Candidates in the upcoming Texas attorney general race are taking clear positions on the state’s ongoing debate over online gambling. Four Republican contenders: Aaron Reitz, Joan Huffman, Chip Roy, and Mayes Middleton, each emphasized enforcing existing gambling laws rather than expanding them, according to The Dallas Express, a local newspaper.
While their approaches differ slightly, all expressed opposition to broader legalization, citing concerns about addiction, public safety, and compliance with state law. Their positions highlight how Texas remains cautious toward online wagering even as other states move to embrace regulated betting markets.
| Candidate | Position |
|---|---|
| Aaron Reitz | Aims to use every legal tool available to ensure that Texas gambling laws are upheld |
| Joan Huffman | Strongly opposes any change in existing Texas gambling laws |
| Chip Roy | Seeks to use litigation to enforce gambling laws in Texas |
| Mayes Middleton | Wants to enforce current Texas gambling laws, preventing any illegal expansion |
The attorney general candidates’ unified opposition to expanding online gambling suggests that Texas is unlikely to legalize or regulate sports betting in the near future. Each candidate’s commitment to enforcing existing laws reinforces the state’s long-standing resistance to most forms of gambling beyond the lottery, horse racing, and charitable gaming.
While neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas have already launched regulated sports betting markets, Texas continues to face political and moral hurdles. The candidates’ remarks indicate that any future legalization effort would likely face strong scrutiny from state leadership, particularly on issues related to consumer protection, addiction, and constitutional authority.
In short, the next attorney general’s stance could help maintain the status quo, delaying efforts by operators and lawmakers who have been pushing for a regulated, tax-generating sports betting market in Texas.
Add in the fact that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced a re-election bid earlier this year, and regulated sports betting looks highly unlikely for the foreseeable future. Patrick has long opposed any changes to Texas gambling laws, blocking pro-sports betting bills from advancing to the floor.
His continued leadership in the state Senate would likely preserve the current political barriers that have kept gambling reform at bay. As one of the most influential figures in Texas politics, Patrick has the power to control which bills reach debate, which means that even bipartisan or industry-backed proposals could remain stalled.
With regulated sports betting in Texas looking at a standstill due to the unified position of Attorney General candidates, combined with Lt. Gov. Patrick’s potential re-election, users within the Lone Star State have limited options.
While driving to neighboring states is still open, it’s obviously inconvenient, meaning that the lack of progress towards regulation could push them towards offshore sportsbooks. These operators don’t have the same safeguards in place as regulated platforms, which puts users at risk of personal data breaches and issues with financial transactions.
