Texas’ Lt. Gov. and Gambling Critic Lost the Midterm Elections

Pro-gambling Texans might have a chance to reverse its state’s staunch opposition to casinos, sports betting, and other forms of wagering.

New Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin (D-Travis County) previously indicated that she’d be open to discussion about legalizing. That starkly contrasts the views of her predecessor, Dan Patrick (R), who swore to kill any gambling legislation that crossed his path as long as he was in control of the Senate. 

Goodwin was one of several Democrats who flipped Republican-held positions, further opening the door to a possible shift in state stance.

Texas in the mood to gamble?

Patrick, a three-term incumbent, was supposed to beat Goodwin. Prediction market leader Kalshi had him as a favorite since he announced his intent to seek another term in February all the way until just after 7:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday night.

Ousting Patrick’s staunch opposition to gambling is one thing. But it's another entirely to replace him with Goodwin, who said in a Sept. 2025 interview with FOX 7 Austin that she wanted to let voters decide on the fate of in-state sports betting and casino gaming, such as table games and slot machines.

“It seems like a recent survey showed that over 50% of Texans do gamble already,” she said. “And so, why don't we allow them to vote to have a say?”

Goodwin’s victory over Patrick has paved the way for her to become Texas’ first Democratic Lt. Gov. in nearly 30 years. Democrat Gina Hinojosa also took down Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to become the state’s first Blue leader since 1995, while Nathan Johnson flipped the attorney general’s office to be Democratic for the first time since 1999.

And although he won’t contribute to the state government, James Talarico (D) will represent Texas in the U.S. Senate in another momentous victory for leftists.

“It certainly changes the calculus,” Texas billionaire Mark Cuban said to SBC Americas Wednesday. “But I have no knowledge of anything that may or may not happen.”

Who’s behind the effort?

While Goodwin might be more open to gambling than her predecessor, she still isn’t an outright proponent of legalization. She’s a believer that, in her words, “voters should have the say.”

A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll released in early 2025 found that a majority of Texans supported legalizing gambling, and with very little difference across party lines.

According to their findings, 73% of Texans supported destination casinos resorts. 60% support online sports betting, and 56% supported adding retail sportsbooks to professional sports venues. Republicans signaled majority support for all three.

There’s also significant money behind the push for gambling in Texas. Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner and Las Vegas Sands owner Miriam Adelson, and Caesars Entertainment owner Tilman Fertitta have all campaigned for state legislators to legalize the activity.

Although Patrick and other Republicans will soon be out of power, expanding gambling will not be totally straightforward. Texas’ constitution requires two-thirds supporting votes in both chambers and majority approval from registered voters. 

Democrats took control of the Texas House for the first time in more than two decades. However, Republicans maintained their majority in the Senate, according to unofficial results.