Texas, United States, November 8, 2026. Jerry Jones, owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, and Jay Snowden, President and CEO of PENN Entertainment, are pushing for the legalization of sports betting in Texas following the November 3 elections, which changed the state's political landscape.
Jones publicly supported legal sports betting during his November 6 interview on 105.3 The Fan, arguing that the election results could create new opportunities for regulated wagering, sports franchises, and fans. The political shift followed the victories of Gina Hinojosa, who defeated Governor Greg Abbott with 5,230,789 votes against 4,524,527, and Vikki Goodwin, who defeated Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick with 5,083,581 votes against 4,484,652. Abbott and Patrick remain in office until January 2027, while Republicans retain control of the Texas Senate.
Gina Hinojosa
Meanwhile, Snowden confirmed during PENN's November 5 third-quarter earnings conference that the company intends to intensify its legislative engagement in Texas. PENN already operates Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and Retama Park in Selma, giving the company an established presence in the state's horse racing industry. Snowden also highlighted its relationship with the Chickasaw Nation, associated with Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
The company's third-quarter revenue reached US$1.84 billion, compared with US$1.717 billion in 2025, while adjusted EBITDA increased to US$284 million. Net income reached US$32.6 million, and interactive gaming revenue totaled US$348.4 million. Josh Kirschner, a gaming attorney at Holland & Knight, anticipates increased lobbying activity as operators evaluate the legislative opportunities created by the elections.
Josh Kirschner
However, commercial sports betting remains prohibited in Texas. A constitutional amendment would require approval from two-thirds of both legislative chambers, equivalent to 100 votes in the House of Representatives and 21 in the Senate, followed by approval from voters in a statewide referendum. Previous proposals, including HJR 134, introduced by Representative Sam Harless on February 12, 2025, and SJR 65, associated with Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, failed to establish a legal market.
The Texas Racing Commission, chaired by Robert C. Pate, continues overseeing authorized horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering. The next legislative cycle begins in January 2027, with early bill filing opening on November 9, 2026. PENN, whose Chief Financial Officer is Felicia Hendrix, has not disclosed a Texas-specific investment commitment, projected gambling tax revenue, or potential sports betting licensing costs.
