Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has expressed confidence that Texas will legalize online sports betting in its upcoming legislative session, which begins on January 14, 2025. Christie, a prominent figure in the fight for sports betting reform in the United States, shared his views during an interview with Covers.com.
Christie played a key role in the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which opened the door for states to legalize sports betting. The landmark case was argued by Ted Olson, a celebrated conservative attorney who passed away last week at the age of 84. Olson’s victory in the Supreme Court allowed states to determine their own sports betting regulations, shaping the future of the industry.
As sports betting has expanded to 39 states, attention is now focused on Texas and California, the two most populous states yet to legalize it. Christie is optimistic about Texas leading the way among the two. “I think it’ll happen in Texas in the next legislative session,” he stated.
While hopeful for Texas, Christie is less certain about California’s prospects. The state saw two competing sports betting measures fail in 2022 due to conflicts between online operators and Native American tribes. California’s large market is considered vital for the growth of the sports betting industry, but Christie emphasized that progress requires decisive leadership.
“This really takes gubernatorial leadership, and Gavin Newsom has got to decide if this is one of the issues he wants to lead on,” Christie explained. “Without gubernatorial leadership, the legislature won’t do it because they’re pulled like taffy in too many directions by too many different interests. Without the governor pushing for it, I just don’t think it’ll happen.”
Despite challenges in California, Christie remains optimistic about the broader adoption of sports betting across the United States. “I really believe sports betting is inevitable to go just about nationwide, because people in America love their sports, they just do,” he remarked. He highlighted the benefits to leagues, governments, and the public, adding that the industry’s growth aligns with public interest and economic incentives.
Christie also warned against federal interference, advocating for states’ rights to regulate gambling. “Let the states handle it,” he said. “The states are doing fine. You haven’t heard of anything awful or irreversible happening since each state has been involved and they should have the ability to decide whether they want gambling or not.”
