Texas Rep. Bhojani Pre-Files Bill to Raise Prediction Market Minimum Age to 21

Texas Democrat Rep. Salman Bhojani has pre-filed H.B. 598 to raise the minimum age for trading on prediction markets in the state to 21. The measure comes ahead of the start of the new legislative session in January and follows Democratic gains in last Tuesday’s midterm elections.

The change would align Texas with age rules in most states. It would end the 18-and-up standard still in use by some major prediction market operators nationwide.

Core Provisions and Operator Requirements

Bhojani's proposal states: "An operator may not permit an individual physically located in this state who is younger than 21 years of age to purchase, sell, trade, or enter into an event contract through a prediction market." Operators must deploy know-your-customer protocols that verify age through government-issued identification or another commercially reasonable method.

The bill adds advertising restrictions near primary and secondary schools. It requires clear disclosure that the minimum trading age is 21. It stops short of addressing sports event contracts but imposes civil penalties for allowing trades tied to criminal investigations, deaths of individuals, executions, legal outcomes, terrorism, and acts of war.

This filing follows advocacy from the Texas Medical Association for a 21-year minimum. The physicians group cited teenagers' vulnerability to problematic wagering habits through fast-paced yes-or-no exchanges. Bhojani incorporates related limits on youth-targeted advertising.

Legislative Path and Practical Limits

Democrats control the Texas State House and all major statewide offices after the elections. Republicans retain the State Senate. Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat, would sign the bill if it reaches her desk.

That divided control creates a clear procedural limit. Even with House support and gubernatorial backing, Senate approval is not assured. The bill adds to a wave of pre-filed wagering legislation but does not resolve open questions around broader prediction market oversight.

As reported by Casino.org, the proposal reflects both state-level momentum and national Democratic majorities taking shape in Congress. Operators face added compliance costs for age systems and contract filters if the measure advances.