Supporters for legalizing Texas sports betting are using the backdrop of the MLB playoffs to state their case.
In a statement issued Friday, the Texas Sports Betting Alliance reported data from GeoComply Solutions indicating more than 1.1 million geolocation transactions within the Lone Star State connected to online sportsbooks licensed in other states. Those transactions were tracked from Sept. 1 to last Monday. Compared to the same time last year, that represents a nearly 69% increase in traffic.
GeoComply provides geolocation services for licensed sports betting operators to ensure that account holders trying to place online bets are physically located in a state that allows wagers. The company’s transactions do not necessarily equal the number of times a wager was attempted, as people can research odds or make deposits anywhere. However, GeoComply’s technology prohibits them from placing wagers through licensed U.S. sports betting apps in Texas.
While Texans cannot use sportsbooks licensed in other states, they may be able to place wagers through offshore wagering apps or through illegal bookmakers based in the state. Organizations such as the American Gaming Association have called on state and federal law enforcement officials to go after those operators.
Alliance: Texans Want ‘Freedom’
The group said that during the final three games of the American League Championship Series, which pitted the Texas Rangers against in-state rivals the Houston Astros, there were more than 20,000 transactions tracked. Texas defeated the Astros in seven games last week and has advanced to the World Series. The Rangers are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks at a game each, with Game Three scheduled for Monday in Phoenix.
“It’s simple - the data shows that Texans want the freedom to place bets on their favorite teams safely and legally,” said Cara Gustafson, a spokesperson for the alliance. “Texas is one of only 12 states that have not legalized sports betting in some form. As the demand for a legal market in Texas continues to grow, we look forward to partnering with fans, teams, and the betting platforms to continue conversations with the Legislature to pass sports betting in 2025.”
A measure to put the sports betting question before voters passed the Texas House of Representatives for the first time earlier this year. However, the state Senate declined to consider them before the session ended. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a socially conservative Republican and an outspoken opponent of expanded gaming, presides over the Senate in Austin.
Based on its biennial schedule, the Texas Legislature will not meet again in regular session until January 2025.
Who Supports Sports Betting In Texas
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance includes a mix of the state’s professional sports teams and venues, a professional sports league, and several commercial gaming operators. Besides the Rangers and Astros, other major professional teams involved are Austin FC, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo of MLS; the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans of the NFL; the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs of the NBA; the Houston Dash of the NWSL; and the Dallas Stars of the NHL. The Texas Motor Speedway and the PGA Tour are also members, as are Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel.
As the country’s second most populous state, Texas remains one of the biggest U.S. markets yet to approve sports betting. Given its size and the number of major professional teams and collegiate programs, Texas would easily become a top market once wagering is legalized. If/when that happens BetTexas.com will be your home for all of the best and latest Texas sportsbook promo codes for you to use.
