Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has identified a pivotal political shift as a new catalyst for legalizing sports betting in Texas, a state that currently remains one of only 11 jurisdictions with a complete ban on the industry. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, the Cowboys’ flagship radio station, Jones expressed optimism that the recent election of Democratic candidates to the state Legislature and the Governor’s office could break the long-standing legislative deadlock. He noted that this change in political leadership offers a “fresh opening” for the gaming legislation he has championed for years, arguing that Texas is uniquely positioned to capitalize on its status as a premier sports market.
Cowboys owner cites political turnover as key to unlocking billions in lost revenue
The economic argument for legalization has been a central tenet of Jones’s advocacy, with the billionaire owner previously warning that Texas is forfeiting “huge amounts of revenue” by maintaining its prohibition. In 2021, Jones predicted that gambling would eventually become commonplace in the state, a trajectory he believes is accelerating due to the new political landscape. By framing the issue as a matter of economic opportunity rather than partisan ideology, Jones aims to build a bipartisan coalition for the bill, asserting that the potential tax revenue and consumer choice outweigh the current regulatory status quo.
Despite the political context, Jones emphasized that his support is driven entirely by the potential benefits to the Cowboys and the broader Texas sports ecosystem, rather than allegiance to any specific party. “I’m really apolitical. I really can’t afford to be a party because our fans are all parties,” Jones stated, underscoring his focus on stakeholder interest. As the new legislative session approaches, the Cowboys owner’s high-profile endorsement adds significant weight to the growing movement to modernize Texas gaming laws, potentially setting the stage for a historic vote on sports betting in the Lone Star State.
Source: Yahoo Sports
