On April 12, 2021, the Texas House Committee on State Affairs held a hearing to consider legislation that would legalize sports betting and casino gambling in the state. The bills, HB 2070 and HB 2668, were presented by Rep. Dan Huberty and Rep. Joe Deshotel, respectively.

If passed, HB 2070 would allow for sports betting at licensed facilities, such as horse racing tracks and professional sports stadiums. The bill would also permit online sports betting through licensed operators. HB 2668 would authorize casino gambling at a limited number of locations, including the state’s three federally recognized Native American tribes.

Supporters of the bills argue that legalizing sports betting and casino gambling would generate significant revenue for the state, which is currently facing a budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study by Oxford Economics, legalizing sports betting in Texas could generate up to $1.5 billion in annual revenue and create thousands of jobs.

Opponents of the bills, however, argue that legalizing gambling would have negative social consequences, such as increased problem gambling and addiction. They also argue that the bills would not provide enough protections for consumers and could lead to increased crime and corruption.

The Texas Legislature has considered legalizing sports betting and casino gambling in previous sessions, but the bills have never made it out of committee. However, the recent Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA, which struck down a federal ban on sports betting, has renewed interest in the issue among lawmakers.

If the bills are passed by the House Committee on State Affairs, they will move on to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If they are ultimately approved by both chambers of the Legislature, they will need to be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

In conclusion, the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling in Texas is a contentious issue that has both supporters and opponents. While proponents argue that it would generate significant revenue for the state and create jobs, opponents are concerned about the potential negative social consequences. It remains to be seen whether the bills will ultimately be passed into law.