Las Vegas Sands Calls for Legal Casino Gambling in Texas
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Las Vegas Sands, the land-casino operator, is making a fresh push for the legalization of casino gambling in Texas.
The company, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the Dallas basketball team, the Dallas Mavericks, has filed a petition with the Texas Legislature. It was submitted by the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, which Sands established in 2021, and it states it is “fighting to bring luxury resorts, top-of-the-line entertainment, fine dining, and more to Texans’ backyards.”
Not Las Vegas Sands’ First Attempt
This is not the first time that Las Vegas Sands has attempted to change Texas’ gambling laws. In 2022, the company created the Texas Sands political action committee and invested $2 million in lobbying for the legalization of casino gambling.
The move faces a great deal of opposition, including from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has pointed out that there is a lack of Republican support in the state Senate. However, Las Vegas Sands remains determined to continue.
Moreover, in December 2023, a company called Village Walk RE 2 LLC, which is affiliated with Las Vegas Sands, purchased a 108-acre property in Irving, Texas close to the previous site of the Texas Stadium.
This has led to a great deal of speculation, especially following Las Vegas Sands acquisition of the controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks, but the purpose of the land remains undisclosed. However, Sands has expressed an interest in developing an integrated resort in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Growing Support for Casino Gambling
While there may still be some way to go, there is growing support for casino gambling in Texas. Last year in February, State Rep. Charlie Green introduced Bill HJR 97, which detailed a way to amend the Texas Constitution and allow the building of casino resorts.
Furthermore, the idea of Texan casino resorts has been backed by the Chickasaw Nation, which operates Oklahoma’s Winstar casino and owns the Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
There have also been bills in support of sports betting that have received the backing of figures such as former Gov. Rick Perry and the Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Nonetheless, for the law to change, legislative approval and then voter endorsement is needed, suggesting that there is a long road ahead.
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