Texas election results revive discussion of sports betting and prediction markets
Regulation1 min read
In brief
- Democrats Gina Hinojosa and Vikki Goodwin defeated Republicans Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick in Texas, the report said.
- Goodwin supports putting iGaming and mobile sports wagering to voters.
- The report said talk of litigation against prediction markets has also emerged.
Democrats Gina Hinojosa and Vikki Goodwin unseated Republican incumbents Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday. Their wins raised hopes that the Lone Star State might take another look at online sports betting.
The lieutenant governor in the Lone Star State has unusual power and determines what the State Senate takes up. Texas House members approved a mobile sports wagering measure in 2024. That bill stalled in the Senate because of Patrick's anti-gaming position, according to the article.
There is also talk that the change in power could push the state toward litigation against prediction markets, which operate largely unfettered there. Some analysts speculate that a similar groundswell could emerge in Georgia. Neither Georgia nor Texas permits sports betting, and prediction market operators frequently mention both states in advertising.
Oklahoma, which borders Texas to the north, might revisit sports wagering if Texas does, though the report calls that possibility still fluid. Mike Mazzei, the Republican governor-elect, has said while campaigning that he aims to mend ties with tribal casino operators that were strained during the tenure of Gov. Kevin Stitt.