Texas ‘golfing legend’ charged over $2.4m illegal sportsbook
Ronald Kilby faces up to 5 years in prison & fines up to $250,000 if convicted.
The hit
Federal prosecutors in Texas have charged Ronald Lynn Kilby, 71, with conspiracy to commit a federal crime or defraud the US government. He allegedly ran an illegal sports betting ring out of Killers Golf, his indoor golf & sports bar in McAllen, recruiting bettors to offshore sportsbooks hosted on servers outside the US, collecting cash, Venmo & PayPal payments from losers.
Why it matters
The case lands as Texas remains one of 11 US states with no legal sports betting market. Proponents of legalisation argue regulation hurts illegal operators, while the Sports Betting Alliance says a regulated market brings consumer protections absent from underground books. Valley Central reports Kilby’s charge could be related to a similar conspiracy case.
The record
| Bets taken | At least $2.4m through 25 March 2026 (federal prosecutors) |
|---|---|
| Alleged proceeds to Kilby | More than $1.2m (federal prosecutors) |
| Charge | Conspiracy to commit a federal crime or defraud the US government |
| Maximum penalty | 5 years in prison & a $250,000 fine |
| Related case | A Mission man pleaded guilty in September 2026 to running LVAction.com & JCSportsBet.com, according to Valley Central |
What happens next
Kilby’s case proceeds through federal court in Texas. Texas lawmakers are expected to revisit sports betting legislation in 2027.
Sources: Feds: ‘Local Golfing Legend’ Ran Illegal Sportsbook at Sports Bar
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