Just days before the Dallas Cowboys’ NFC Wild Card Round victory over Tampa Bay, owner Jerry Jones showed support for legal sports betting in the Lone Star State — which is significant, given his close ties with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Texans missed out on the chance to add some extra flair to their viewing experience of Monday's game, with the absence of in-state retail and online sports betting sites, although anyone would have taken the Over (including 51% of Covers users) saved money — with four missed extra points, Dallas kicker Brett Maher singlehandedly secured the Under on the game.
While Jones might have to weigh his kicking options ahead of next of Sunday’s matchup with the 49ers, he has no doubts about legalized sports betting in Texas. During a KRLD radio interview on Friday, Jones offered up an argument consistent with Texas’ Sports Betting Alliance.
"There’s a huge amount of gaming going on in and around sports at this time. And, so, to have all the benefits or all the control over it, it needs to be recognized and parameters put on it and discipline put in it," said Jones. "Then, also, the benefits can go in Texas, could adhere to the right kind of people, or some property tax. Certainly help educate our great state’s children. All of those things can be enhanced by something that’s presently going on in a big, big, way."
Jones may be sports betting lynchpin
Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have been obstacles in Texas’ fight to legalize sports betting. However, their resolve appears to be softening as more of their political allies take up the cause.
Jones is a notable supporter, having donated $500,000 to Abbott’s successful 2022 reelection campaign.
Also important is the fact that Jones offered up an argument near and dear to Governor Abbott’s heart: Touching on proceeds that could potentially be used to help lower property taxes, which Abbott advocated for during his recent reelection bid.
Owners are becoming sports betting visionaries
Jones’ support of legalized sports betting isn’t new. After all, the Dallas Cowboys are members of the Sports Betting Alliance.
In fact, both Jones and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft purchased stakes in DraftKings years before the Supreme Court lifted the US sports betting ban. Additionally, the Cowboys became the first NFL franchise to form a partnership with a casino back in 2018.
Jones isn’t the only Texas team owner who weighed in on the issue of legalized sports betting recently. Last month, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban shared his vision with the Dallas Morning News for a new arena and casino complex.
"My goal — and we’d partner with Las Vegas Sands — is when we build a new arena, it’ll be in the middle of a resort and casino," said Cuban. "If you create a new arena, whether it’s for us, for us and the Stars, or whatever it may be, and you make that a centerpiece?
"How cool would that be?"
