Former Texas Governor Rick Perry Believes It’s Time for Texas to Consider Sports Wagering

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Last updated: January 2, 2023

Former Texas governor Rick Perry continues to push for mobile sports wagering in Texas. He says it might boost state revenue by $250 million annually. Rick Perry, who was Secretary of Energy between 2017-2019, said recently in an interview with Rudy Koski of FOX 7 Austin that betting had been practiced for centuries. He contends that now that more than 30 states and Washington, DC, allow sports betting, Texas should consider joining the league.

Rick Perry joined the Sports Betting Alliance a few months ago. The Sports Betting Alliance comprises professional sports teams, betting platforms, and fans aiming to legalize and regulate sports betting. Perry estimates that Texans bet $8.7 billion on sports in 2021, primarily with unregulated offshore companies.

Rick Perry Opposes Gaming Expansion but Supports Sports Betting

In the interview, Rudy Koski of FOX 7 correctly points out that Rick Perry ardently courted evangelical Christians — a vote demographic that typically opposes gambling in any form — when he was running for governor.

The former governor also admitted that he opposed pari-mutuel betting and the lottery when he was in the Texas Senate. He made it clear that he is still opposed to the expansion of gambling, stressing that introducing regulated mobile sports betting in Texas is a very different matter than opening casinos in the state.

Perry told Koski that he personally wasn’t in favor of the expansion of gambling, and he will still not in support of it. He also mentions that because of technological advancements and the proliferation of devices like iPhone, it has become very easy for people to place a bet. He says it’s important that it’s safe and regulated. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who’s also a Republican, is the hurdle that needs to be overcome. Patrick is opposed to all forms of Texas gaming expansion, including sports betting.

The People Should Decide on What They Want, Says Rick Perry

Perry is not a lobbyist but a spokesperson for the Sports Betting Alliance. He does, however, want Texas voters to be presented with the issue of sports betting. Related legislation, which includes casino gaming, requires two-thirds approval from the two legislative chambers. Both are controlled by Republicans, some of which do not support sports wagering and casino gaming.

If a bill makes it that far, it would be put on the ballot in November 2023 and would need approval from a majority of Texas voters. The state constitution may be amended if this is done. Perry mentioned that, in his opinion, it is exactly how it should be done. He says they are requesting that the lawmakers pay attention. “Vote to allow your constituents the vote,” Perry added.

Texas would benefit geographically if it allows regulated sports betting. This is because Louisiana is the only nearby state that permits mobile sports betting. Sports bets must be made inside a casino in New Mexico and Arkansas. Currently, Oklahoma does not allow sports betting.