On a frequent basis, illegal wagers have been a consistent problem in the state of Texas. This is something Governor Greg Abbott is quite familiar with, as he's working to bring things to a stop. However, things were once again in the spotlight in a terrible way not long ago, as illegal sports betting led to two university of Texas employees getting fired. This was a terrible look for those involved and the university had no choice but to make the tough call.

This news popped up earlier this year and it was reported by local outlets that it was the second known betting issue for the university in back-to-back years. The violations were self-reported by Texas to the NCAA, with the hope that penalties would not be levied against the university. Per a specific report from the Austin-American Statesman, three more employees were involved but not fired, while two indeed were let go.

As things stand, betting in Texas is completely illegal. There are only three authorized Indian casinos in Texas, but all other forms of gambling in the state are not permitted. These individuals involved in this betting scandal with the University of Texas were using an application/outlet that was not permitted in the state. Because of this, the decision was made to self-report this issue and to part ways with the employees.

This brings up the massive concern that if this kind of illegal betting and activity is getting posted on campus in back to back years, what else is going on behind the scenes? Kudos are being sent to the SEC school for taking care of things in a quick fashion, but it doesn't take away from the concern overall there. This is something that can't continue, otherwise even more alarm bells are going to go off.

Illegal sports activity as a whole in Texas isn't going anywhere

With the way things are set up right now, illegal sports activity as a whole in Texas isn't going anywhere. That's because legal, regulated betting still hasn't been passed despite several efforts to get things over the line. More specifically, we're continuing to see a rise in illegal NFL betting activity, as people all over the state have high interest in the pro teams, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

While the NFC East side has been through some lean years of late, there's no question that Jerry Jones' team is one of the most historic franchises in all of football. Because of this, countless wagers get placed on Dallas outside of the state, as there's always intrigue surrounding the team. With the 2026 NFL Draft here too, this is obviously the case where things are legal.

Again, though, due to the current Texas betting laws, no legal bets can be made on the Cowboys by local fans. Yes, the prediction betting markets allow for a loophole there, but all of the odds and betting options that you'd be able to find on a normal NFL Sportsbook are not present. It's totally up in the air when the laws are going to potentially change in Texas, but the sooner the better there. Otherwise, illegal wagers and more issues on college campuses could end up arriving.

Local Officials keep getting in the way of legal sports betting and casino expansion

Something that's tied up in all of this is that local officials keep getting in the way of legal sports betting and casino expansion. Governor Greg Abbott has said time and time again that he's in no rush to get things over the line there and if he's elected for yet another term, it could be an issue for the sports betting push. However, things aren't moving in the right direction for the casino efforts either.

As we previously mentioned, there are only three authorized spots in town where people can make their bets. While Kalshi and others offer casino-type games, it's just not the same. Countless Republicans have voiced that they are against more casinos making their way to the state, which is of course something the local tribes are not in agreement with. If we are seeing things change across the USA, why is Texas so far behind?

That's a topic of conversation that will continue to be a heated one for quite some time. The earliest things can be discussed again in terms of legal sports betting will be 2027, with citizens waiting on pins and needles for some good news. Will some positive Texas betting news come in for more legal casinos? That's unknown but it's also something people aren't holding out a ton of hope for at this time.