Chris Boline
For years now, people have been pushing for legal Texas sports betting to arrive and that’s only going to continue until something changes in the Lone Star State. There have been some big-name proponents for betting, including team owners. That’s why people are excited with the news that Jerry Jones doubles down on Texas sports betting for the future, as the Dallas Cowboys owner knows how important it would be for everyone in the state.
Before the Cowboys were eliminated in the postseason by the San Francisco 49ers, Jones was asked about the importance of sports betting in the state. Jones, for a while now, has stated that this is something that would be monstrous not only for fans, but the teams as well. The revenue opportunities are through the roof and it’d also wipe off illegal activity. When asked on a radio show about wagers, Jones didn’t mince words.
“Well, I think it’s really a thing that needs to be addressed at this time,” Jones said. “One of the reasons why I think it does is because it’s happening at this time. There’s a huge amount of gaming going on in and around sports at this time. And, so, to have all of the benefits or all of the control over it, it needs to be recognized and parameters put on it and discipline put in it. Then, also the benefits that go, can go in Texas, could adhere to the right kind of people, or some property tax.”
Over the years, Texas has tried to get something done with a sports betting bill, but nothing has been able to take off. The hope, though, is that the Lone Star State will get things across the line within the next year or two. No one knows exactly when that will happen, but Jones sees something changing soon. With him leading the charge, it’s only good news for the betting proponents.
Everything is bigger in Texas. Except for legalized sports betting. Which is nonexistent. Jerry Jones is trying to change that. https://t.co/FqeQiLkjtw
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 15, 2023
NFL betting in Texas needs to arrive sooner than later
It goes without saying, but NFL betting in Texas needs to arrive sooner than later for everyone to enjoy. The reason Jones has such strong interest in betting is because he knows how beneficial it’s going to be for Cowboys supporters. People all over the state would love nothing more than to be able to check the NFL betting odds and then place money down on Dallas to record a win or cover the spread.
With Jones, he’s already eyeing the opportunity of having people who attend Cowboys games also make their NFL bets at AT&T Stadium as well. The thought of people traveling to the Cowboys stadium, one of the most expensive in the world, and being able to make in-person sports bets while watching the football action is what everyone is eyeing for the future. Jones wants to make it happen as soon as possible.
“We should be getting the benefit of it as other states are,” Jones said on the idea of Texas sports betting finally arriving for people to enjoy. “Other states surrounding us are. So, it’s a time for us to, I think, set the rules up and execute on it and get the benefits of it.”
With the NFL postseason getting started a few weeks back, people would have loved the chance to make big bets on the Cowboys and other squads. Now, people have shifted their attention to the Super Bowl betting odds, with the Eagles and Chiefs ready to battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 12. Again, people want to be able to bet legally on that game, but as of now, they don’t have the chance to do so.
Hey @Eagles, y’all busy on February 12th? pic.twitter.com/wxhPrwWlNc
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 30, 2023
Mark Cuban and other local owners have Jerry Jones’ back
What’s important for the Texas sports betting push in this case is that Mark Cuban and other local owners have Jerry Jones’ back in terms of getting something down. Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares Jones’ passion for legal wagers and he is also dreaming of the day that people can make NBA bets while attending a Mavs game as well. This is something we could see come to fruition in the near future.
In another positive development for Texas sports betting, a new bill has already been pre-filed. This means that the wheels are in motion to have things changed, but of course there’s going to need to be approval at the next level. Too many times we’ve seen things shut down in legislation, but folks are eyeing the possibility of having things present on a ballot to vote on.
Up until this point, things have never gotten that serious for Texas, but this could finally be the year where things evolve. Jones, Cuban and others, including leaders of the Houston Astros and Houston Dynamo, are ready to support all of the different efforts that are being recorded. It’ll be interesting to see what ends up happening with the pre-filed bill, that’s for sure.
