Goodwin beats Patrick: Texas Senate’s betting block may end

Any expansion still needs two-thirds support in both chambers before Texans get a vote.

The hit

Texas gambling bills may reach the Senate floor for the first time in a decade after Democrat Vikki Goodwin unseated lieutenant governor Dan Patrick, according to Legal Sports Report. Goodwin says the decision should go to Texas voters.

Why it matters

Goodwin’s win does not legalise anything on its own. Any gambling expansion needs a constitutional amendment before it reaches a public vote. As lieutenant governor, Goodwin will decide which bills reach the floor, the same power Patrick used to block them for years. Texas Senate Republicans are reportedly meeting to discuss stripping legislative powers from her.

The record

Lt. Gov. race result	Vikki Goodwin defeated Dan Patrick (Legal Sports Report)
Patrick’s tenure	Lieutenant governor since 2015, opposed gambling throughout
2023 constitutional amendment	Passed House along with HB 1942; Patrick ruled HB 1942 dead
2025 session	Gambling bills declared ‘dead on arrival’ after new House Republicans pledged to oppose expansion
Related race	James Talarico beat Ken Paxton for US Senate; backs casino expansion
Governor’s race	Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott; Hinojosa voted against 2023 gambling resolution

What happens next

Watch whether Texas Senate Republicans succeed in stripping power from the new lieutenant governor & whether any gambling bill clears two-thirds support in both chambers before heading to voters.

Sources: Legal Sports Report: Texas Gambling Bills Gain Senate Path After Patrick Loss

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