Is sports betting coming to Texas?
Monday’s landmark Supreme Court ruling paves the way for each state to decide for itself.
"The U.S. Supreme Court, what they did was basically take the 10th Amendment of the United States approach, state’s rights," said Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi).
States rights are why Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported New Jersey’s effort to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. PASPA was passed in 1992, and made it illegal to gamble on sports in the United States.
With the ball now in the states’ court, Rep. Hunter believes the issue will come up in next year’s legislative session.
"Yes, I do believe the issue will be raised in the next session, but it will be in 2019," said Hunter.
But last year, the legislature didn’t pass a bill which would have allowed Daily Fantasy Sports companies like FanDuel and DraftKings to operate in the state.
A suit brought by DraftKings will be heard this summer. Hunter believes that case will play a role in whether sports gambling is legalized in Texas.
"Whatever the court rules, it sets basically groundwork for the legislature," said Hunter.
Hunter says it’s too early to say if he’ll support a gambling law; adding he won’t know until a bill is written.
"You can’t say you’ll support, ‘yes’ or ‘no’, any particular law until you see what’s actually being considered," said Hunter, who added he wants to get input from his constituents as well.
