Sports gambling in Texas: Will lawmakers roll the dice? – KENS5.com

Its a bet some state lawmakers and sports fans are willing to take the plan to legalize sports betting to help state and local budgets.

SAN ANTONIO As the world was gripped by COVID pro sports kept spirits up. A reminder of the things we missed from society. Working together, triumphing against the odds, and making a little money on the side

CBS Reports Americans placed 4.3 billion dollars in bets on Super Bowl 55 making it the single biggest legal handle in American history. An estimated 7.6 million Americans placed bets online through platforms like FanDuel or DraftKings a 63 percent increase from the year before.

We spoke with UTSA Professor Jennifer Alexander to see if sports betting could be a help in Texas.

I think that state and local governments are in far worse shape than they have been for the past 20-30 years, said Alexander.

Right now state lawmakers are mulling two bills one aimed at putting casinos in the states major metro areas another allowing online betting. Alexander doesnt believe either will help the state make up for lost money, but she understands the drive behind the bills.

The states that are making money on it are not backing away. The states have to consider the fact that if they dont offer something, then people will just go to neighboring states, said Alexander.

ESPN San Antonios Jason Minnix explains the bills are also getting support from pro sports teams who stand to benefit by making more money.

You know youve sold that person a ticket, you might sell them something in the pro shop, youre going to sell some beer and some food and if you can make some money in the in-game bet that he made the NBAs going to do that, Minnix said.

But what about players, coaches, and referees facing the temptation to change the game to make a little more money?

It would be so hard for one individual for a long period of time to impact a lot of games without getting caught. Youre player X and you put 5 million dollars on the game. Well thats going to raise a red flag in all the sportsbooks, so if you bet 10 thousand dollars in a sportsbook it probably wont raise a red flag, but are you willing to risk the millions youre making over a 10 thousand dollar bet? And the answer is no, explained Minnix.

So whats next? The legislature could decide by the end of the month on whether these bills advance and become law. Minnix says if its not this session, one day soon well have sports betting in Texas.

It used to be taboo, but now its a part of the regular rundown. The gambling is there, its not ignored, said Minnix.

Alexander believes sports betting will be a tough sell in light of our states conservative values and the fact that many state-run lotteries and gambling taxes dont deliver.

I dont know that this is going to be the boon to revenue that our state and local governments really need, said Alexander.

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Sports gambling in Texas: Will lawmakers roll the dice? - KENS5.com