Jerry Jones Sees Opening for Texas Sports Betting Legalization

With Democrats set to take over top government offices in Texas, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes there could be a path to legalizing sports betting in the state. 

“It is a plus in my mind with the best place in the world for sports, Texas, for us to have the gaming and hopefully the new turnover, you might say, in the politics will see it that way,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

That said, Democrat Vikki Goodwin, who took down Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, has long been against it and has blocked legislation. The one upside for those wanting sports betting in Texas, though, is that Patrick was vehemently against it while Goodwin wants Texas voters to decide. 

Jones also said during his appearance on 105.3 The Fan that the NFL stayed away due to integrity concerns, but there's now a "credibility factor."

“The more scrutinized it is, the better it’s understood, the better it’s controlled, the less you have, in our minds, the chance to abuse it and have it involved with competition,” Jones said.

NFL Sports Betting Partnerships and Prediction Market Position

The NFL's first sports betting partnerships came in 2021 with Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings. It's now partnered with FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. That said, the NFL isn't involved with prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket yet. In fact, it filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, which New Jersey has petitioned after an unfavorable Third Circuit ruling. 

“We feel like we’re going to be right, and the best thing to do is be patient,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said regarding prediction market platforms. 

Jones has advocated expanding gaming in Texas. In 2024, he said the state was losing significant revenue by not legalizing sports betting. 

Texas Political Leaders Seemingly Divided Over Sports Betting Expansion

Goodwin believes sports betting could have an impact on tax revenue, writing the following on her campaign website: 

“Right now people leave, and take their dollars with them, to go to nearby states where they can gamble, which means Texas is losing out on potential revenue and economic activity. This represents a significant economic opportunity that could benefit our state through job creation, tourism, and tax revenue if properly regulated.”

Another key figure who won their election, James Talarico, also favors expansion and voted for a 2023 constitutional amendment that would've let Texans vote on it. 

That said, incoming Governor Gina Hinjosa voted against it.