Updated April 14, 2024By Chris Boline
Over in Texas, a major player in the casino gaming space is looking to make some significant waves in gaming reform in the state. Per recent reports online and also from CBS, the Las Vegas Sands is continuing its push for legalizing casino gambling in Texas. The organization previously tried to influence Texan gambling laws by creating the Texas Sands political action committee in 2022 and investing $2 million in lobbying efforts for casino gambling legalization. Moreover, the Las Vegas Sands, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has made a bold move by filing a petition aimed at legalizing casino gambling in the state of Texas.
For this report, SBS will be going over what to look for from the latest gaming news coming from the Lone Star State along with more notes and info regarding the state of Texas wagering.
Sands has emerged as dominant casino player in TX
Regular readers of this space are no doubt aware of the Las Vegas Sands acquiring a significant portion of the Dallas Mavericks back in December 2023. With that in mind, they are now setting their sights on reshaping the Texan gambling landscape as reported by CBS News in another report. The petition, submitted by the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, established in 2021, emphasizes its commitment to bringing high-end entertainment, luxurious resorts, and fine dining to Texans. Their strategy involves advocating for the expansion of casino-style gambling within the state.
Moreover, this is not Las Vegas Sands’ first attempt at influencing Texan Gambling laws. Back in 2022, the company launched the Texas Sands political action committee, investing a considerable $2 million to lobby for the legalization of casino gambling per reports. Despite facing steep opposition, including skepticism from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who highlighted the lack of Republican support in the state Senate, Las Vegas Sands, and its allies remain undeterred.
While the purpose of the land remains undisclosed, Sands expressed interest in developing an integrated resort in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, possibly hinting at future acquisitions. This move further signaled potential shifts in Texas’ stance on gambling, with analysts speculating on the Adelson family’s influence in advocating for legislative changes.
Texas gaming scope has evolved with new lobbying
As noted in the same report, State Rep. Charlie Geren introduced HJR 97 in February last year, outlining a potential pathway to amend the Texas Constitution and permit the establishment of casino resorts. The Chickasaw Nation, operators of Oklahoma’s Winstar Casino and owners of Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, have also expressed support for the introduction of casino resorts in Texas. Moreover, upcoming developments such as the opening of the Choctaw Landing Casino and Resort in Oklahoma’s southeastern region further highlight the growing interest in expanding gambling opportunities within Texas’ vicinity.
Separate bills advocating for sports betting have also gained traction, with notable figures like former Gov. Rick Perry and Dalla Cowboys owner Jerry Jones endorsing legislative efforts to regulate the activity. For any significant changes to occur, legislative approval and subsequent voter endorsement would be required. Moreover, with the upcoming 89th Legislature, proponents of legalized gambling are gearing up for a renewed push to sway lawmakers and public opinion in their favor.
Mavericks sale huge indicator of Texas’ gaming future
Per another article, Mark Cuban’s sale of the Dallas Mavericks to the Adelsons is potentially a harbinger of things to come. “The Sands families would not have bought the Mavericks unless they thought that casino gambling was coming in a future that they could see and enjoy,” SMU political science Call Jillson was quoted as saying in the report. In the Mavericks agreement, the Sands Corporation will take a 69% stake in the team, with Cuban retaining 31% and control of basketball operations. The sale was valued at just under $4 billion, per the Dallas Morning News.
In addition to two of Texas’ three NBA teams being owned by casino operators, Choctaw Casinos and Resorts has the naming rights at the former home of the Texas Rangers, and the Chickasaw Nation, which operates the WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, owns Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Cuban of course has expressed support for resort gaming in Texas in the past. While widespread gaming is still illegal in Texas in certain cases, Jillson did say lobbyists spent upwards of $5 million in campaign donations before the 2021 legislative session, but that figure did dip last year.
“They (the lobbyists) spent a little bit less on campaign contributions and lobbyists in 2023,” he said. “If I were them, I would draw the lesson that you need to spend more, not less if you are going to get your way.”
Additional notes and info regarding Texas wagering
Once you are all dialed in regarding the latest gaming news and notes coming from the Lone Star State, make sure to tap into the wide variety of information for you over at SBS. For even more information on the topic at hand, the sports betting in Texas guide is here to help when it comes to all kinds of beneficial resources related to that topic. Moreover, for those interested in diversifying their payment options, make sure to check out the awesome array of payment options available to you over at SBS with the payment methods breakdown. On this page, you can find all kinds of options from crypto to more traditional banking routes. Finally, for those interested in some higher-stakes wagering, look no further than the VIP sports betting sites rundown which covers a ton of useful info that could make sense for you.
About the Author
Chris Boline
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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