How the 2024 Elections Will Change the Future of Poker in Texas

The election results in Texas open up new prospects for the legalization of poker. The new Attorney General supports the development of poker clubs in the state.

In November 2024, Texas held midterm elections, the results of which could significantly impact the future of poker in the state. Although these elections turned out to be a setback for Republicans and Democrats achieved notable victories, there is an important reason for optimism among players and poker club owners. The new Texas Attorney General, Nathan Johnson (D), is known for his support of gambling and poker legalization. This event could become a turning point for the entire poker industry in the state, which currently has some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the US. Political Changes: New Faces and Their Views In the November 3, 2024 election, the position of Texas Attorney General was taken by Nathan Johnson, a representative of the Democratic Party. Johnson, considered an underdog, defeated his opponent, Republican Mayes Middleton, by a margin of 6.5 percentage points. Middleton supported the existing model of poker clubs in Texas and was running for the seat of Ken Paxton, who, in turn, lost to James Talarico (D) in the race for the US Senate seat from Texas. At the same time, there was also a change of power in the lieutenant governor election: Vikki Goodwin (D) defeated incumbent Dan Patrick (R) by a margin of 6 percent. Although Goodwin is not a professional poker player, she has stated the need to put the question of poker legalization to a referendum, giving state residents the right to decide the fate of the industry themselves. Unlike her predecessor, who opposed the expansion of gambling, Goodwin takes a more liberal stance on the issue. The positions of Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor in Texas are traditionally considered among the most influential in the state's political system. Now, both posts are held by politicians who openly support gambling reforms, which could lead to long-term changes in poker legislation. Current Status of Poker in Texas: "Gray Area" and Social Clubs Despite its reputation as a state that values freedom, Texas is known for having some of the toughest anti-gambling laws in the country. Nevertheless, legal poker clubs operate throughout the state thanks to certain legislative nuances. By law, poker clubs can operate legally if they do not take a rake (a percentage of the pot) and instead use alternative revenue models such as membership fees and seat charges. This approach has allowed the creation of a network of social poker clubs, among which The Lodge Card Club (in the Austin area), Texas Card House, and Champions Club stand out. These venues are respected among players and are considered some of the most popular in the state. However, even such large and well-known clubs have faced legal challenges: for example, The Lodge Card Club has been involved in lawsuits despite efforts to strictly follow the letter of the law. The reason for such problems is the uncertainty in the legislation: some lawmakers and officials believe that poker is illegal in any format, regardless of the club's business model. This creates an unstable situation for poker club owners and patrons, who are forced to constantly monitor changes in the legal landscape. Nathan Johnson's Initiatives: The Path to Legalization Before being elected Attorney General, Nathan Johnson served as a state senator. In March 2025, he introduced Texas Senate Joint Resolution 82 (SJR 82)—a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Texans to vote on lifting the constitutional ban on strictly regulated gambling. Although this bill did not pass the Senate State Affairs Committee, its key goal was to eliminate the "gray area" for poker clubs and make the legislation more transparent and straightforward. During his campaign, Johnson actively used poker symbolism and rhetoric, including in advertising materials and social media posts. He even joked about his opponent Mayes Middleton's "poker face," emphasizing his closeness to the poker community. However, Johnson faced criticism from political opponents for receiving a $4,500 donation from Texas Sands PAC, which is linked to Las Vegas Sands Corp. This company, owned by Miriam Adelson, widow of former Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson, is actively lobbying for the construction of a casino resort in Texas. To implement this project, the statewide casino ban must be lifted, and the pro-gambling stance of the Attorney General could benefit Sands Corp's interests. In an interview with CBS News, Johnson explained that even if SJR 82 had passed, it would not have meant the automatic legalization of casino resorts or other forms of gambling in Texas. According to him, the bill would only remove the constitutional ban, but all subsequent regulatory steps would remain under strict government control. Johnson also noted that legalizing gambling, including casinos and sports betting, would benefit the state, as many Texans currently travel to Oklahoma casinos such as Choctaw Resort to play. Reaction and Prospects for Poker Clubs The victories of Nathan Johnson and Vikki Goodwin are causing cautious optimism among Texas poker club owners and patrons. Both politicians advocate for putting the issue of gambling legalization to a statewide vote, which aligns with the interests of the poker community. If Johnson's initiatives to amend the constitution are supported, this would eliminate the legal uncertainty faced by clubs and create clear rules for their operation. At the same time, despite support from the new authorities, poker clubs continue to face pressure from some lawmakers and law enforcement agencies. Until clear laws are passed, the situation in the industry will remain unstable. Nevertheless, for the first time in a long while, the Texas poker community has real hope for positive change. Summary Table: Key Figures and Election Results Texas Attorney General: Nathan Johnson (D) — defeated Mayes Middleton (R) by 6.5% Texas Lieutenant Governor: Vikki Goodwin (D) — defeated Dan Patrick (R) by 6% Bill: Texas Senate Joint Resolution 82 (SJR 82) — initiative to lift the constitutional ban on gambling, introduced by Johnson in March 2025 (did not pass committee) Notable poker clubs in the state: The Lodge Card Club, Texas Card House, Champions Club Johnson's campaign donation amount: $4,500 from Texas Sands PAC What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, this news opens new horizons and gives reason to think about the future of poker not only in Texas but also in other regions. First, the example of Texas shows how important political support is for the development of a legal poker business. If a state with such strict laws has a chance for legalization, it could signal to other regions and countries where poker is in a "gray area." Second, the situation in Texas highlights the value of clear and transparent rules for players and organizers. PPPoker club members can use the experience of Texas social clubs to build their communities on principles of legality and openness, minimizing legal risks. Finally, if Texas implements a model where poker clubs operate under clear laws and with government support, it could become an example for other countries to follow. PPPoker players could look forward to a more stable and safer environment for play, as well as an increase in the number of legal clubs and tournaments.