Texas Governor Rick Perry Expressing Confidence in the Prospect of Sports Betting Success in the State
In this state of limbo, some politicians remain hopeful that the arrival of more regulated gambling activities, particularly sports betting, might be beneficial for the Lone Star State. Among them is former Gov. Rick Perry, who expresses confidence that voters are open to seeing sports gambling passed and that it should ultimately be their decision.
Lawmakers Kickstart the Process
Perry seems optimistic that a bill proposed by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and another introduced by Rep. Jeff Leach could make it through the Assembly and reach the governor's vote. Both chambers are now making a push for sports gambling regulations, with both legislations receiving a degree of bipartisan support.
Sports gambling appears to be a relatively neutral ground when it comes to political divisions. The main objections usually revolve around morality, and it's tough to determine whether the benefits of new tax revenue would outweigh the potential harm from problem gambling rates.
Despite this moral uncertainty, the new bills are given a chance to sway more minds in favor of sports gambling in the Assembly. Both Kolkhorst and Leach have phrased their bills in similar terms. For example, they both anticipate their bills to collect a 10% tax on sports betting revenue and require holders to pay a $500,000 fee.
However, for sports gambling to occur in Texas, the state constitution needs to be amended. This means a referendum, which should be decided on by the voters. To get to a referendum, two-thirds majorities must be secured in both the House and the Senate. It's a challenging task, organizing referenda, but sports gambling seems to not be as divisive.
The Voters' Decision
Perry himself spoke positively about sports gambling during his governorship. He is also confident that the state could gain a substantial sum - around $500 million in revenue from the activity - a significant amount that warrants serious consideration, in his opinion.
Should the issue make it to a referendum, Perry is optimistic that Texas voters would approve sports gambling legalization overwhelmingly. The legislators still have time to champion either of the proposed bills, with the legislative session concluding on May 29.
While contemporary search results do not mention Sen. Lois Kolkhorst or Rep. Jeff Leach by name in relation to current bills, they do detail other key proposals and political dynamics. For instance, there is HJR 134, which aims to allow voters to decide on a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting via professional sports teams, golf organizations, and racetracks. Additionally, HJR 137 concentrates on establishing regulations for authorized participants if sports wagering is legalized.
- Former Governor Rick Perry expresses confidence that voters may approve sports gambling legalization overwhelmingly, anticipating substantial revenue of around $500 million.
- Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Jeff Leach have proposed bills in the Assembly for sports gambling regulations, with both bills receiving a degree of bipartisan support.
- To make sports gambling legal in Texas, a referendum is needed, as the state constitution must be amended, a challenging task requiring two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate.
- The moral uncertainty around sports gambling is not as divisive as other political issues, making the new bills a potential opportunity to sway more minds in favor of it.
- Sports betting seems to be a neutral ground in Texas politics, with discussions around it appearing in general news, policy-and-legislation, and sports sectors, among others, highlighting its growing attention.
