A new alliance of major Texas sports teams has announced that it will support legislation to enable sports betting in Texas.
The Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks are among the early members of the Sports Betting Alliance. More teams are expected to announce their association with the group, according to the Dallas Morning News.
While 25 states have legalized sports betting, some of the largest, including California, Florida, and the Lone Star State, haven’t legalized the industry, which could make billions nationally, yet.
The Sports Betting Alliance announcement comes after Sheldon Adelson’s group, Las Vegas Sands, stepped up lobbying to legalize gaming in Texas.
Las Vegas Sands lobbying appears to be looking to partner with the Sports Betting Alliance to take the biggest leap toward legalizing sports betting and gambling in Texas in recent times.
Andy Abboud, senior vice president of government affairs for Las Vegas Sands, told the Dallas Morning News, “We view sports betting as part of our efforts to bring destinations to Texas and create robust, long-term economic development and jobs for the state. We look forward to working with your coalition during the legislature. ”
Dallas Mavericks billionaire Mark Cuban told the Morning News in an email, “I think it’s time … there’s no point forcing Texans to go to neighboring states to play at casinos.”
