Texas Attorney General Hopefuls Oppose Gambling Growth

Four Republican candidates in the upcoming 2026 Texas attorney general race have made their opposition to gambling expansion clear, reaffirming the state’s long-held anti-gambling stance. Aaron Reitz, Joan Huffman, Chip Roy, and Mayes Middleton each expressed their intention to strictly enforce existing gambling laws, making it unlikely that casino or sports betting legalisation will advance anytime soon.

The attorney general’s office plays a central role in interpreting and enforcing state laws related to gaming, and these candidates have emphasized their commitment to maintaining Texas’ current prohibitions. Reitz, currently with the U.S. Department of Justice, suggested that civil enforcement actions could target companies misleading Texans about gambling legality. Meanwhile, Huffman, Roy, and Middleton each reiterated their opposition to any form of gambling expansion.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continues to be a major figure in blocking legislative progress. His control of the Senate floor has repeatedly halted attempts to legalise gambling, despite growing industry advocacy from the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, Las Vegas Sands Corp, and high-profile investors like Tilman Fertitta.

With Attorney General Ken Paxton running for the U.S. Senate, the upcoming election represents a pivotal moment for Texas’ regulatory future. However, the unified stance of the Republican candidates suggests little room for policy change in the near term.

Texas remains one of the largest U.S. markets without legalised gambling, and the current political climate indicates that the status quo will persist beyond 2026.