DraftKings is eyeing up a legal sports betting market in Texas, the country’s second most-populated state. The Boston-based operator posted a job listing for a government affairs specialist to try to push the matter when lawmakers reconvene for a new legislative session in January.
Conservative Republicans in Texas remain the biggest stumbling block to change. While a sports betting bill made it through the House last year, it died in the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick oversees the latter and will only consider any bills that get the GOP caucus’ majority support.
invested nearly $41m alongside FanDuel to get the initiative over the line
DraftKings’ successful lobbying campaign in Missouri likely buoys the operator after voters narrowly approved legalizing sports betting on November 5. It invested nearly $41m alongside FanDuel to get the initiative over the line.
Legal sports betting in Texas would be big business and require a significant investment in lobbying efforts to gain momentum.
DraftKings isn’t the only gambling company hiring lobbyists in the Lone Star State. Las Vegas Sands is pushing for commercial casinos, spending millions in recent years to convince lawmakers to support expansion. The company’s biggest shareholder, Miriam Adelson, purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks NBA team to get a firmer foothold in the state.