According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated his support for the state’s legal gambling industry’s growth. He stated unequivocally that he is not against internet sports betting in a podcast interview.
“I don’t have a problem with online sports betting,” Abbott said, adding that he would be shocked if Texans weren’t already betting on sports online. Since the state is still debating the possibility of legalization, his remarks have drawn a lot of attention.
Jeremy Kudon, President of the Sports Betting Alliance, responded positively to Abbott’s statement, noting the alignment with Texans’ desires. Kudon said, “We appreciate the governor’s comments because this echoes what we’re hearing from Texans. They want the opportunity to vote on legalizing sports betting and putting in place a strong, regulatory framework that protects consumers and boosts revenue in the state.”
The conversation around sports betting in Texas is gaining momentum, and Abbott’s remarks signal further discussions on the matter.
A recent study by Eilers & Krejcik, an independent research firm, highlights the potential benefits of a legal sports betting market in Texas. The report suggests that it could create up to 8,000 jobs and generate over $360 million in direct tax revenue for the state.
With the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting, many states have moved to legalize it. Currently, 39 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws permitting sports wagering, with mobile sports betting now legal in 30 of those states.