When Attorney General Paxton opined last year that
fantasy-sports bets constitute illegal gambling, the industry had one
registered Texas lobbyist. Today, as the House Licensing Committee hears
a legalization bill, the industry boasts 25 Texas lobbyists.
Allen
Blakemore, who leads the lobby's fantasy team, doubles as a political
consultant. That's why Austin bookies are taking odds on the extent to
which Blakemore's legislative clients will outdo their colleagues in
supporting this industry.
