Texas Sports Betting Proponents Gain Key Ally for 2025 Push

Sports betting has had an uphill battle in Texas, but that may soon change.

Dallas Cowboys co-owner Charlotte Jones recently shared that she is now pushing hard to legalize sports betting in the Lone Star State. She is the daughter of the polarizing Jerry Jones, who has owned the NFL team since 1989. While no firm details were shared, Jones’s massive wealth means proponents of sports betting have just gained a critical ally.

Jones Cites Dangers of Offshore Sportsbooks

Charlotte Jones discussed the positives of the tax revenue from sports betting, but her main focus was protecting minors. She spoke about offshore sportsbooks that target high school and college students, allowing them to wager without verifying their age. This is leading to students getting hooked on gambling, leading to disastrous consequences.

In addition to failing to verify the age of bettors, offshore operators are also not bound by the advertising regulations imposed by each state. 

The dangers of offshore sportsbooks have been a popular topic over the last few months. Many states have sent cease-and-desist letters to force the illegal sportsbooks out. 

Industry Proponents Gain Influence and Resources

The Jones family is one of the most prominent in Texas. They have considerable influence over lawmakers at the city, state, and federal levels, allowing them to influence specific legislation. Even without Jones’s deep pockets, that influence is worth its weight in gold for sports betting proponents.

Expect to see Charlotte Jones use that influence while helping fund legalization efforts in 2025. 

Sports Betting Roadblocks in Texas Remain Strong

There are two key reasons why Texas should not legalize sports betting. The first is the concern over problem gambling and the moral aspect of the industry. The state is conservative and has a thriving economy, leading many legislatures to believe the risk of legal sports betting isn’t worth it.

The other reason is that the Texas legislature meets every other year, limiting the time for proposals to be considered. The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize sports betting in 2023, but the Senate was not able to vote on it before the session ended. 

If a sports betting bill is not passed in 2025, Jones could help proponents fund a ballot initiative similar to the one being considered in Missouri. This would allow residents to vote on the topic, forgoing the need for legislative approval.