Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta said Monday he has an interest in purchasing the Rockets.

"I definitely have an interest," Fertitta, the Landry's restaurants founder and CEO and gambling mogul, said. "Just hope it doesn't go for crazy numbers. I've never really wanted to own a professional team outside of Houston. Houston is my hometown and the place I would prefer to own a professional team."

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The Rockets announced Monday that team owner Les Alexander will put the franchise up for sale.

Fertitta has previous ties to the Rockets, serving as an advisory director during the franchise's championship seasons in 1994-95.

"I've known Les (Alexander) since he purchased the team 24 years ago," said Fertitta, whose net worth is listed as $3.1 billion by Forbes. "Les has been a great owner for 24 years. He's won the only two major championships in the history of Houston and has kept the team competitive for 24 years. It will be big shoes to follow for whoever buys the team. (But) I definitely have an interest."

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Fertitta also was one of the original investors for the Texans, serving as partner until 2008 when he had to sell his share in the franchise to comply with NFL prohibiting team owners from having an interest in gambling-related business. Fertitta owns Golden Nugget casino locations in Las Vegas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

The NBA does not have such a rule that would prevent Fertitta from pursing the Rockets.

In addition, Fertitta hosts the CNBC show 'Billion Dollar Buyer' and also serves as chairman of the University of Houston Board of Regents.