The US midterm elections on 3 November have changed the outlook for gambling expansion in two states where it has stalled: Texas, the largest market without legal sports betting, and Maryland, where online casino bills have failed for three years in a row.
Texas: Patrick out
Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, winning about 52% of the vote to his 46%. The Lieutenant Governor controls the Texas Senate’s committees and decides which bills get a hearing, and Patrick used that power to block the House-passed sports betting resolution in 2023 and later efforts in 2025.
Patrick conceded, saying:
“I respect how the people voted. It was a fair election, and I accept the majority will of the voters.”
Goodwin has signalled she is open to the issue. She told Casino.org: “We need to listen to the voters of Texas. … Gambling may be one of those things.”
The hurdles are still high. Legalising casinos or sports betting in Texas requires a constitutional amendment, which needs two-thirds of both chambers, 100 of 150 House members and 21 of 31 senators, before going to a statewide vote. Democrat Gina Hinojosa, who defeated Governor Greg Abbott, voted against the 2023 sports betting amendment as a state representative. Bill prefiling opens on 9 November and the 90th Legislature convenes on 12 January 2027.
Jordan Bender, an analyst at Citizens, wrote in a research note: “If Patrick had won, we would have viewed legislation of any gaming vertical as unlikely over the next four years.”
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Maryland: Watson back for another try
In Maryland, State Senator Ron Watson, who has filed an iGaming bill every year, was re-elected in District 23 with about 91% of the vote. Governor Wes Moore and Senate President Bill Ferguson were also re-elected.
- 2024: a House bill passed 92-43 but died in the Senate.
- 2025: Watson and Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary proposed $1m five-year licences.
- 2026: Watson withdrew his referendum bill in March and his regulatory bill stalled.
The 2027 session opens on 13 January. Because legalisation would also need voter approval, the earliest a referendum could be held is 2028. Opposition remains from Ocean Downs and Worcester County officials.
Sources: KPRC Click2Houston, Casino.org and TheLines.
