The election of certain state politicians could hinder the legalization of casinos and sports betting
Following this month’s elections, the push for legalized casino gambling and sports betting in Texas appears to have hit a setback. With Republicans securing key state Senate positions, including Adam Hinojosa’s win, the likelihood of passing gambling legislation has decreased. Republicans now hold a 20-11 majority over Democrats in the Texas Senate, meaning that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will need support from 11 Republican senators, rather than the previous 10, to bring a gambling bill to the Senate floor.
Lt. Gov. Patrick has historically been a roadblock to gambling expansion in Texas, expressing a firm stance that he won’t advance any gambling legislation without a majority from the Republican caucus. While some bipartisan efforts to introduce gambling bills have emerged in the past, Patrick’s control over the legislative process has kept these initiatives from gaining traction in the Senate. Hinojosa’s election, who campaigned on conservative values, signals he may not be inclined to support pro-gambling measures, further reinforcing Patrick’s stance.
One potential shift could come from outside Texas politics. Patrick’s close alignment with former President Donald Trump has sparked speculation that he may be offered a federal position when Trump regains office. If Patrick were to leave his post, a new lieutenant governor might be more open to allowing Texans to vote on gambling measures. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, however, has given little indication that he would push for such changes or consider higher office, leaving Patrick without a clear opportunity for advancement within the state.
Should Patrick step down, the remaining barrier would be Senate President Pro Tempore Charles Schwertner, another opponent of gambling expansion. While Schwertner has also voiced opposition to gambling, the changing political landscape could potentially soften his stance if the majority of Republican senators and voters show support. However, for now, the odds remain slim that Texans will see legalized gambling on their ballots anytime soon.
