or “professional entertainment options,” observers said. However, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick still opposes legal gambling in Texas, and could block Alvarado’s bill from reaching the Senate.
