A pair of gambling-related bills in Texas passed through the House State Affairs Committee on Monday afternoon. HJR 102 and its enabling legislation, HB 1942, as well as HJR 155 and its enabling legislation, HB 2843, each cleared the committee and will wait for future discussion and a possible vote on the House floor.'
Each bill received a favorable vote of 9-3. The committee previously held a lengthy hearing without a vote to discuss the pros and cons of expanded wagering in the state.'
The bills take different routes to bringing sports wagering to Texas. HB 1942 is a mobile-only sports betting bill with an application fee of $500,000 and a tax rate of 10% on adjusted gross revenue. Bill sponsor Rep. Jeff Leach said previously that he's open to negotiation and feedback on the tax rate.'
HB 2843 calls for the creation of “destination resorts” — essentially casino resorts with sports betting — across the state. The bill includes language that could bring these resorts to the state's existing horse tracks.'