Mavericks, Cowboys, and Rangers United in Push for Sports Betting

According to sources at the Dallas Morning News, the top sports teams in the state of Texas are mounting an absolutely massive push for sports betting to be legalized in the state. Currently, there have been rumblings of a significant push for sports wagering to start in the Lone Star State.

Where Texas Sports Betting Stands

In the United States, each state now has the right to legalize sports betting on a state level. This was made possible in 2018 when the United States Supreme Court was able to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Previously, this act banned sports betting just about everywhere on a federal level.

While 25 states have legalized in the United States, the major gold mines for sports betting, such as Florida, Texas, and California, have yet to legalize. The sports franchises and the states both have much to gain financially if sports betting were to be legalized.

Texas is working on a draft of a bill that would see a similar structure to Tennessee sports betting laws, a state that has had massive success with one of the stricter set of rules and regulations. Things as such as a high hold percentage for sportsbooks and a high tax rate, as well as mobile betting only, are what highlight the bill in Tennessee. With Texas rumored to model its bill, it seems that Texas is doing everything it can to garner votes in the State Congress.

What Can a Coalition of Teams Do?

The biggest thing that these franchises have is their money and endorsements. Lobbying is a proven way to get things done in the United States, whether for better or worse. With the amount of power that the major sports teams in Texas hold, and the amount of cash, they could surely turn a few more votes for sports betting.

Sports betting is a massive revenue stream for franchises as they not only can earn lucrative partnerships, but it increases the interest and viewership of their sports. For example, all of a sudden, a 20 point blowout Mavericks game is getting much better ratings because those who bet the over/under are still hooked to their TV, counting each basket.

This coalition is in no way a surprise as we have seen major sports teams come out in support of sports betting in almost every state in which there has been rumored legalization. Georgia, for example, has had all of its major sports teams come out in support of the current bill that is being worked on.

A big reason for this push is also the fact that Texas sports betting would include mobile wagering. This is the key as mobile wagering is more accessible and makes much more money. This is where the real money and viewership is for these sporting franchises. If this bill only included in-person betting, there would be much less interest.

Sports betting is starting to look like it may have a real chance of legalization in 2021 in Texas, which would be a major domino to fall in the wave of sports betting in the United States.