“Legalizing sports betting aligns with Texas’ values of freedom and economic opportunity. It allows Texans to make their own decisions and improves safety while benefiting from new financial opportunities in our state,” Leibman writes.
Austin, TX — In a column for the Dallas Morning News, Neil Leibman, President of Business Operations & Chief Operating Officer for the Texas Rangers, advocates for the legalization of sports betting in Texas, urging lawmakers to prioritize a regulated, transparent, and profitable framework for Texans.
Titled “Why We Need to Bet on Texas,” Leibman’s piece highlights Texas’ pro-business climate and commitment to commonsense values that have positioned the state as an economic powerhouse. Despite Texas’ success, he identifies sports betting as an area where the state lags behind other states. Citing examples from states like Florida, Louisiana, and New York who have generated billions in tax revenue from sports betting, Leibman underscores the untapped revenue potential for Texas, citing projections that the state could generate up to $648 million in tax revenue in just the first five years of legalized sports betting for critical areas like education and property tax relief — all without raising taxes.
“Unfortunately, Texas’ failure to legislate on the issue has pushed sports betting into the black market and prevented the state and its residents from capitalizing on a potential source of revenue,” writes Leibman. “By legalizing sports betting, Texas can reap the financial benefits for the state’s taxpayers and put the power back in the hands of the people.”
Leibman’s vision reinforces Texas’ standing as a leader in growth and opportunity while emphasizing the importance of empowering residents to make decisions in a regulated, safe environment. For Texas sports fans and residents, legalized sports betting could represent a new era of freedom, economic opportunity, safety, and entertainment.
“Legalizing sports betting aligns with Texas’ values of freedom and economic opportunity,” Leibman asserts, calling on lawmakers, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, to consider putting a ballot question before Texans to decide for themselves. “We must take control of this issue, let the state benefit from the revenue and prioritize Texans’ needs, safety and prosperity. The Rangers, alongside all other major professional sports franchises in Texas, support the legalization of sports betting. We understand that with proper oversight and smart regulation, we can preserve the integrity of sports while empowering Texans to participate safely and legally.”
Read the full column in the Dallas Morning News here.