Houston-based entrepreneur Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is getting into the sports media market. He has long been a fan of sports, and now he is focusing on Texas and Louisiana sports in particular. McIngvale is expected to launch his own sports betting platform in the near future.
Mattress Mack’s Gallery Sports
McIngvale is no stranger to the world of sports as is known for big-time wagers. He is most well-known for his commercials in which he promises customers free mattresses if the Houston Astros win the World Series.
However, the Gallery Furniture chain owner engages in sports this time by launching his Gallery Sports site, a media property dedicated to Texas and Louisiana sporting events. It is also reported that three former Houston Chronicle contributors are headed to the platform.
Gallery Sports is web-based and the content is available for free, which makes it distinguishable from other media properties. It will cover Cowboys, Texans, and Astros matches, as well as college football content for Houston Cougars and LSU Tigers.
The sports media property is mainly a support site for three Houston-area stores of Gallery Furniture, and McIngvale stated that Gallery Gaming, a sports betting platform, will soon join the market as another platform for promotion.
Louisiana Market
When it comes to gambling, Louisiana is no stranger. The state has a long history of casino gambling, lottery, and horse racing, and more recently, it has become one of the states in the country to offer legal sports betting.
Gallery Sports may receive a warm welcome to the Pelican State and is expected to benefit from LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints matches this season.
Texas Market
On the other hand, Texas may be the tougher market to penetrate as sports betting is not yet legal. Despite being the second-largest state in terms of population, Gallery Sports may not experience the full potential of the state in its early operations as state senate president, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) is not on the side of regulated sports betting.
