Might Texas Sports Betting Legislation Make It Out of the House?

Throughout the U.S., Texas is getting a lot of attention from the sports betting community. It's the one state that U.S. sports betting operators seem to covet the most at this point in time.

Depending on which way the wind might be blowing, the idea that sports betting legislation might pass the Texas House keeps alternating between maybe, maybe not. This week, it seems very likely something will get passed thanks to the efforts of Representative Jeff Leach.

Currently, Leach is working feverishly to get support behind a sports betting legislative package that includes HB 1942 and HJR 102. It's worth noting that leach was not the original sponsor of either of these pieces of legislation. However, he has been more than happy to pick up the baton and try to get both pieces pushed through the House during the current legislative session.

This is what Leach said to Play USA reporters in a recent interview:

“Based on the feedback I’m getting from my fellow lawmakers on the House side, citizens, and stakeholders, I feel very confident, The feedback I’m getting from legislators is very positive, and I’m talking to a lot of them.”

THe Primary Hurdle to Bill Passage

It's good news for Texas residents that both of these bills could pass through the House very soon. However, the battle would be far from over. Even if the Senate was up for passing these bills, there is one undeniable hurdle that would need to be cleared.

Currently, the state constitution disallows any meaningful expansion of gambling in the state. To bring retail and or mobile sports betting to the state's residents would require the passing of a constitutional amendment. That would be a big hill to climb because it would require passage by a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Today and in the near future, that would be very unlikely.

Putting hurdles aside, getting anything meaningful done will take time, and getting these bills through the House would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Why Now for This Legislation?

In his conversation with PlayUSA, Leach spoke about the reasons he thought these two bills would make it through the House after other failed attempts. He gave five good reasons.

1. The issue is now mature and has had time to settle in the minds of Congress.

2. The bills now have significant support from owners of the state's major professional sports franchises.

3. State Senator Lois Kolkhorst is now providing strong GOP support for these bills in the Senate.

4. These new bills do not include retail sports betting, something that has not been currying favor with state legislators.

5. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has stepped in to lend his support for sports betting in the state.

Of these reasons, the removal of retail sports betting seems to have made the most difference. Why? Clearly, there are legislators who are not yet comfortable with any kind of massive gambling expansion in the state. They seemingly aren't ready for gambling access on every corner.