A coalition of conservative organizations is calling on the State Fair of Texas to end its sponsorship partnership with DraftKings, arguing that promoting a major online gambling company conflicts with the fair’s family-friendly mission.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR), Stop Predatory Gambling, Texans Against Gambling, Texas Values, and Texas Eagle Forum sent a letter urging state fair leadership to terminate its relationship with DraftKings and prohibit future promotional partnerships with companies marketing what the groups describe as predatory gambling.
The criticism follows an October 9 promotion in which DraftKings sponsored free parking at official state fair parking lots, saving attendees $25 per vehicle.
State fair officials announced the initiative as the first free parking opportunity in the fair’s recent history, describing it as an effort to make the annual event more affordable for families.
In a statement to Texas Scorecard, state fair president Mitchell Glieber defended the partnership.
“DraftKings provided great value to fairgoers this year by sponsoring an exciting drone show and free parking for our guests,” Glieber stated. “The State Fair has focused on providing more value and affordability to the fair visitors this year, and their sponsorship helped us deliver on that priority.”
Glieber also acknowledged the concerns raised by the coalition.
“We will certainly take the concerns you raised into consideration as we evaluate our sponsor partnerships moving forward,” he added.
Opponents of the partnership argue that the financial savings do not outweigh concerns about exposing families to gambling-related advertising.
In a message to supporters, TFR questioned why an event centered on Texas traditions and family entertainment would promote a company whose online sportsbook cannot legally operate in the state.
While DraftKings offers other products accessible to Texas customers, traditional online sports betting remains illegal under Texas law.
TFR warned that gambling addiction can contribute to significant debt, financial hardship, and bankruptcy, arguing that the sponsorship gives a major gambling brand visibility among families attending the fair.
The organization also pointed to the state fair’s mission statement, which emphasizes promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through entertainment in a “family-friendly environment.”
According to the coalition, promoting DraftKings undermines that commitment by exposing children and families to a company associated with online gambling.
The controversy is in line with the broader debate over efforts to legalize online sports betting in Texas.
Proposals to authorize sports wagering have been considered by state lawmakers in recent legislative sessions, but none have resulted in legalization. Supporters of legalization have argued that a regulated market could generate tax revenue and provide consumer protections, while opponents have raised concerns about gambling addiction and its financial consequences.
TFR has also taken a broader stance against gambling expansion through its Texas Anti-Predatory Gambling Alliance, which opposes online sports betting, casino gambling, and other forms of commercialized gambling.
In its latest appeal, the organization is asking state fair officials not only to end the existing DraftKings partnership but also to establish a policy preventing similar sponsorships in the future.
The State Fair of Texas operates as a nonprofit organization that supports agricultural education, scholarships, and community programs throughout the state.
