If Texans demonstrate through statewide ballot referendums that they desire casino resorts and online sports betting, Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin (D-Travis) would be in favor of them.
In the November 2026 election, Goodwin is seeking to replace Republican incumbent Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has served three terms. Since no other Democrat has entered the race, Goodwin anticipates being the Democratic nominee.
It's going to be difficult to make the lieutenant governor's office look bad. Since 1999, Republicans have occupied the position. But since 1870, Democrats have held the position of lieutenant governor annually until Rick Perry was appointed Lt. Gov. in January 1999.
Better funding for public schools, not voucher plans that let the wealthy to send their children to private schools, is the main goal of Goodwin's campaign. More accessible and affordable comprehensive health care, more affordable housing, and cleaner water and energy across the Lone Star State are among her other top priorities.
Above all, according to Goodwin, she is campaigning to remove Patrick and the Republicans from their power base, where they have transformed Texas into a "ideological demagogue."
According to her campaign, it's time to legalize "adulthood" and stop elected officials from dictating what people can and cannot do, such as granting them access to medicinal THC. Gaming may be a part of that, according to Goodwin.
Casino Inquiry
Texas has debated for a number of sessions whether to permit sports betting and casino gaming. Las Vegas Sands, which has long aimed to construct an integrated resort in Dallas, has contributed a significant amount of lobbying funds.
Although Goodwin says she would not make casino and/or sports betting a central part of her 2026 campaign, she is prepared to accept it if voters approve a gaming referendum, unlike Patrick.
"We need to listen to the voters of Texas. There are a number of issues where I think a vast majority of Texans feel one way and their elected representatives are doing the opposite,” Goodwin told Casino.org. “Gambling may be one of those things.”
According to Goodwin, a lot of Texans like to gamble. They take a quick flight to Las Vegas after visiting nearby Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Despite not being a gambler herself, Goodwin stated that officials in Texas had to let "voters have the say."
"The same goes for the THC ban. Let’s put in some regulations, and then let people live their lives. If the majority of Texans say they want to open the state to casino gambling, then let’s put in some regulations and allow it,” Goodwin said.
Patrick was held accountable for obstructing a 2023 state House of Representatives constitutional amendment that would have given Texans a say in whether or not to authorize online sports betting. Patrick, the Lt. Governor who also serves as president, put the bill on hold after it was received by the Senate, arguing that there weren't enough votes for it to be taken seriously.
Democracy at Risk
According to Goodwin, she is running in order to balance the government's executive branch.
"We have not had balance for 30 years. We’ve had Republicans in all of the top offices. I think it’s time — 2026 is the time. We’re seeing a lot of chaos in Texas, in the education world, in the health care world. I think that people from all sorts of backgrounds are unhappy with the leadership of the state,” Goodwin concluded.
According to a June UT Tyler poll, Goodwin was only four points behind Patrick (46% to 42%).