TEXAS — With more than 100 million viewers expected to tune in for this year’s NFL championship game, the sports betting industry is preparing for one of its biggest days of the year — even as it remains illegal in Texas.
The Lone Star State is one of 11 states that do not allow gambling or sports betting, but Texans are still placing wagers as advocates push for legalization.
Jay Greer, a North Texas sports bettor and New England Patriots fan, said he first got involved in sports betting during the COVID era.
“I was successful in it, so I just kept doing it,” Greer said.
With the big game approaching, Greer said he has been closely watching the odds.
“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 said.
Industry leaders say the Super Bowl represents a major financial moment for legal sports betting markets across the country. Sports Betting Alliance President Joe Maloney said billions of dollars are expected 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 said.
In Texas, efforts to legalize sports betting have gained support from major professional sports franchises, including the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and Austin FC. However, the movement has faced resistance from state leaders, including Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Supporters argue that legalization would bring significant financial benefits to the state. The Sports Betting Alliance estimates legal sports betting could generate more than $360 million in tax revenue, while also increasing oversight and consumer 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 said.
Despite current restrictions, Texans continue to find alternatives. Offshore betting websites and prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket operate outside state regulations. Some bettors, including Greer, use popular legal apps such as DraftKings and PrizePicks that have also found 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 said.
The next opportunity for Texas lawmakers to address sports betting will come during the 2027 legislative session.
date: 2026-02-08 08:29:00