HB 4132 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the definition of a bet for gambling criminal offenses purposes.

HB 4132 amends Texas law to clarify that a "bet" for gambling crime purposes includes paid fantasy sports leagues where participants pay entry fees to compete for prizes. The bill defines "paid fantasy sports league" as contests requiring participants to pay fees, assemble teams from real athletes, with prizes determined by actual game outcomes and organizers retaining a portion of entry fees. It explicitly excludes insurance contracts, genuine skill-based contests (like sports competitions), and small carnival prizes under $25. This definition directly affects fantasy sports operators and participants who pay to enter leagues, clarifying when such activities may be considered gambling offenses under Texas law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 27, 2025 Last action Mar 27, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to Licensing & Administrative Procedures
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Matt Shaheen
Matt Shaheen
RRepublican
TX
66