Gambling enthusiasts who want to legalize sports betting in Texas recently picked up a former lawmaker who holds some powerful cards, former Gov. Rick Perry.

The Sports Betting Alliance tapped Perry to help convince state lawmakers that the money the state can collect from legalizing sports gambling is bigger than any concerns they’ve had. The alliance is a group that includes all major Texas sports franchises.

“This is not an expansion of gambling. Sports betting has been occurring in the state of Texas for, probably, time immemorial,” said Perry. “This issue isn’t about whether we’re going to allow this in the state. It is happening. We want to make sure that it is regulated.”

Perry says if legalized, the state would generate up to $250 million a year in tax revenue. 

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court left the decision to states to legalize sports betting. Texas is one of 14 states that have not taken action. 

Watch the full interview with Gov. Perry above.