Dan Patrick Is Out: Will Texas Legalize Casinos and Sports Betting in 2027?

^{Dan Patrick’s defeat removes a major obstacle to gambling regulation in Texas. But will it be enough to move legislation? (Photo: UPI)}

Voters in Texas may have opened the door to legal sports betting and casino gambling after delivering a major political upset in the Nov. 3 election.

Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated longtime Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, removing one of the biggest obstacles to gambling expansion in Texas. Patrick had repeatedly opposed efforts to advance sports betting and casino legislation through the Texas Senate.

Gov. Greg Abbott also lost his reelection bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, while Democrats gained control of the Texas House. The results dramatically change the political landscape heading into the 2027 legislative session. However, new leadership doesn't guarantee legalization, and Texas gamblers still face a lengthy process before regulated sportsbooks or casinos could open.

Dan Patrick's Defeat Changes the Texas Gambling Debate

For years, Patrick was one of Texas's most influential opponents of expanded gambling. As lieutenant governor, he controlled much of the Senate's legislative agenda and repeatedly questioned whether gambling proposals had sufficient Republican support.

The 2023 legislative session illustrated the divide between the two chambers. The Texas House approved a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing sports betting by a 101–42 vote, but the Senate never voted on the measure. Another round of proposals failed during the 2025 session.

Patrick's defeat shifts the outlook heading into 2027. Goodwin has expressed support for allowing Texans to vote on gambling expansion. Her election could give legalization proposals an opportunity to receive serious consideration in the Senate. However, Republicans retain significant influence in the Legislature, and any proposed constitutional amendment will need bipartisan support to advance.

Abbott's Departure Adds Another Political Unknown

Outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott had balked at changing the Texas Constitution to allow commercial casinos. His exit removes a high-profile critic, but incoming Gov. Gina Hinojosa isn’t necessarily an ally of gambling expansion.

As a state representative, she voted against the proposed sports betting constitutional amendment in 2023. She also voted against HJR 155, a casino package that laid out a framework for legalizing sports betting as well as destination-resort casinos. Gambling legalization wasn't a major part of her gubernatorial campaign, and she hasn't outlined a detailed policy for expanding regulated gambling.

A constitutional amendment doesn't require the governor's signature. However, Hinojosa could influence the legislative debate and potentially veto subsequent legislation for a regulated gambling market.

Sports Betting Has a Clearer Legislative Path Than Casinos

Sports betting has enjoyed considerable public support in Texas, but lawmakers have repeatedly blocked legalization efforts. A 2025 University of Houston poll found that 60% of Texans supported legal sports betting.

The 2023 amendment is the closest the Legislature has come to regulating sports betting. In 2025, three supporters of the 2023 amendment flipped and joined a larger group of lawmakers opposing regulation, thus stalling efforts. 

With new leadership taking office in 2027, supporters have another chance to pursue an amendment, with a more receptive lieutenant governor in the Senate. The 2026 election has since reshaped the House. While Democrats now control the House, neither party can pass a constitutional amendment without bipartisan support.

Casino legalization may face a tougher road than sports betting. A proposed casino amendment failed in 2023, with incoming Gov. Hinojosa siding with the opposition. Religious groups and anti-gaming organizations remain strong opponents. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas also opposes commercial regulation because of the impact on its gaming interests. Ultimately, lawmakers may be reluctant to devote limited legislative time to a proposal that has repeatedly failed and has limited support.

The face of live poker in Texas could change if lawmakers authorize commercial casinos. Texas card rooms operate as private membership clubs, charging fees rather than taking a percentage of pots. Casino legislation will likely force lawmakers to clarify the legal status of poker clubs and whether they can continue operating independently or must become licensed.

Online casino legalization is possible, though remote. While lawmakers considered online poker legislation in 2013, efforts to legalize online casino games have never gained significant traction.

The Timeline for Legal Gambling in Texas

The next regular session of the Texas Legislature begins Jan. 12, 2027. Most legislation must be filed by March 12. Under Article III, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution, expanding gambling to include sports betting or commercial casinos would require a constitutional amendment.

Lawmakers must approve an amendment by a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Texas voters must then approve the proposal by a simple majority. The earliest anticipated statewide vote would be Nov. 2, 2027, making a sportsbook or casino launch that year highly unlikely. Even with voter approval, Texas would still need to establish regulations, licensing procedures, taxation, and consumer protections.

Under an accelerated timeline, legal sportsbooks could potentially begin operating in 2028. Commercial casinos would likely require additional time for development and construction.

Patrick's defeat creates an opportunity for gambling supporters, but the real test comes when lawmakers return to Austin in January. Whether the new leadership can build the bipartisan coalition needed for legalization remains uncertain.