Texas Rep. Jeff Leach rallied the additional votes that he needed to get a legal sports betting resolution passed Thursday, as the House passed HJR 102, which would send the decision of whether to legalize to the voters. The resolution will now move on to the Senate for consideration.
The resolution would allow Texas sports franchises, the PGA Tour, and Class I racetracks to get licensed and contract out with wagering operators.
“This is a huge day for Texas sports fans,” Jeremy Kudon, president of the Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement. “For the first time ever, the Texas House considered and passed a bill to legalize sports betting. This vote leaves no room for doubt — legalizing sports betting is popular in the Lone Star State. Texans want and deserve the freedom to safely and legally bet on their favorite teams, and they are one chamber away from getting it.”
The Alliance represents major operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Leach’s HJR 102 had 97 votes Wednesday night, but constitutional amendments need 100 to get out of the House. The vote came Thursday afternoon after about 20 minutes of debate. Representatives were instructed to remain in their seats to vote, and a verification of the vote took place immediately after. In the end, the resolution passed, 101-42, marking the first time in more than a decade that a gambling bill has passed the full House in Texas.
The initial vote was 100-42, but following the verification was increased to 101-42, when it was announced in the House that at least one voting machine malfunctioned during the vote. In the end, Leach got the votes he needed after 11 representatives changed their votes, including seven who changed from “no” votes to “yes” votes.
Betting proceeds would reduce property taxes
Texas lawmakers have been discussing legal sports betting, casino gambling, and online casino throughout the session. On Thursday, Leach implored his fellow representatives to pass the bill, the proceeds of which, he said, would contribute to $1 billion in property tax relief for Texans.
Among those speaking against the bill was Rep. Matt Shaheen, who said that American sports teams “weren’t there for us” during the pandemic. He essentially argued that legalizing wagering would “support billionaires” rather than protect children from the ills of gambling.
Rep. Julie Johnson spoke in favor of the bill because it would “transform women’s professional sports opportunities,” while Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins said the professional teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, “need this type of revenue stream,” as the teams don’t always earn enough money “at the door.”
Should the Texas Senate approve the resolution, Texans could vote on the measure on the November ballot.
