Texas’ Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has said that House Bill 1942, which details how Texas’ sports betting market would be regulated, has “little to no support” and will not progress through the Senate.
The state’s House of Representatives voted in favour of HJR 102 last week. HJR 102 is a constitutional amendment which would give state citizens the chance to vote online sports betting into law.
HB1942 accompanied the amendment, and also passed through the House by a 82-51 vote.
In response to this, Patrick said that sports betting would not receive support from the Senate.
“I’ve said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP,” he tweeted. “I polled members this week. Nothing changed.”
He added that the Senate shouldn’t “waste time” on bills that do not receive “overwhelming” support from the Republican party.
“The senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass,” read the tweet. “We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support. HB1942 won’t be referred.”