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Texas Election Results Could Open a Path to Clearer Poker Room Laws
- Democrat Nathan Johnson won the Texas Attorney General race, beating Republican Mayes Middleton by 6.5 points, according to PokerNews.
- Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whose Senate repeatedly let gambling bills stall.
- Nothing changes for Texas poker clubs yet, and any constitutional amendment needs two-thirds of both chambers in the 2027 session.
Texas voters elected new leaders on Nov. 3, 2026, and the results could matter for poker players. Democrat Nathan Johnson, who has pushed for gambling reform, won the Attorney General race. Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who had blocked efforts to expand gambling in Texas.
Gina Hinojosa also defeated Gov. Greg Abbott, while Democrats appear to have won control of the Texas House, according to PlayUSA. Nothing changes for Texas poker clubs right now, but the election results could make it easier to pass new poker laws in 2027.
How Texas Poker Clubs Operate Today
Texas poker clubs operate in a legal gray area. They avoid taking rake, which is a cut of each poker pot. Instead, many clubs charge membership and seat fees to make money.
At clubs like Texas Card House and Champions Club, players pay for their seats rather than giving up part of each pot. Our guide to Texas poker laws explains the rules in more detail.
But the law isn’t clear. Some argue that these clubs are still illegal, even if they don’t take rake. Former Attorney General Ken Paxton left the issue for the courts to decide rather than giving a legal opinion.
The risks became clear in March 2026 when authorities raided The Lodge Card Club near Austin over suspected illegal gambling and other allegations. No criminal charges had been filed as of April 9, but authorities were still holding seized assets. The case shows why Texas poker clubs continue to face legal uncertainty.
Why Nathan Johnson’s Attorney General Win Matters for Poker
Johnson replaced Ken Paxton as Texas Attorney General after Paxton lost his US Senate race to Democrat James Talarico. While Middleton supported the current poker club model, Johnson has pushed for broader gambling reform.
In March 2025, Johnson proposed SJR 82, a constitutional amendment that would have let voters decide whether Texas should remove restrictions on regulated gambling. The proposal focused on casinos and sports betting, not private poker clubs. It failed to advance in the Senate.
Johnson also supports legal casinos and sports betting. However, his campaign received a $4,500 donation from Texas Sands PAC, which is linked to Las Vegas Sands. The company has pushed to bring casinos to Texas, raising questions about whether poker clubs would be included in future gambling laws.
For poker players, Johnson’s win could open the door to clearer laws, but there’s no guarantee that existing poker clubs will benefit.
Goodwin Removes Poker’s Biggest Roadblock in the Texas Senate
The Lieutenant Governor has a major say in which bills move forward in the Texas Senate. Under Dan Patrick, several gambling bills failed to advance, including efforts to expand poker and casino gaming. Lawmakers have tried before, as seen in the 2023 Texas gambling bills hearing.
Vikki Goodwin defeated Patrick by about 6 points and supports letting Texans vote on expanding gambling. However, she hasn’t specifically backed legalizing private poker clubs and can’t change the law on her own.
Republicans also kept control of the Senate with a 19-12 majority and may limit some of Goodwin’s powers. That could make it harder for her to move gambling bills forward.
The Votes Texas Poker Still Needs in 2027
Expanding gambling in Texas through a constitutional amendment would require support from two-thirds of both chambers. That means at least 100 votes in the House and 21 in the Senate. However, lawmakers could clarify existing poker club laws without changing the constitution.
Republicans kept control of the Senate with 19 seats, meaning at least nine would need to support an amendment if all 12 Democrats voted for it. Democrats also appear to have won control of the House, but they would still need 100 votes to pass an amendment.
Newly elected Gov. Gina Hinojosa hasn’t announced a gambling plan and previously voted against a sports betting amendment in 2023. However, Texas governors can’t veto constitutional amendments sent to voters, so her position wouldn’t stop one from reaching the ballot.
What This Means for Texas Poker Players
For Texas poker players, nothing changes right now. Clubs can still charge membership and seat fees instead of taking rake, but legal challenges remain possible.
The election brought in leaders who support broader gambling reform. Lawmakers could revisit poker club laws or push to expand gambling when they return in 2027.
Texas poker may have a better seat at the table, but the next move is up to lawmakers.
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