How could the US midterm elections affect gambling laws?

Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress in the US midterm elections. In traditionally Republican states such as Texas, Democrats also won the governorship and Senate races.

According to the author, these results send mixed signals for gambling expansion. In some important states the door may have been opened, but the clearest vote on gambling was a no. Lawmakers and regulators at both the national and state levels are reportedly preparing to take a tougher approach to the industry.

In Texas, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had been seen as one of the biggest obstacles to gambling expansion since 2014. Patrick lost to Democrat Vikki Goodwin. Governor Greg Abbott also lost to Gina Hinojosa. Goodwin is reported to have supported putting the issue to voters, while no clear information was found on Hinojosa's position on gambling.

In Georgia, casino and sports betting have long been debated but have not yet become law. New Democratic Governor Keisha Lance Bottoms is reported to have won a close race against Rick Jackson. Bottoms is said to be a supporter of gambling expansion and to want a casino referendum. Even so, a long legal process still lies ahead.

The author also points to a direct gambling expansion vote held in a smaller state. Online gambling expansion, however, has slowed in recent years, and most of the states that wanted to take this step have reportedly already done so.