Jerry Jones Eyes Texas Opening: Hope for Legal Sports Betting After Elections

The political landscape in Texas is shifting, and one of the most powerful figures in U.S. sports is seizing the moment. Jerry Jones, the prominent owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, has once again voiced his support for legalizing sports wagering in the Lone Star State. During a radio interview on Friday, November 6, 2026, the 84-year-old billionaire stated that he sees a fresh opening for legislation following recent election results. Texas remains one of 11 states that completely ban sports gambling, but Jones believes that turnover in the Legislature and the Governor’s office could pave the way for change.

For years, Jones has argued that Texas is losing significant revenue due to the ban. As early as 2024, he noted that huge amounts of money were flowing into unregulated channels. His optimism is rooted in the hope that newly elected officials will recognize the economic potential. For the Cowboys owner, this is less about political ideology and more about the success of his franchise. He views sports betting as a tool to boost fan engagement and ensure the Dallas Cowboys remain a globally relevant entertainment brand.

Numbers and facts

The economic stakes are massive. A study by the Nielsen Group, commissioned by the American Gaming Association (AGA), estimates that a fully mature sports betting industry in the U.S. could contribute as much as $2.3 billion annually to the National Football League (NFL). This figure is driven by several factors. Media rights payments could increase by 18 percent, sponsorship fees by 7 percent, and ticket sales by 6 percent. The logic is simple: bettors watch more games and stay tuned longer.

Jones himself has invested heavily in political influence. Before the elections, he donated $250,000 to a Ken Paxton joint fundraising committee. Additionally, $10 million was donated to the Clinton Foundation. Despite these significant sums, Jones describes himself as apolitical. He explained that he cannot afford to be tied to a single party because his fans belong to all political spectrums. His motivation is 99.9 percent focused on the Cowboys' interests. His partnership with WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma serves as proof of his intent. This was the first deal between an NFL team and a casino after the league relaxed its strict sponsorship rules.

Background

Governor Greg Abbott’s stance was long considered a major hurdle. However, signs of softening are appearing. Abbott indicated he would not oppose professional entertainment options for Texans, provided they do not lead to slot machines at every 7-Eleven or airport. His press office emphasized that protecting citizens from crime and financial distress is the top priority. Nevertheless, Abbott told USA Today that responsible gambling can be a healthy form of entertainment.

"It is a plus in my mind with the best place in the world for sports, Texas, for us to have the gaming and hopefully the new turnover, you might say, in the politics will see it that way." - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner

Legislative work is already underway. Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Representative Jeff Leach have filed bills that have progressed further than previous attempts. Jones explicitly supports this alliance of professional teams and sportsbook operators. He argues that regulation is the only way to eliminate the black market and provide Texans with a safe environment for their wagers.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the situation in Texas offers an interesting parallel. While the U.S. is still debating state-level rules, Germany established a clear framework with the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). For German bettors, this means security through the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Unlike the U.S. black market criticized by Jones, Germany has the GGL whitelist. Only operators on this list are legally allowed to offer services. However, German players must adhere to stricter rules than their U.S. counterparts, such as the cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month monitored via the LUGAS system. Additionally, a 1-euro stake limit per spin on online slots is designed to enhance player protection.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The development in Texas shows that even conservative markets are recognizing the potential of legal gambling. For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, this global trend confirms their business model. Clear regulation, as demanded by Jones for Texas, is the foundation for long-term growth. In Germany, the GGL ensures fair competition and pursues illegal operators from jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta. The involvement of heavyweights like Jerry Jones could also accelerate technological innovations, such as in-play betting features, which may eventually benefit licensed German platforms through new software solutions.