Texas Remains on Sidelines as Super Bowl Betting Forecast to Reach $1.7B

Despite advocacy efforts, the Lone Star State maintains its ban on sports gambling, leaving residents to navigate legal loopholes.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As the NFL prepares for its championship game, expected to draw over 100 million viewers, the burgeoning sports betting industry is poised for a significant surge in activity. However, in states like Texas, where gambling remains illegal, residents are navigating a complex landscape of legal loopholes and offshore platforms to participate. Industry leaders anticipate a substantial financial impact from the Super Bowl, estimating $1.71 billion in legal wagers across the 39 states and the District of Columbia that have some form of legal sports wagering. The push for legalization in Texas has garnered support from major professional sports franchises, but faces significant opposition from state leaders.

Why it matters

Texas is one of eleven states that currently prohibit both gambling and sports betting, foregoing the substantial economic potential and consumer protection benefits that legalization could provide. The debate over sports betting in Texas reflects a broader national trend, as some states embrace the revenue gains while others remain hesitant due to concerns about problem gambling and regulatory challenges.

The details

Texans seeking to place bets are currently utilizing various alternatives, including offshore betting websites, prediction market platforms, and legal apps that have identified loopholes in the state's restrictive gambling laws. Industry leaders argue that legal sports betting would generate substantial tax revenue, estimated at over $360 million annually, and enhance consumer protection through increased oversight. However, the effort faces significant opposition from state leaders, notably Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

  • The next legislative session in Texas, scheduled for 2027, will provide the next opportunity for lawmakers to address the issue of sports betting.
  • The NFL's championship game is expected to draw over 100 million viewers.

The players

Jay Greer

A sports bettor from North Texas and a New England Patriots fan who began sports betting during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued due to his success.

Joe Maloney

The President of the Sports Betting Alliance, who estimates that $1.71 billion will be legally wagered across the 39 states and the District of Columbia that have some form of legal sports wagering.

Dan Patrick

The Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who has expressed significant opposition to the legalization of sports betting in the state.

Dallas Cowboys

A major professional sports franchise in Texas that has supported the push for legalization of sports betting.

San Antonio Spurs

A major professional sports franchise in Texas that has supported the push for legalization of sports betting.

Austin FC

A major professional sports franchise in Texas that has supported the push for legalization of sports betting.

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What they’re saying

“I was successful in it, so I just kept doing it.”

— Jay Greer, Sports bettor

“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.”

— Joe Maloney, President, Sports Betting Alliance

“I get the upside of it, because I've been on the upside of it, but I also get the downside.”

— Jay Greer, Sports bettor

What’s next

The next legislative session in Texas, scheduled for 2027, will provide the next opportunity for lawmakers to address the issue of sports betting.

The takeaway

The debate over sports betting in Texas reflects a broader national trend, as some states embrace the economic benefits of legalization while others remain hesitant due to concerns about problem gambling and regulatory challenges. The potential for significant tax revenue and increased consumer protection will likely remain central arguments in the ongoing debate.