In early April 2019, the state of Texas became the twenty-fifth state to legalize sports betting. In the meantime, there are still a handful of states where residents are unable to engage in legal betting. However, things are changing. The tide is turning. And, with time, more and more states are likely to follow Texas’ lead and legalize gambling on sporting events. Here is a quick overview of when and how sports betting will be legalized in the Lone Star State.
When Will Texas Legalize Sports Betting?
After a lengthy process that began in October 2018, when Will Texas legalize sports betting? The short answer is, “not anytime soon.” In April 2019, the state legislature passed House Bill 80 that will allow residents to engage in limited recreational sports betting at casinos in the state. Although recreational sports betting is now legal in Texas, it will be some time before casinos start taking bets from regular folks.
One of the main reasons why Texas lawmakers opposed legalizing sports betting in the past is because they worried about the influence of gambling and the inability of state-run gambling institutions to regulate sports betting correctly. These are all valid concerns and reasons why the industry will have to settle for the limited form of sports gambling that is currently permitted in the state. But, as time goes by and more and more states follow Texas’ lead and legalize sports betting, these worries are likely to be solved. And when they are, the whole country will likely benefit.
How Does Texas Legalize Sports Betting?
To begin with, the new law in Texas will establish a separate section of the state’s athletic department that will regulate sports betting. This agency will be composed of personnel who are familiar with handling sports betting and who have experience in creating and enforcing regulations regarding wagering on sporting events. Furthermore, the legislation creates a seven-member advisory committee that will assist the newly formed Sports Authority in developing policies and procedures for the new industry. Finally, the law stipulates that the newly formed Sports Authority will have to submit an annual report to the state attorney general, which will include a detailed account of its activities.
It is important to note that, although Texas has established a separate regulatory agency, the law still bans sports betting in most other contexts. Professionals in the legal, gaming, and betting industries will have to find ways to work around the law and establish partnerships that allow them to offer sports betting in the state. But, with time and ingenuity, they will certainly figure out a way. And when they do, it will be yet another milestone for the cause of legalizing sports betting.
Why Does Texas Legalize Sports Betting?
In a nutshell, the main reason why Texas legalized sports betting is because the state is home to a number of major sports teams and events, such as the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and Houston Rockets. These teams and players inspire a lot of Texas residents, especially those in the metropolitan area. Furthermore, a lot of the state’s big-name attractions, including the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, the Arlington Stadium, and the State Capitol building, are all team sports venues. And, last but not least, there is already a lot of demand for sports betting in Texas. For example, between 2011 and 2015, the state saw a 350% increase in sports betting. There are currently over 100,000 registered sports betting machines in the state. This figure is expected to reach 500,000 by next year.
All of this contributed to the fact that, even though Texas is one of the most conservative states in the United States, it was one of the first to pass legislation allowing for limited sports gambling. And it is only a matter of time before the rest of the country follows suit and establishes sports betting institutions. When that happens, it will be a glorious day for sportsfans in Texas and throughout the country.
It is important to note that, although sports betting will be legal in Texas, it remains illegal to bet on sporting events that take place outside the state. Furthermore, it is still illegal for organizations, individuals, partnerships, or corporations to engage in sports gambling in the state. But, as time goes by and more and more states establish sports betting, this could soon change.
To this extent, it is crucial for sports fans in Texas to remain vigilant. They need to keep an eye out for any kind of shady behavior from institutions or individuals that try to take advantage of them. Furthermore, it is extremely important to understand that, in Texas, as long as there is money to be made, there will be people trying to cheat you. Ensure that you research the odds and that the website you are visiting is a reputable source. This way, you can rest assured that all of your earnings from sports betting are being managed correctly and that you are not being cheated by a scammer or a crooked bookmaker. If you do decide to try out sports betting, have fun! Just keep in mind the risks and all of the relevant laws and regulations that pertain to this new and exciting industry.