Candidate for Lt. Governor in Texas Calls for Sports Betting

Sports betting proponents in Texas just got a powerful new ally.

Democrat Rep. Vikki Goodwin has announced her candidacy with the goal of legalizing new industries, including regulated sports betting. She has touted polls showing public support for the industry, and is calling on the government to take action as a result. 

While the odds of a Democrat winning a state office in Texas are long, her presence in the race will likely make sports betting a talking point ahead of the November 2026 elections.

Current Lt. Governor Strongly Opposes Industry

Dan Patrick, who continues to serve as Texas’s Lt. Governor, has been an outspoken critic of regulated sports betting. He has expressed fears over the morality of expanding gambling. While he acknowledges the eye-popping projected tax revenue numbers, the corresponding spike in problem gambling would taint that money.

Patrick is not expected to face much of a challenge to be re-elected, but Goodwin could force him to rethink his stance on legal sports betting during the campaign. 

Texas Running Out of Time

Texas is projected to be one of the country’s largest sports betting markets, but that window is likely closing.

One reason for that is the rise of sports prediction markets. These controversial platforms offer a form of sports betting but are not considered a form of gambling under US law. That means they can operate in all 50 states without being subject to the regulations and tax requirements of the sports betting industry,

Another reason is that DFS, sweeps, and offshore sportsbook operators are available in Texas. These can provide alternative forms of gambling, but often with higher risks. Like with prediction markets, these operators aren’t required to pay gambling taxes, meaning far less money for the state.

More Support from Republicans is Needed

Lt. Gov. Patrick has made his feelings on the expansion of legal gambling well known, but that doesn’t mean he’ll never support legalizing sports betting.

While previous bills have had strong support from Texas lawmakers, many of those have been Democrats. The state’s Republican Party, which controls the legislature, has been divided on the issue of legalizing sports betting. With the majority of members remaining opposed, Patrick has refused to reconsider his stance.

The shifting national landscape of sports betting is leading more opponents to reconsider their stance. If Goodwin’s campaign can gain steam, it could force more to drop their own objections to avoid scorn from voters.