TLDR Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who blocked gambling bills in the Texas Senate for years. A constitutional amendment needs 21 Senate votes, and Republicans still hold 19 of 31 seats. Backers would need at least nine Republican senators even if every Democrat votes yes. A 2025 poll found 73% support for resort casinos, compared with 60% for sports betting. Tilman Fertitta’s $17.6bn Caesars Entertainment deal still needs Federal Trade Commission approval.
Texas gambling supporters now face a math problem in the state Senate. Even with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick leaving office, any sports betting or casino plan needs at least nine Republican senators to vote yes.
Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin defeated Patrick in Tuesday’s election. Patrick used his control over the Senate floor for more than a decade to block gambling bills before senators could debate them.
Goodwin’s win was part of a statewide Democratic sweep. Gina Hinojosa ousted Gov. Greg Abbott, and Nathan Johnson flipped the attorney general’s office.
The Vote Count Behind Texas Gambling
Any gambling expansion in Texas requires a constitutional amendment. That needs 100 votes in the House, 21 votes in the Senate, and then approval from a majority of voters.
The Texas Senate held at 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats after the election. If every Democrat backs a resolution, supporters would still need nine Republicans to reach 21.
Dan Patrick, the long-time gatekeeper on Texas gambling bills, lost his lieutenant governor race. Las Vegas Sands shares rose 6.5% the next day.
Legalisation still needs two-thirds of both chambers, then voters.
18+ | GambleAware | #Texas | #CasinoNews pic.twitter.com/ZfFr5yBJX3
— Gambling.com (@gambling_com) November 5, 2026
Democrats flipped the Texas House for the first time since 2003. Republicans could also rewrite Senate rules to limit Goodwin’s