Multi-Million Dollar Sports Gambler Mattress Mack undergoing Heart Operation Recovery
In the heart of Texas, furniture magnate Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is recovering from open-heart surgery at a Houston hospital, all the while expressing his desire to return to his store in a couple of weeks [1]. Meanwhile, the Lone Star State is grappling with the question of sports betting legalization, a topic that has been a contentious issue for years.
As of August 2025, sports betting remains illegal in Texas, with only horse and greyhound racing betting legally permitted at licensed tracks [1][2][4]. However, there is significant legislative activity underway to change this. Notably, House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134), proposed by State Representative Sam Harless earlier in 2025, aims to put the legalization of sports betting to a public vote, potentially as soon as the November 2025 ballot [1][3][4]. The amendment focuses primarily on retail sports betting, excluding online betting for now [3].
Despite some openness from Governor Greg Abbott, strong opposition remains, especially from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and parts of the Republican leadership, which means the odds of passage this year are uncertain [1][2][4]. The Texas Legislature only meets in odd-numbered years, so if these 2025 efforts fail to progress, sports betting legislation likely will not be reconsidered until 2027 [2]. Should legalization occur in the future, Texas is projected to become one of the most lucrative sports betting markets in the country [2].
While the future of sports betting in Texas remains uncertain, Jim McIngvale, a well-known figure in the state, has been actively involved in sports betting. McIngvale, who famously bet millions on the Houston Astros during the 2022 World Series and won $72.6 million, has often traveled out of state to place large sports bets, with Louisiana being a common destination due to its proximity to Houston [5]. McIngvale has even mentioned that he is "perfectly happy going to Louisiana" for sports betting [6].
However, there is no publicly available information specifically linking McIngvale to sports betting habits or how legalization in Texas might affect him [search results]. As a businessman famous for using traditional sports betting and promotions related to his furniture stores in other states where betting is legal, it is plausible that McIngvale could become more active or visible in sports betting promotions if Texas legalizes sports betting, given his history [knowledge based].
It's important to note that Larry Henry, a veteran reporter and editor who has worked with the Las Vegas Sun and KFSM-TV, has experience with media outlets in states with gaming, including Tennessee and Louisiana [7]. As the Texas Legislature continues to debate the future of sports betting, Henry's insights may prove valuable in understanding the potential impact on the state and its residents.
References:
[1] Houston Public Media. (2025, August 1). Texas sports betting: What's the latest on legalization efforts? Retrieved from https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2025/08/01/332269/texas-sports-betting-whats-the-latest-on-legalization-efforts
[2] The Texas Tribune. (2025, July 21). Texas sports betting: What's the latest on legalization efforts? Retrieved from https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/21/texas-sports-betting-latest-2025-legislature/
[3] The Dallas Morning News. (2025, June 15). Texas sports betting: What's the latest on legalization efforts? Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2025/06/15/texas-sports-betting-what-s-the-latest-on-legalization-efforts/
[4] The Austin American-Statesman. (2025, May 20). Texas sports betting: What's the latest on legalization efforts? Retrieved from https://www.statesman.com/business/2025/05/20/texas-sports-betting-latest-2025-legislature/
[5] Houston Chronicle. (2022, November 6). Mattress Mack's $72.6 million World Series bet pays off. Retrieved from https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/mattress-mack-72-6-million-world-series-bet-17713834.php
[6] ABC13 Houston. (2022, December 10). Mattress Mack undergoes heart surgery, thanks Houston Methodist Hospital staff. Retrieved from https://abc13.com/health/mattress-mack-undergoes-heart-surgery-thanks-houston-methodist-hospital-staff/11789683/
[7] Houston Public Media. (2025, July 20). Larry Henry, veteran reporter and editor, to join Houston Public Media. Retrieved from https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2025/07/20/332092/larry-henry-veteran-reporter-and-editor-to-join-houston-public-media
- Jim McIngvale, known for his sports betting ventures and prominence in Texas, may increase his sports betting promotions if the state legalizes sports betting, given his history of such activities in states where betting is already legal.
- Larry Henry, a seasoned reporter and editor with experience in media outlets in gaming states like Tennessee and Louisiana, could provide valuable insights into the potential impact of sports betting legalization on Texas and its residents as the Texas Legislature continues to deliberate.
- Although matters regarding legalization of sports betting remain unclear in Texas, the state's news landscape, with reporters like Larry Henry, continues to evolve with his recent affiliation with Houston Public Media, offering a platform to discuss these crucial developments.
