A cheer went up from the floor of the House of Representatives this afternoon following the approval of a referendum to put a Texas online sports betting question on the November 2023 general election ballot and let Texas voters decide its fate.
Rep. Jeff Leach’s (R-67) referendum, HJR 102, needed 100 or more votes on third reading to be sent over to the Senate. During yesterday’s second reading the referendum only received 97 votes in favor, three short of the necessary 100.
On third reading the House cast 101 votes in the referendum’s favor and 42 against. Cheering was certainly in order, as this is the farthest sports betting legislation has ever moved through the Texas legislative body.
At least in the House, Texas sports betting is viewed in a positive light. The Senate, on the other hand, may be a more difficult journey.
