Will Texans Be Able To Bet on Sports in Texas Now?

In a word.  No.

Odds Still Against Expanding Gambling in Texas. Houston Chronicle

In gambling terms, I'd put set the opening line as follows:

No change in Texas Gaming Laws:  -15000
A change in Texas Gaming Laws:  +17000

In short, it's not going to happen.

Nor, under this candidate's framework, do I think it should:

(from the article linked above)

"My first priority is looking out for everyday Texans to make sure they have the good government they deserve," Valdez said. 

"I believe decisions about whether or not to have gambling in our communities should be left up to Texans. This could include lifting the state ban on sports betting and helping find ways for local communities to decide their own laws and policies. Any revenue from gambling in Texas should go towards education and public services that help working Texans and not as a way to pay for handouts to big corporations." (Bolded emphasis mine)

That sounds an awful lot like State ran gaming to me (think the lottery, but with betting terminals) and that is a decisive nightmare.  Nor do I think that Texas absolutely has to loosen the shackles on gaming at all.  For one thing, I'm pretty sure the collection of low-functioning idiots that we have representing us in Texas would a) get it wrong and b) screw up the enforcement mechanism for compliance so badly that we'd have another TABC on our hands.

I know, I know, I write a gambling (centric) blog so why am I not all-in on Texas gaming?  Isn't that hypocritical?  Not really.

You see, I USED to think that Texas should open up the gates and bring Texas into the 21st century when it comes to vices.  This was back in the days when I was politically active, voted and all of the other stuff that makes one a "good citizen".

After years of dealing with the government, and meeting government officials I have zero faith in any politician from the Lone Star State to "get it right" so to speak.  I'm especially against Ms. Valdez' plan which removes the profit principle from gaming and would ensure a pretty crappy end-product.

IF I was to get behind any proposal it would be to allow on-line wagering on horses and sports only. No casino gaming period, although I might be open to allowing slot machines at race tracks because there is already gaming that occurs there.

But I doubt we're going to get that because, predictions of a blue wave notwithstanding, I think the November election cycle is going to be another river of woe for Texas Democrats, despite the hopeful writings of a certain Houston Chronicle political columnist who fancies herself conservative (when it suits her).

As long as Republicans pull the levers of power in Texas in-State gaming expansion is going to be a non-starter. Given that the State Government at all levels has lost the ability to function I'm pretty sure this is a good thing.

Although I've a feeling you could make some good money this year fading the Texans, you'll probably have to (eventually) drive to either Louisiana or Oklahoma to do it.