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AUSTIN, Texas (Gambling911.com) - Regulated casinos and sports betting were not coming to Texas as long as the GOP remained firmly in control. More specifically, none of this was happening with Dan Patrick around.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has consistently opposed expanding legalized gambling in Texas, particularly online sports betting and commercial casino gambling, as well as how the Texas Lottery has operated. This guaranteed that no pro-gaming legislation would ever reach the Senate floor.
He was widely considered the most powerful politician in the Lone Star State. That all ended Tuesday.
Patrick's defeat in Tuesday's election removes a major hurdle in the effort to legalize gambling expansion.
Rob Kohler, an anti-gambling lobbyist, told the San Antonio Express News that Patrick's exit from the political playing field is unlikely to change the dynamics on such fronts as legal casinos or sports betting however.
"I know he's been characterized (as the bulwark against gambling), but in recent sessions there just weren't the votes in either chamber for it," Kohler said. "Patrick got a lot of the headlines, but at the end of the day, the members' votes weren't there."
Constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval in both chambers of the Texas Legislature before voters can decide. Republicans retain their majority in the state senate and are expected to hold 67 seats in the house.
Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin won the race for Texas lieutenant governor.
Goodwin supports allowing Texas voters to decide whether to legalize casino gambling and online sports betting.
In a September 21, 2025, interview with FOX 7 Austin, Goodwin emphasized personal freedom and responsibility when discussing casinos and sports betting.
She also questioned why Texans should have to travel to Louisiana or Nevada to gamble when they could potentially do so within Texas.
The next battle is expected to be on the prediction market front.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
