2026 Texas AG Election Doesn't Bode Well for Online Gambling

As Texas holds to its roots as a heavily populated Christian state, there is a sense that the future of online gambling is bleak for the foreseeable future. It's one of the few U.S. states that has not yet legalized retail casinos and online gambling. That's not likely to change, given the current field of individuals who are running for the spot as Texas Attorney General.

In a deep red state, the AG spot is likely to go to a republican. Assuming that holds form, there are four potential GOP candidates in the running for the 2026 primary. That includes the following opponents:

• Aaron Reitz - former Deputy Attorney General


• Joan Huffman - current GOP State Senator


• Chip Roy - current GOP U.S. House Rep and former Assistant Attorney General


• Mayes Middleton - current GOP State Senator

What all four of these candidates have in common is a clear opposition to any kind of gambling expansion within the state's borders. That includes the licensing and development of retail casinos, plus online sports and casino gambling. The only forms of gambling allowed in Texas are charity-based options like bingo, lotteries, and pari-mutuel wagering (racetracks).

Note: Under current Texas law, gambling is defined as any game of chance where participants have to risk assets with real value.

With Lt. Gen. Dan Patrick running for re-election, there simply does not seem to be enough GOP support to even present bills in Congress. All bills presented in the recent past went down to defeat quite easily.

Why Gambling Expansion Struggles in Texas

For Texans to get access to other forms of gambling, the State Constitution would have to be changed. That would require a 2/3 majority in the affirmative. There is plenty of support for such a change from Democrats, but most Republicans seem unwilling to budge on the issue. It's worth noting that retail and online sports betting have much support from the state's professional sports team, but it has proven to be not enough to move the needle. Even the newest congressional representatives seem to oppose such changes more than their predecessors.

It doesn't help that the Texas Lottery was recently hit with a scandal. When questions recently arose related to possible money laundering charges, mismanagement, and illegal online ticket sales, the Texas Lottery Commission was abruptly dissolved, and the management of the $ 8 billion-a-year operation was placed under the control of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The regulatory body will now take over responsibility for 300+ employees and 20K+ retailers located throughout the state.

It's noteworthy that such a move was prompted when a $95 million jackpot was hit in 2023. It raised the possibility of fraudulent activities by insiders.

For what it's worth, Texas will likely be one of the last states to foray into the online gambling community. Only states like Hawaii and Utah would seem less unlikely to go forward.