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Texas’ Nov. 3 elections could shape the next push to legalize sports betting and casinos, according to Deadspin. The lieutenant governor race puts a key legislative gatekeeper on the ballot ahead of the January 2027 session.
Texas has no legal sports betting or Las Vegas-style commercial casinos. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick faces Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who supports letting Texans vote on casinos and online sports betting.
Patrick’s Senate Role Is Central to Gambling Bills
Patrick presides over the Texas Senate, appoints committees and decides where bills are referred. He has said gambling expansion needs support from a majority of Senate Republicans before moving forward.
The 2023 sports betting push demonstrated that obstacle. The House approved House Joint Resolution 102 by a 101-42 vote on May 11, 2023. Patrick said he would not advance the amendment, and the Senate did not take it up.
A Goodwin victory could change how the Senate handles gambling legislation. It would not change the senators responsible for voting on those measures.
Governor Candidates Have Different Gambling Records
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
Abbott previously said he had no personal problem with online sports betting. More recently, he expressed concern about casino gaming, according to Deadspin.
Hinojosa voted against HJR 102 in 2023. The governor can advocate for legislation but cannot place a constitutional amendment on the ballot or veto the resolution proposing one.
Any Expansion Still Requires Legislative Supermajorities
The expansion debate centers on sports betting and destination casinos. The 2023 amendment covered sports wagering only.
Prediction markets also face legislative scrutiny. Patrick directed senators in March to study whether they evade Texas gambling laws. The Senate held a hearing on banning or regulating prediction markets in September.
Deadspin identified a committee hearing for a gambling resolution as the first signal to watch after the election. To reach voters, a Texas constitutional amendment needs two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers.
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Source: As reported by Deadspin.
