If legal gambling expansion ever takes place in Texas, the Dallas Cowboys are in a prime position to be part of it. The latest Jerry Jones sports betting comments provide further evidence pointing to that conclusion.
The Cowboys owner and general manager recently reiterated his support for legalizing sports betting in the Lone Star State, along with his belief that such a change is inevitable. Jones’ optimism means the Cowboys could play a significant role in the future.
The latest Jerry Jones sports betting comments
Last week , Jones was a guest on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket. The host asked if he could see a day when legal sports betting was a commonplace activity in TX. According to the Dallas News, Jones pulled no punches in his response.
“I certainly know that gambling as it pertains to our games is here. Frankly, it’s been here,” Jones said. “Yes, I do [see gambling being a common thing]… The handwriting’s on the wall. Gambling has been here a long time.”
The Cowboys owner continued:
“Watch [Tony] Romo. Watch how Romo does a telecast. Watch him sit there and say, and use the vernacular that he uses, talks about how the safety’s too close to the hash or how the corner’s too far in the middle or over on the hash. And he’ll say the quarterback will see that and you’ll see the ball going in that direction to that guy right there.
“I picture right there millions of people making a wager by hearing that. We’ve got to make sure that the terminology is the kind of terminology that is common, but I can see our game enhanced tremendously by that aspect of it.
“I’m not the least concerned, I’m really not. I know that we would adhere to it, of any abuses that could possibly be involved with that type of thing.”
Depending on how the legal landscape for sports wagering pans out in the future, the Cowboys could do much more than just adhere to responsible gambling protocols. They could be an integral part of TX sports betting for years to come.
The Cowboys’ role in sports betting, now and in years to come
Under Jones’ watch, the Cowboys have already been active on this issue. They were part of a coalition of sports franchises pushing for a ballot measure earlier this year. That initiative ultimately failed. As the state legislature only meets in odd years, proponents will have to wait until 2023 to try again.
When that time comes, it seems they can count on support from Jones again. That’s because the Cowboys might have more to gain from legal wagering than anyone in TX. The team has always been at the forefront of gambling partnerships.
Whether that’s a partnership with the Texas Lottery or WinStar World Casino Resort, the organization hasn’t shied away from gambling sponsorships. Sports betting could be an extension of that. Depending on the terms of a future law, it could be a big extension.
In some jurisdictions, stadium owners and NFL teams themselves can apply for sports betting licenses. While they hold the licenses technically, they typically contract with a sportsbook operator to actually handle the daily activities.
If the law in TX contains such a provision, it’s a sure thing that companies like BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook would see a partnership with the Cowboys as quite a prize. Even if the law didn’t allow for a Cowboys sportsbook, however, the team could still form a strictly promotional relationship with one of those companies.
Jones knows that sports betting could provide his organization with a new revenue stream. That’s why you’ll see him pushing this issue until it’s done.
