Texas closer to legalizing gambling
If Texas wants casino gambling and sports betting to become legalized, the state must successfully leap over two hurdles.
The first is that Republicans look to have won the only competitive race among the fifteen Senate seats on the ballot this election cycle. Democrats have traditionally been more bullish on gambling, and so legalization prospects have dimmed. The second is that Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over day-to-day Senate dealings, and he has blocked gambling legislation from reaching a vote on the Senate floor. Patrick says that he will not bring up a gambling bill for a Senate vote unless he has a majority in the Republican Senate caucus.
the majority support that Patrick requires would have been ten, but now it is 11
By electing Republican Adam Honjosa to the state Senate, 20 GOP senators will take office compared to the Democrats’ 11, which makes the math more difficult for potential gambling legalization. With 19 Republican state senators, the majority support that Patrick requires would have been ten, but now it is 11. Unfortunately, Hinojosa campaigned on traditional family and conservative values, indicating he may not be a gambling supporter.
As a consequence of Republication opposition, even a bipartisan bill from the House last session eventually stalled in the Senate.
Trump victory signals potential hope
There is an out that may deliver victory yet for Texas. Patrick may not be in office for much longer, as he has long pledged loyalty to Donald Trump, who has said he will reward loyalty above all with potential cabinet positions. Trump has made few public statements about his cabinet selections, but Lt. Gov. Patrick has been among his most outspoken supporters. In addition, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said little to indicate that he intends to vacate his position or seek higher office, leaving no room for career advancement for Patrick unless he takes a position outside the governorship.
a replacement may be more willing to send a gambling measure for placement on the ballot
If Patrick does vacate his seat as the Lt. Gov., the primary obstacle to casino gambling legislation in Texas would be gone. A replacement may be more willing to send a gambling measure for placement on the ballot, a move that would align with proven support among conservative lawmakers.
The remaining obstacle would then be Senate President Pro Tempore Charles Schwertner, who has also publicly opposed gambling and sports betting in Texas, but who may be more open to bringing a bill for consideration in the Senate with already-proven GOP support.