All four Republican candidates in the 2026 Texas Attorney General election have stated their opposition to the legalization of gambling, pledging to strictly enforce the state's anti-gambling laws. The current Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, who has long controlled the Senate deliberations, has repeatedly blocked proposals to legalize casinos and online sports betting. The candidates include Assistant Attorney General Aaron Ratz, State Senator Joan Hoffman, U.S. Representative Chip Roy, and State Senator Meyers Middleton, all of whom have expressed their intention to take legal action against illegal gambling activities and remain vigilant against emerging forms such as prediction markets. Despite significant funding from interest groups like the Las Vegas Sands Corp to promote legalization, the Texas Constitution prohibits gambling and the official Republican stance is against it, making the prospects for legalization bleak.
Candidate Positions and Election Background
The four Republican candidates in the 2026 Texas Attorney General election are all clearly opposed to the legalization of gambling. This is the first time this position has been open for election since 2014, with the current Attorney General Ken Paxton running for U.S. Senator.
The candidates promise to strictly enforce the existing laws prohibiting gambling and to combat illegal gambling activities.
Key Candidate Views
Assistant Attorney General Aaron Ratz from the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice stated he has a responsibility to ensure Texas gambling laws are upheld, and may bring civil enforcement actions against gambling entities that mislead residents. State Senator Joan Hoffman opposes all efforts to expand the gambling industry and promises to continue enforcing laws against illegal gambling.
U.S. Representative Chip Roy opposes online and other forms of gambling, while State Senator Meyers Middleton emphasized holding illegal gambling activities accountable.
Current Legal Environment and Political Obstacles
The Texas Constitution prohibits gambling, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has repeatedly blocked casino gambling and online sports betting legalization proposals. Patrick controls Senate deliberations, refusing to consider bills without majority support from Republicans.
The official Republican stance in Texas is anti-gambling, with Patrick emphasizing in 2023 that the Republican majority guides policy direction.
Historical Efforts and Current Status
In past legislative sessions, there have been multiple attempts to legalize sports betting and casino gambling, but none have been successful. The state legislature only convenes in odd-numbered years, with the next session scheduled for 2027. Governor Greg Abbott has historically opposed gambling, but his stance on sports betting has softened this year.
Nevertheless, Patrick's control and the Republican opposition remain major obstacles.
Prediction Markets and Emerging Challenges
The candidates also discussed issues with prediction markets, which claim to be federally regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Several state regulatory bodies and attorneys general have been involved in lawsuits accusing them of offering illegal sports betting and circumventing state laws.
Texas has not yet taken any action against prediction markets, but the candidates indicated they would closely monitor such emerging forms.
Interest Groups and Driving Forces
The Las Vegas Sands Group, Texas Sands Political Action Committee, and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta have provided millions of dollars to Republican legislators. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, representing major sports betting operators and professional sports teams, hopes to participate in sports betting.
Despite these driving forces, political resistance remains strong.
Patrick's Role and Influence
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced in August that he would seek re-election in 2026, with his current term lasting until 2027. He is seen as a major opponent of legalization, but political advisor Mike Lavin believes that if supporters have enough votes in the Senate, Patrick will not be a problem.
Patrick's control is based on the support of the Republican majority in the Senate.
Law Enforcement and Regulatory Attitudes
Current Attorney General Ken Paxton stated in 2016 that daily fantasy sports constitute illegal gambling in Texas. Industry insiders predict Paxton might be the next Attorney General to target operators of dual-currency lotteries.
The Attorney General's office may take civil enforcement action against entities that mislead residents about the legality of gambling products.
Election Impact and Policy Outlook
The results of the 2026 election will influence the direction of Texas gambling policy. All Republican candidates hold an opposition stance, and the position of Democratic candidates is not yet clear. The election could reinforce the existing anti-gambling stance, making legalization efforts even more difficult.
Policy changes may have to wait for a significant shift in the political landscape.
Economic Factors and Social Considerations
Supporters emphasize the economic benefits and tax revenues that legalization could bring, while opponents focus on the social costs and moral impacts of gambling. As a conservative state, social values play a significant role in policy-making.
Balancing economic benefits with social risks is a core issue in the debate.
