Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently endorsed the idea of legalizing regulated sports betting in Texas and he recently emphasized this stance, pointing out that the state is losing significant tax income by not allowing mobile sports wagering. 

During a media session earlier this week after a Cowboys practice, Jones expressed his belief that the Lone Star State will ultimately adopt sports betting, but in the meantime, Texas is losing out on a chance to generate substantial tax revenue.

"I think ultimately you’ll have sports betting in the state of Texas. Until that time, the state does lose an opportunity for huge amounts of revenue,” the Cowboys boss said.

Jones didn't make any guesses about when the state might authorize mobile sports betting, but it seems very improbable that it will occur before the 2027 legislative session. If it occurs then and the voters approve the issue later that year, Texas might have mobile sports betting ahead of the 2028 football season. 

Jones Seeks Clarity in Texas Sports Betting 

Jones and other professional team owners in Texas have expressed strong support for regulated sports betting entering the state, viewing it as a profitable venture for both the state and their franchises. 

Ex-Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) once stated that a regulated sports wagering market could yield $250 million for the state, considering an estimated illicit market handle of $8.7 billion. Nonetheless, several analysts and industry watchers dispute how much Texas will gain financially from sports betting, with some questioning the $8.7 billion estimate. Aside from the financial consequences, Jones aims for Texas to implement sports betting in a manner that is equitable and open. 

“I think that properly, properly supervised, by the people that play the games and people that have the teams that play the games and the individual athletes — you’ve got to make sure that the perception is and the reality is that there’s just no compromising on it all being very competitive and up-and-up,” he told the press. “I think that takes some time in some places more than it does others.”

Jones possesses several gaming investments, which include connections to a casino project in Arkansas. Together with a number of other professional team owners, he was an initial investor in DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG). 

Texas Sports Wagering Forecast 

In 2023, casino gaming and sports wagering advanced more than they had before in Texas, but ultimately both failed as there was no support in the state Senate to address the associated bills. 

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) regulates which bills are considered in the Senate, and his stance against gaming expansion is well-known. 

As this is an election year, the Texas legislature had a short timetable, complicating discussions on gaming matters. The legislative body is set to reconvene in January, yet the general consensus in sports betting circles suggests that lawmakers there will not focus on sports wagering.