Rick Perry, a former governor of Texas, is advocating for the state to legalize sports betting. Perry has joined the Texas Sports Gambling Alliance, an organization that represents betting sites and sports leagues in the state and is working to legalize sports betting.
Perry has changed his mind about prohibiting sports betting. According to CBSDFW.COM, he added, “We’re going to see people betting on athletic events in Texas, and you know what I believe.” That’s alright. “But there needs to be regulation.”
According to the ex-governor, proper regulation might keep criminals from gaining access to sensitive customer data. Despite persistent lobbying, Texas has yet to join the more than 30 other U.S. states that have legalized sports betting.
The new legislative session, which begins in January, will see the introduction of a measure to allow online sports betting. Although Rep. Dan Huberty, who initiated the legislation during the last session, has since retired, the coalition is in discussions with other legislators.
Sports Betting in Texas: The Latest News
Although Texas hasn’t been a hotbed of sports betting news in previous years due to the state’s fierce resistance, the last few weeks have seen some unexpected developments. SJR 17, introduced by Democratic nation Sen. Carolyn Alvarado in early November, would establish the Texas Lottery Commission and legalize casino and Texas sports betting in the state.
Then at the end of November, ex-governor Rick Perry entered the Sports Gambling Alliance and publicly declared his intention to work toward legalizing sports betting. To learn more, click here.
Following this announcement, the Sports Gambling Alliance stated that they will devote significant resources to passing legislation to legalize sports betting in Texas during the 86th legislature session, which starts on January 10.
Texas Businesses and Sports Teams
Betting on sports is big business in Texas. New York, Detroit, Ohio, & Pennsylvania are just a few of the states that have already allowed sports betting & casino gambling, while Texas sits on the sidelines. Retail sports betting presents an intriguing opportunity in this huge state’s many marketplaces. If they did, numerous sportsbooks would be eager to open shop in Texas, and professional sports arenas might become sportsbooks.
Dallas
Dallas, one of the largest cities in Texas, is the proud host to three major league sports teams. All three of the teams are based in Dallas. The market for tourists and locals alike has grown rapidly in recent years. By all accounts, Cowboys Stadium is a must-see destination.
Cowboys Stadium, as well as the Stars and Mavericks, would gain greatly from the passage of the latest measure that includes pro sports stadiums permitting retail sports betting. Texas is bursting at the seams with collegiate athletics, and Dallas, home to SMU, is a key hub.
The Texas Rangers, who play in Arlington, a suburb of Dallas, just moved into a brand-new stadium with the hopes of returning to winning ways on the baseball field. Frisco, where FC Dallas is located, is not far from Dallas proper. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the league’s most powerful owners, has spoken out in favor of legalized sports betting.
Houston
With three professional clubs, Houston is also a sizable sports betting market. Houston is home to the Rockets, Astros, & Texans. Houston’s Astros have been dominant in the American League in recent seasons, but the Rockets have moved on without former star player James Harden.
The Texans’ recent play has prompted speculation about whether or not quarterback Deshaun Watson may follow in James Harden’s footsteps and depart Houston. The University of Houston and Rice University are two nearby schools that consistently produce talented athletes. The Houston Dynamo is Houston’s Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.
Gambling on College Athletics
The state may choose among many potential strategies for dealing with the NCAA and legalizing sports betting on college campuses. Given that most jurisdictions prohibit gambling on college sports in real time, this is an issue that would require some oversight. Like the rest of the states, Texas will probably follow the herd. While it’s doubtful that Texas will outlaw college sports betting entirely, how the state treats its universities is a key consideration.
Several states have passed laws prohibiting gambling on college sports at in-state universities while allowing wagering on all other sports from out-of-state. There is a lot of collegiate athletic talent in Texas; therefore, several schools like Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Baylor have dedicated fan bases.
This market is rather sizable. The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns and other minor colleges aren’t included here. In a perfect world, Texas would outlaw wagering on college sports in real-time, while allowing other forms of gambling to continue as usual.
