TEXAS — With greater than 100 million viewers anticipated to tune in for this yr’s NFL championship sport, the sports activities betting business is getting ready for considered one of its largest days of the yr — even because it stays unlawful in Texas.
The Lone Star State is considered one of 11 states that don’t enable playing or sports activities betting, however Texans are nonetheless putting wagers as advocates push for legalization.
Jay Greer, a North Texas sports activities bettor and New England Patriots fan, stated he first received concerned in sports activities betting through the COVID period.
“I was successful in it, so I just kept doing it,” Greer stated.
With the massive sport approaching, Greer stated he has been intently watching the percentages.
“I’ve been looking at a lot of lines, and I think I will put something into it, and I believe the Patriots are going to win,” he stated.
Industry leaders say the Super Bowl represents a serious monetary second for legal sports activities betting markets throughout the nation. Sports Betting Alliance President Joe Maloney stated billions of {dollars} are anticipated to be wagered legally.
“$1.71 billion to be legally wagered, and that’s in those 39 jurisdictions—plus the District of Columbia—that have legal wagering of some type on sports,” Maloney stated.
In Texas, efforts to legalize sports activities betting have gained help from main skilled sports activities franchises, together with the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and Austin FC. However, the motion has confronted resistance from state leaders, together with Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Supporters argue that legalization would carry important monetary advantages to the state. The Sports Betting Alliance estimates legal sports activities betting may generate greater than $360 million in tax income, whereas additionally growing oversight and shopper protections.
“And to do so legally, you have to verify your age and identity, you have to give four digits of a social security number or a driver’s license number,” Maloney stated.
Despite present restrictions, Texans proceed to discover options. Offshore betting web sites and prediction market platforms equivalent to Kalshi and Polymarket function outdoors state laws. Some bettors, together with Greer, use standard legal apps equivalent to DraftKings and PrizePicks which have additionally discovered loopholes in states like Texas.
“I get the upside of it, because I’ve been on the upside of it, but I also get the downside,” Greer stated.
The subsequent alternative for Texas lawmakers to tackle sports activities betting will come through the 2027 legislative session.