In a state where gambling remains a contentious issue, Texas politicians continue to pose significant challenges to the gambling industry’s hopes for legalization. The Texas Constitution firmly prohibits gambling, and despite efforts to change this, political resistance remains steadfast.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has long been a formidable barrier to the legalization of casino gambling and online sports betting, wielding significant influence over what issues reach the Senate floor. The 2023 Texas legislative session saw a House sports betting bill make it to the Senate, only for advocates to encounter several setbacks in 2025. The political landscape in Texas is notably resistant to gambling, making any potential for legalization a difficult battle.
As the race for the Texas attorney general seat heats up, four Republican candidates have declared their positions on gambling, with two candidates explicitly opposing any expansion efforts. They outlined their perspectives to The Dallas Express, although the views of Democratic candidates remain unreported in the predominantly Republican state. The position of Texas attorney general has been unoccupied since 2014, and the current Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the US Senate in the 2026 Republican primary, facing incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
Industry insiders from the recent Global Gaming Expo expressed concerns that should Paxton ascend to the Senate, the new attorney general might target dual-currency sweepstakes operators, who currently offer casino and sports betting products. In 2016, Paxton deemed daily fantasy sports illegal under Texas law, signaling a potentially tough stance from any successor.
The Republican candidates for attorney general also touched upon the topic of prediction markets. These markets, which claim regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, face scrutiny from state regulators and attorneys general, who argue they may be conducting illegal sports wagering. Texas has yet to take decisive action regarding prediction markets, leaving the door open for further legal debate.
Among the candidates, Aaron Reitz, an assistant attorney general at the US Department of Justice, emphasized his commitment to enforcing existing Texas gambling laws. Reitz clarified that Texas’s inaction against prediction market operator Kalshi could stem from various legal complexities. However, he asserted that his office would pursue civil enforcement against entities misleading Texans about the legality of their gambling activities.
State Senator Joan Huffman, another candidate, maintains a firm opposition to all forms of gambling expansion, pledging strict enforcement of state laws against illegal gambling. Similarly, US Representative Chip Roy stands against online and other forms of gambling, vowing to engage in litigation to uphold the law. State Senator Mayes Middleton echoed these sentiments, underscoring his consistent record of holding unlawful gambling operations accountable.
Attempts to legalize gambling in Texas have been numerous, with repeated efforts to introduce sports betting and casino gambling over several legislative sessions. The Texas Legislature convenes only in odd-numbered years, next gathering in 2027. Although Governor Greg Abbott has softened his stance on sports betting, Dan Patrick remains a staunch opponent, controlling the Senate’s agenda and refusing to consider bills lacking Republican majority support. The Texas GOP’s official position is firmly anti-gambling.
“Texas is a red state,” Patrick declared in a 2023 social media post, highlighting the discord between the House’s Democrat-led sports betting vote and the Senate’s GOP-dominated decision-making process. Patrick, announcing in August his intention to seek another term in 2026, remains a focal point for proponents of gambling legalization.
Yet, Austin-based political consultant Mike Lavigne suggests that focusing solely on Patrick might be misguided. According to Lavigne, the gambling industry should concentrate on securing Senate votes rather than fixating on Patrick. “Patrick is not as big a problem as the rest of the Senate is. And if they had the votes in the Senate, Patrick wouldn’t be a problem,” Lavigne observed.
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, representing major sportsbook operators and professional sports teams, alongside influential figures like Las Vegas Sands Corp and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, continue to push for sports betting. Fertitta, owner of the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos and a significant shareholder in Wynn Resorts, has funneled substantial contributions to Republican lawmakers, including Abbott and Patrick, aiming to sway opinions on gambling legislation.
In this complex political environment, the future of gambling in Texas remains uncertain. With strong opposition from key political figures and a deeply entrenched anti-gambling stance within the state’s leadership, those advocating for legalization face an uphill battle. However, with continued efforts and strategic alliances, proponents hope to eventually turn the tide in favor of legal gambling in the Lone Star State.
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