Texas Gambling Hopes Take Potential Hit with Senate Election

Texas voters elected Republican Adam Hinojosa to the state Senate in a potential blow to the state’s casino gambling and sports betting legalization prospects.

Hinojosa’s election means 20 GOP senators will take office in next year’s legislative session compared to 11 Democrats. The increased Republican majority could make passing the state’s first-ever commercial casino gaming legislation more difficult.

Hinojosa defeated incumbent Democrat Morgan LaMantia, winning with 49.4% of the vote to LaMantia’s 48.3%. Another 2.3% voted for third party candidates. It was the only competitive race among the 15 Senate seats on the ballot in this year’s election cycle.

Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who in his position controls day-to-day Senate dealings, has blocked gambling legislation from reaching a vote on the Senate floor. He has said that he wouldn’t consider bringing up such a bill unless he has majority support from the Republican Senate caucus.

Hinojosa’s election means the number of GOP supporters required to meet Patrick’s demands has increased from 10 to 11.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been the state’s biggest political block for casino gambling and sports betting. Rumors have circulated he could join a second Trump Administration, which would set Sen. Charles Schwertner to take his spot; Schwertner too has opposed gambling bills

— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) October 24, 2024

Hinojosa has not announced publicly a stance on gambling but has campaigned on traditional family and conservative values. A business owner, Hinojosa has never held elective office but his campaign positions make it seem unlikely he will back gambling legalization.

Casino backers, led by Las Vegas Sands, remain bullish they can flip GOP senators, vowing to keep trying until they get support. Democrats in the Senate as well as the House have been more inclined to back gambling, making Republican opposition the largest stumbling block.

The House backed a bipartisan gambling expansion proposal in Texas’ most recent legislative session only to see it stalled in the Senate.

A Sands-backed study shows Texans overwhelmingly back a proposal to put casino gambling legalization on an upcoming ballot. Texans are estimated to spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year at casinos in bordering states, including Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Trump win could prove indirect boost

The presidential race could, inadvertently, boost gambling’s legalization odds.

Donald Trump’s win could lead to Patrick leaving his office. Though Trump has made few specific public statements about potential cabinet or other high-level federal officials, Patrick has been one of his most prominent outspoken supporters. Trump has said loyalty will be the determining factor for staffing positions, something Patrick offers no shortage of.

Incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott has shown little indication he will leave his position or seek higher office. This could further incentivize Patrick to take a federal position.

With Patrick out of the Lt. Gov.’s seat, the single-biggest political block to casino gambling legislation would be gone. The lieutenant governor’s office and state Senate would remain in GOP control, but Republicans in the lower chamber have proved there is support in Austin, even among conservatives, for putting a gambling measure on the ballot.

If Patrick leaves office, Senate President Pro Tempore would lead the chamber until the 2026 gubernatorial elections. Current President Pro Tempore Charles Schwertner has also publicly opposed casino gambling and sports betting in Texas. 

Still, the potential exists he could be more amenable to at least bringing such a bill up for a vote, especially if he has GOP support.

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