Conservative Champion Leading the Way for Economic Liberty

AUSTIN, TX – Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) today filed Senate Bill 1970 to clarify and affirm the legality of fantasy sports in Texas, a contest of skill for entertainment that allows fans to engage with professional sports while competing with family and friends.

The Texas Fantasy Sports Alliance (TFSA), a coalition representing more than four million Texans who play fantasy sports each year, praised Kolkhorst’s bid to update the current law to ensure Texans can continue playing the fantasy sports games they love.

“The Texas Legislature is taking a step in the right direction to protect consumer freedom and affirm the rights of Texans to play fantasy sports. TFSA commends Sen. Kolkhorst for championing common sense legislation that protects Texans’ individual liberties while allowing the fantasy sports industry to grow and prosper in Texas,” said Scott Dunaway, spokesperson for TFSA.

“Texans love sports and their freedom, which is why I filed Senate Bill 1970, so that we can ensure fantasy sports are legal in Texas,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “I am a longtime advocate for personal freedoms and limited government. We must protect our liberties and rights, and that includes our ability to play a game of skill that millions of Texans already enjoy. Fantasy sports add to the experience of watching your favorite team, and I’m excited to work with my fellow lawmakers and the sports fans all across Texas to pass this legislation.”

“Texans love sports and their freedom, which is why I filed Senate Bill 1970, so that we can ensure fantasy sports are legal in Texas,”

Fantasy Sports are currently being played in 40 states, and 10 states have already clarified the legality of fantasy sports and the right of their citizens to play. More than 65,000 Texans from across the state have contacted their legislators, requesting the law to be clarified and their right to play fantasy sports affirmed.

On Feb. 1, 2017, Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo) filed House Bill 1457, a bi-partisan effort to protect Texans’ right to participate in fantasy sports contests. Rep. John Kuempel (R-Seguin), Rep. Rodney Anderson (R-Grand Prairie), Rep. James White (R-Hillister), and Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) signed on as joint authors of HB-1457. Rep. Diana Arévalo (D-San Antonio) signed on as a co-author.