All forms of online gambling are illegal in Texas, including a lottery; only daily fantasy sports apps are allowed. Sports betting and online casino gambling bills have consistently failed in Texas, but a measure legalizing both passed out of the House for the first time in the history of the state in 2023.
Despite the state’s conservative leanings, former Governor Rick Perry has indicated he supports legalizing sports betting.
In a video for the Sports Betting Alliance that was posted on X (formerly Twitter), Perry said, “Texas is built on the core principle of individual freedom and we pride ourselves on being an economic powerhouse in the nation. Legalizing mobile sports betting in Texas will finally allow the state to protect consumers from illegal offshore betting sites while keeping the money generated in Texas to benefit Texans.”
Perry said illegal offshore gambling sites produce $8.7 billion in bets. In Texas, it could generate $556 million per bi-annum if Governor Greg Abbott signs off on legalized mobile sports betting.
Primarily, Perry said he supports legalizing mobile sports wagering because offshore betting provides no consumer protection. Also, Perry noted if offshore sites fail to give bettors payouts, players have no legal recourse for getting their money back.
Perry noted, “In this current unregulated environment, there is no guarantee that folks will see their payout or their personal information is safe, for that matter.”
Perry said another reason he supports legalizing online gambling is, “Given that Texans are already participating in mobile sports betting, legalization would be a home run for all involved.”
