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.
Lobby Watch handicaps this fantasy match up like nobody else.