Mattress Mack: Texas Won’t Have Legal Gambling ‘In My Lifetime’
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Jim McIngvale, 71, is a Houston furniture store owner and multi-million-dollar sports bettor. He believes that sports betting and gambling will not be legalized in Texas anytime soon. Religious groups oppose it. McIngvale is focused on crime reduction. He has created job training programs and educational efforts to help people earn a diploma and find employment.
McIngvale's thoughts on legal gaming in Texas come only days before the Nov. 8 election. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's spokesperson said the governor might consider considering casino expansion. Beto O'Rourke has said he would support legal sports betting and casino expand if it led to a reduction in property taxes. Texas lawmakers rejected gambling bills in the past but are expected to address sports bets and casinos next year at the Capitol in Austin.
Texans go to Louisiana to bet legally. Money spent in Louisiana boosts tax revenue for programs in that state. McIngvale has bet $10 million on the Houston Astros to win the World Series. If the Astros win, he stands to make about $75 million.
