Dan Patrick’s Re-Election Bid Threatens Texas Gambling Expansion
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s decision to seek another term signals fresh challenges for casino and sports betting advocates, as his opposition continues to block legislative progress in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's decision to seek another four-year term has cast fresh doubt on the chances of advancing casino gambling and sports betting in Texas. Having repeatedly expressed his opposition to legalized gambling, his re-election would all but make it impossible.
Key Takeaways
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's re-election bid signals continued challenges for Texas casino gambling and sports betting legislation.
Opposition within the Republican-controlled Senate remains the most significant obstacle to gambling expansion.
Previous legislative efforts have failed to gain hearings or sufficient support, leaving industry groups frustrated.
Patrick, who controls how bills end up on the Senate floor, has perpetually signaled that no vote exists on the part of Republicans to pass gambling expansion. His position has been cited by anti- and pro-groups alike as being one of the significant hindrances.
Trade organizations such as Las Vegas Sands and Texas Sports Betting Alliance have keenly observed Patrick's stance. Sands would not talk about his race for re-election, but the Sports Betting Alliance indicated that it would allow negotiations with legislators to run their course.
In spite of these initiatives, the Senate has traditionally opposed gambling expansion, claiming moral reservations and regulatory issues.
Amendments to the Constitution to allow casinos and sports betting have progressed little in either chamber. Initiatives this year never made it to a Senate hearing, while House proposals stalled behind Speaker Dustin Burrows, who was not enthusiastic about acting on them.
Analysts say the resistance extends beyond Patrick, with many Senate Republicans firmly opposed and skeptical after controversies involving the state lottery.
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