Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently backed the introduction of regulated sports betting in Texas and recently reaffirmed that stance, highlighting how the state is losing significant tax revenue by not legalizing mobile sports wagering. 

In a media session earlier this week after a Cowboys practice, Jones stated that he believes the Lone Star State will eventually legalize sports betting, but until that happens, 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 predict when the state might authorize mobile sports betting, but it seems quite improbable that it will occur before the 2027 legislative session. If it occurs and voters approve the issue later that year, Texas might have mobile sports betting before the 2028 football season. 

Jones Seeks Clarity in Texas Sports Wagering 

Jones and fellow owners of professional teams in Texas have been outspoken advocates for regulated sports betting in the state, as it would generate revenue for both the state and their franchises. 

Ex-Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) once claimed that a controlled sports betting market could produce $250 million for the state, drawing from an estimated illegal market total of $8.7 billion. Nonetheless, certain analysts and industry experts discuss how much Texas will gain financially from sports betting, with some questioning the $8.7 billion amount. Aside from the financial effects, Jones desires Texas to implement sports betting in a manner that is equitable and clear. 

“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. Along with various other professional team owners, he was one of the initial investors in DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG). 

Texas Sports Wagering Forecast 

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

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

Given that this is an election year, the Texas legislature had a limited schedule, complicating the ability to address gaming matters. The legislature plans to reconvene in January, but the general consensus in sports betting circles suggests that lawmakers will not prioritize sports wagering.