Sports betting is a popular form of entertainment in many states, but Texas is not one of them. Recently, the Texas House of Representatives approved a bill that would have allowed sports betting in the state, but the bill failed to advance after it reached the Senate.

The bill, known as HB 1275, was introduced by Representative Dan Huberty and was approved by the House with a vote of 87-58. It would have allowed for sports betting in Texas, including online and mobile betting, and would have allowed for the creation of up to 12 sports betting licenses. The bill also included provisions for consumer protection, such as age restrictions and responsible gambling measures.

Unfortunately, the bill failed to advance after it reached the Senate. The Senate Committee on State Affairs voted against the bill, citing concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and other social ills. The committee also expressed concern about the potential for increased criminal activity associated with sports betting.

Despite the failure of the bill, many supporters remain hopeful that sports betting will eventually be legalized in Texas. The state has seen an increase in public support for sports betting in recent years, and many believe that it is only a matter of time before it is legalized.

In the meantime, Texans who wish to place bets on sporting events will have to continue to do so through offshore sites or through other states that have legalized sports betting. While this is not ideal, it is the only option for now.

Overall, the failure of the Texas Sports Betting Bill is a disappointment for those who hoped to see sports betting legalized in the state. However, supporters remain hopeful that eventually the bill will pass and Texans will be able to legally enjoy sports betting in their own state.