Gambling

Texas House passes bill defining fantasy sports as legal game of skill

by Alex Samuels and Catherine Marfin

While critics say fantasy sports sites are hubs for illegal online gambling, others contend the games are based on skill and are therefore legitimate. Full Story 

Led by Democrats and young adults, most Texas voters want to legalize marijuana, UT/TT Poll finds

by Ross Ramsey

Most Texans are ready to legalize marijuana, but political obstacles remain, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story 

Analysis: For hints to next year’s fights at the Texas Capitol, watch the investment advisers

by Ross Ramsey

Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. The political debates of this election year will foreshadow some of the issues you'll see when the Texas Legislature meets next year, but some of the best clues — sports gambling is one example — come from the financial advisers to public sector investors. Full Story 

The Supreme Court ruled that states can legalize sports gambling. But Texas still might not play.

by Emma Platoff

Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have shown resistance to expanding gambling in the state in recent years. Full Story 

Texas' gambling rules explained: You can play bingo or the lottery, but no sports betting

by Sierra Juarez

In most cases, it’s illegal to gamble or place a bet in the state. But there are some exceptions. Full Story 

For daily fantasy sports sites, legal limbo in Texas set to continue

by Sanya Mansoor

A bill that would have affirmed the legality of some popular fantasy sports sites in Texas died this legislative session, continuing a murky legal landscape for players in the state. Full Story 

Bill declaring fantasy sports legal passes House committee

by Alex Samuels

In a hearing Tuesday, the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures approved a bill that would affirm the legality of online fantasy sports. Full Story 

Paxton Wants Fantasy Sports Lawsuit Moved

by Madlin Mekelburg and Jordan Rudner

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants a lawsuit filed against his office by fantasy sports site DraftKings moved to Travis County. Full Story 

Analysis: Hegar Could Change the Odds with Horse Racing Vote

by Ross Ramsey

The Texas Racing Commission's latest vote on a new form of gambling was a 4-4 tie. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar could break that deadlock this week, but he isn't saying how he might vote — or whether he will vote at all. Full Story 

Analysis: Texas, Gambling and Al Capone

by Ross Ramsey

When it comes to gambling, state officials act like they're running a monopoly. Their actions would be familiar to any mobster protecting a numbers racket. Full Story 

Attorney General Says Fantasy Sports Sites Involve Illegal Gambling

by Johnathan Silver

While placing bets in fantasy sports leagues may involve skill, there is still an element of chance that would equate such leagues with illegal gambling in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a nonbinding opinion released Tuesday. Full Story 

Texas AG Asked to Decide if Fantasy Sports Sites Violate Texas Law

by Aman Batheja

State Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, has asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to weigh in on whether daily fantasy sports websites such as DraftKings.com and FanDuel.com are legal in Texas. Full Story 

Analysis: A Dubious Future for Historical Racing in Texas

by Ross Ramsey

If lawmakers do nothing to restore the budget of the Texas Racing Commission, the agency will shut down. If it shuts down, the tracks around the state are barred from conducting any wagering. They can sell sodas, but not much else. Full Story 

Defying Pressure, Regulators Uphold Historical Racing

by Sophia Bollag

In a victory for racetracks and a rebuff to state lawmakers, the Texas Racing Commission on Tuesday declined to outlaw historical racing in the state. Full Story 

Catch Up on What Happened With Social Issues This Session

by Alexa Ura

Legislation related to abortion and gay marriage led to some contentious debates during the 84th legislative session. Use our Texas Legislative Guide to see what lawmakers decided on social issues this session. Full Story 

Legislators File Flurry of Bills Ahead of Deadline

by Aman Batheja and Bobby Blanchard

Texas lawmakers added more than 800 proposals Friday to the agenda ahead of the bill-filing deadline. After Friday, lawmakers have to get approval from their chambers to file a bill. Full Story 

Lobby Firm Helped Draft GOP Letter to Racing Commission

by Jay Root

State Sen. Joan Huffman acknowledges that a lobby firm with ties to casino interests helped her draft a GOP caucus letter blasting a proposal to allow expanded gambling at horse tracks. Now a major proponent of the tracks is crying foul. Full Story 

Judge Strikes Down State Plans for "Historical Racing"

by Aman Batheja

State District Judge Lora Livingston has ruled that the Texas Racing Commission did not have the authority to allow the installation of historical racing machines — which critics call glorified slot machines — at Texas racetracks. Full Story 

GOP State Senate Nominees Speak Out Against Historical Racing

by Eli Okun

Five Republican nominees for seats in the Texas Senate voiced public opposition Monday to a proposal that would allow a controversial new form of betting on horse races in Texas. Full Story 

Texas Racing Commission Seeks Input on Controversial Technology

by Eli Okun

The Texas Racing Commission voted Tuesday to take steps toward allowing state racetracks to tap into a controversial technology known as historical racing. Full Story