As gambling operators continue to push for legalization in Texas, state politicians remain one of the industry’s biggest hurdles.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has consistently blocked efforts to legalize casino gambling and online sports betting, using his influence over the Senate floor to halt any consideration of such measures. While a House-backed sports betting bill reached the Senate in 2023, legalization advocates faced multiple defeats again during the 2025 legislative session. Under the Texas Constitution, most forms of gambling remain strictly prohibited.
Now, four Republican candidates running in the March primary for the open Texas attorney general seat have made their positions on gambling clear — two of them explicitly oppose any expansion of gambling in the state. Their views were recently outlined in an interview with The Dallas Express. The publication did not report the positions of the two Democratic candidates also seeking the office in heavily Republican Texas.
This election marks the first open race for attorney general since 2014. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton is vacating the position to run for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 Republican primary against incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
At this month’s Global Gaming Expo, industry insiders suggested that Paxton’s successor could continue his tough stance on unregulated gaming operations, particularly dual-currency sweepstakes platforms that offer casino-style and sports betting products. In 2016, Paxton issued an opinion declaring daily fantasy sports illegal gambling under Texas law.
In their interviews, the attorney general candidates also addressed the issue of prediction markets — platforms that claim federal oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and argue they are legal nationwide. However, multiple state regulators and attorneys general have filed lawsuits asserting that these platforms effectively offer illegal sports wagering and bypass state gambling restrictions. So far, Texas has not taken any formal action regarding prediction markets.
Texas AG candidate gambling views
Aaron Reitz, a candidate for Texas attorney general and currently the assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice, stated that he intends to use every available resource to uphold Texas gambling laws. Reitz suggested that the state’s lack of action against prediction market operator Kalshi may stem from “multiple constitutional, statutory, and regulatory considerations.” However, he emphasized that the attorney general’s office has the authority to pursue civil enforcement against any entity that misleads Texans about the legality of its gambling products.
Another Republican contender, State Senator Joan Huffman, reaffirmed her long-standing opposition to gambling expansion. She pledged to remain committed to enforcing state laws prohibiting illegal gambling activities.
U.S. Representative Chip Roy also voiced his opposition to online and other forms of gambling, stating that he would “pursue all litigation necessary to enforce the law.”
State Senator Mayes Middleton underscored his strict interpretation of Texas gambling laws, declaring that “our laws and Constitution are not suggestions.” He added, “I have a consistent and clear record of holding unlawful gambling operations accountable, as well as those attempting to illegally expand gambling.”
Texas efforts to legalize gambling
Texas has seen several attempts to legalize sports betting and casino gambling over recent legislative sessions. However, progress remains slow, as the state Legislature meets only in odd-numbered years and is not scheduled to reconvene until 2027.
Governor Greg Abbott, once firmly opposed to gambling, has recently shown a more open stance toward legalizing sports betting. Despite this shift, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continues to hold significant influence over the Senate agenda. A staunch opponent of gambling, Patrick has made it clear that he will not allow gambling-related bills to advance unless they have strong Republican support. The official position of the Texas GOP remains firmly anti-gambling.
“Texas is a red state,” Patrick posted on Twitter in 2023. “Yet the House vote on sports betting was carried by a Democrat majority. The Texas Senate doesn’t pass bills with the GOP in the minority. The GOP majority guides our path.”
Patrick, whose current term ends in 2027, announced in August that he plans to seek re-election in 2026. Although many view him as the primary obstacle to gambling reform, Austin-based political consultant Mike Lavigne told The Dallas Morning News that the real challenge lies within the broader Senate.
“If I were the Sands Corporation, I’d be counting my Senate votes instead of worrying about Dan Patrick,” Lavigne said. “Patrick isn’t the main issue—the rest of the Senate is. If they had the votes, Patrick wouldn’t be a problem.”
The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, which includes major sportsbook operators and professional sports teams, continues to push for legalization. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Sands Corp., Texas Sands PAC, and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta have collectively contributed millions of dollars to Republican lawmakers—including Abbott and Patrick—in hopes of swaying the debate. Fertitta, who owns Golden Nugget Hotels and Casinos, is also the largest shareholder of Wynn Resorts.
