Feds: ‘Local Golfing Legend’ Ran Illegal Sportsbook at Golf Simulator Bar

Federal prosecutors in Texas allege that a self-described “local golfing legend” ran an illegal sports betting ring out of his indoor golf simulator bar in McAllen.

Ronald Lynn Kilby, 71, of Lakeway, Texas, is accused of using Killers Golf, an indoor golf center featuring Trackman hitting bays and a sports bar, to recruit bettors to his illegal sports gambling network. Kilby opened the McAllen facility in March 2020.

Federal prosecutors allege in a criminal complaint that Kilby and his coconspirators recruited patrons to place illegal sports wagers on offshore websites under their control.

According to court documents, Kilby provided bettors with unique usernames and passwords to access the offshore sportsbooks. Losing bettors were instructed to settle up in cash at Killers Golf or via mobile payment applications, including Venmo and PayPal.

Law enforcement officials allege the operation processed at least $2.4 million in illegal wagers through March 25, 2026, generating more than $1.2 million in illicit profits for Kilby.

Athletic Background and Charges

On the official Killers Golf website, Kilby describes himself as a “local golfing legend” and “The Original Killer.”

Kilby was a member of the University of Houston’s 1977 national championship golf team and has competed in 18 national tournaments organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), including seven U.S. Amateurs and two U.S. Senior Opens.

The former collegiate golfer is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against or defraud the United States. If convicted, Kilby faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

In March, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Killers Golf as part of the ongoing probe.

Local media outlet Valley Central reported the charges against Kilby may be linked to Marco Antonio Cardenas, 48, of Mission, Texas, who pleaded guilty in September 2026 to a similar conspiracy count. In his plea agreement, Cardenas admitted to operating LVAction.com and JCSportsBet.com via servers hosted in Costa Rica.

Texas Gaming Landscape

Texas remains one of 11 states without legal sports betting. The remaining non-regulated jurisdictions include Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.

Industry advocates argue that legalizing and regulating sports betting combats illicit operators while shifting existing bettors into a regulated market with consumer safeguards.

Texas lawmakers are expected to once again consider sports betting legislation in 2027.