“We want our fans to be able to have the enjoyment of participating should they want to and do so in a safe and regulated environment,” Charlotte Jones says.
Austin, TX (October 16, 2024) — In a recent interview with CBS News Texas sports reporter Bill Jones, Dallas Cowboys Co-Owner Charlotte Jones underscored the need for state legislation to legalize and regulate online sports betting in Texas. In the interview, Jones discussed the benefits Texas would reap if sports betting is legalized and shared her growing concerns with the illegal, unregulated sports betting platforms Texans are currently forced to use to place bets on their favorite teams and games.
During the interview, Jones emphasized that the current landscape, dominated by unauthorized betting platforms, poses a significant risk to underage Texans. “There are actually apps that are targeting our kids – our college kids, our high school kids – and they’re going direct to them in this black market and allowing them to participate in this gambling where they don’t have to prove their age and they don’t have to verify anything,” Jones said.
Jones joins other prominent Texas leaders in calling for legislation that would bring oversight, protections, and revenue to the state. She highlighted how other states have successfully implemented regulated betting systems, which include age verification tools and protections for consumers.
“This is a part of fan engagement, it’s a part of our society, and it’s very incumbent upon us to make sure that it’s done the right way. We want our fans to be able to have the enjoyment of participating should they want to and do so in a safe and regulated environment,” she added.
Interviewed ahead of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburg Steelers game on October 6, Charlotte Jones pointed out that in the last 5 years, Pennsylvania has generated over $640 million in tax revenue from legal, regulated sports betting apps. “Think about if we had that money here in Texas, what that could mean for so many things that are important to Texans,” Jones said.
This conversation comes at a critical time as Texas lawmakers continue to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of legalizing online sports betting. As the state grapples with the issue, leading Texas sports voices like Charlotte Jones are bringing attention to the need for a responsible and regulated approach.
Watch the full interview HERE.