SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Sports betting may sound like something only a handful of die-hard fans participate in on the side, but the money involved across the nation tells a significant story.<\/p>\n
Americans wagered more than $160 billion in 2025, according to ESPN<\/a>. In all legal measures, the sports betting industry brought in $16.9 billion in revenue.<\/p>\n The national boom collided with a very different reality in Texas. Betting on the outcome of sports games remain illegal in the Lone Star State despite legislative efforts to legalize the practice.<\/p>\n With the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> in the NBA Finals<\/a>, fans said betting chatter focused around player performances since that is one of the only wagers allowed in the state. <\/p>\n Although traditional sports betting on winners or losers are not allowed in Texas, some Texans are turning to legal alternatives focused on player statistics. <\/p>\n One of the most recognizable is Prize Picks, an app available in Texas for people 18 and older. <\/p>\n Instead of wagering on the final score, users make \u201cpick\u201d style projections on player statistics, including points scored, assists or rebounds.<\/p>\n \u201cI put more on Victor Wembanyama and Castle\u2026 more than 25 points,\u201d one fan said.<\/p>\n Betting on the outcome of a game can be penalized with a Class C misdemeanor, according to the San Antonio Police Department.<\/p>\n Even with the restrictions, some self-described tried and true gamblers said they still look for ways to put money behind their predictions.<\/p>\n \u201cI still make a fair bet,\u201d one fan said. \u201cI still make money off of what I do.\u201d<\/p>\n Others said they don\u2019t mind the current law and worry the legalization of sports betting could affect fairness.<\/p>\n \u201cI want it illegal because I want the officials to be fair,\u201d one person told KSAT.<\/p>\n