Fourth daily fantasy sports bill for Texas

There are now four daily fantasy sports (DFS) legalisation bills in the Texas state legislature following the news this week that state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst has filed proposal S,1970.

The new bill joins three House bills – H 1457, H 1422 and H 1418 – that are also at committee stage, with introducers citing motivations that run from the need for regulation due to widespread popularity of the genre in the Lone Star state, and the need for consumer protection to support for the public’s right to enjoy skill games that millions already allegedly play.

“Texans love sports and their freedom, which is why I filed Senate Bill 1970, so that we can ensure fantasy sports are legal in Texas,” said Sen. Kolkhorst. “I am a longtime advocate for personal freedoms and limited government.”

S.1970 appears to be based on what is almost a template used by many states seeking to legalise the DFS vertical, and although exact numbers for tax and fees have yet to emerge it is understood to have provisions that guard against underaged or problem gambling; measures to ensure a level playing field for participants, such as the exclusion of industry employees with expert knowledge; ensuring that players with similar skill levels compete against each other; and proposals to prevent collusion and other unfair advantages.

Our readers will recall that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opined last year that DFS constituted illegal gambling in terms of state law, but that many lawmakers appear to favour legalisation rather than bans.

Time will be an important factor; the Texas legislature only meets every second year and if legalisation attempts fail this year the issue will not again be brought before legislators until the 2019 session.

Related and similar