Everything is bigger in Texas, including several newly introduced Texas online sports betting bills.

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance announced today that Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-18) introduced SB 715 and SJR 39 and Rep. Jeff Leach (R-67) introduced HB 1942 and HJR 102 to legalize Texas online sports betting through a constitutional amendment.

The bills will legalize online sports betting through Texas professional sports franchises. If approved by Texas lawmakers, an amendment to the Texas constitution will be placed on the November 2023 general election ballot for approval by state voters.

Texas hopes to regulate sports betting

The legislation is supported by the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which is comprised of Texas professional sports franchises, sports leagues, race tracks, and sports betting platforms.

“I introduced SB 715 and SJR 39 because Texas needs to bring security and safety into the world of mobile sports betting,” Kolkhorst said in a press release.

“It makes sense to reign in all of the illegal offshore betting and keep sports wagering funds here in Texas. This is a sensible plan, which is why so many states have already passed similar legislation. As a former collegiate athlete, I respect the purity of sports and feel SB 715 and SJR 39 will promote integrity through transparent licensing, permitting, and reporting requirements. Most important of all, it will stop underage offshore betting that is happening across Texas today.”

The bill will allow for the legalization of online sports betting through Texas professional sports teams. Each franchise will be able to apply for an online sports betting license, and if awarded one, can partner with up to one online sports betting operator.

If approved, WNBA, MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL franchises in the state will be eligible for online sports betting licenses.

Additionally, sanctioned, annual professional golf tournaments that are part of a national tour of professional golfers will also be eligible. Racetracks as well.

Bets on college sports will be allowed through the bill.

The law will set the online sports betting tax rate at 10% of adjusted gross sports betting revenue and each license will cost $500,000.

“I am proud to partner with Senator Kolkhorst in filing this important legislation. It will serve to promote freedom and liberty in Texas and protect our citizens from the illegal and increasingly dangerous sports betting market that preys on unsuspecting consumers, including minors, putting their personal and financial information at great risk,” Leach said. “It is time for the Lone Star State to join the 35 other states who have passed similar legislation – and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure this referendum is on the ballot of Texas voters in November.”

Texas professional sports teams on board

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been a vocal proponent of the legalization of sports betting in the Lone Star State. He has already publicly supported the bills passage and said a legalized and regulated sports betting market “is what’s best for Texas.”

“It will give Texans the ability to decide for themselves if they want this activity safely regulated or continue to be conducted in the shadows by out-of-state betting platforms,” he said in a release.

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said nobody in the state will win with an unregulated and illegal sports betting market.

“Sports betting is a very popular form of entertainment,” Fertitta said. “Sports fans enjoy placing bets on their favorite sports because it brings them closer to the team and puts them in the game. No one wins with an illegal market as robust as the one in Texas and I applaud Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Leach for recognizing the need to address the illegal market in Texas.”

Texas Sports Betting Alliance confident in passage

Cara Gustafson, a spokesperson for the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, previous told Saturday Down South the Alliance is confident the introduced legislation will have the necessary votes in both the Texas House and Senate to be approved for the November 2023 general election ballot.

The Alliance is backed by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, several sports franchises, and sports betting operators.

The following are officially part of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance:

  • Austin FC
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Dallas Stars
  • FC Dallas
  • Houston Astros
  • Houston Dynamo FC
  • Houston Dash
  • Houston Rockets
  • Houston Texans
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Texas Motor Speedway
  • Texas Rangers
  • PGA TOUR
  • Barstool Sportsbook
  • BetMGM
  • DraftKings
  • Fanatics Sportsbook
  • FanDuel