Island-born billionaire Tilman Fertitta puts the odds of a casino bill passing out of the Texas legislature at about the same as drawing a royal flush — slim to none.

Those who like the odds better point to reports about Gov. Greg Abbott’s change of stance during his reelection campaign. Abbott said he was open to the idea of casino expansion in Texas, a reversal from “wholehearted” opposition, according to reports.

Abbott’s reversal might sound encouraging, but Fertitta and other industry observers point to the same hurdle every year — politics.

“Remember, Republicans control the Senate and the House,” Fertitta said last week.