Summary:
- Las Vegas Sands is pushing for a Dallas casino.
- Officials met in Hurst to discuss possible legislation.
- Mayors from several cities were in attendance during a recent meeting.
For a few years now, major gambling companies have been pushing to see commercial casino legislation passed in Texas. Las Vegas Sands is a strong driver behind the effort, intensifying its push for legalized gambling in Dallas.
This week, Lobbyist Andy Abboud, the company’s senior vice president of government relations, met with officials from major cities to discuss potential legislation.
Meeting in Hurst
Yesterday, Abboud met with officials from Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Farmers Branch, and Irving. The North Texas Commission and Texas Association of Business organized the meeting to discuss the impact that gambling would have on the state.
Mayors and city council members were in attendance, discussing how changes are needed for the major cities to thrive. Dallas City Council Member Chad West stated that he is not a gambler but thinks the industry would have a major economic impact on the area.
West stated further that he feels the state will legalize gambling, and representatives need to be prepared. The council member also stated he did not feel that gambling would become legal in the state during this session.
Prepping for Casinos
Las Vegas Sands is wasting no time prepping for the legalization of gambling in Texas. The company has already purchased 108 acres near the old Dallas Cowboys stadium and hopes to be given licensing for a venue if the opportunity arises.
Economic studies suggest that if Texas legalizes gambling, it could see an economic boost of $13 billion. A total of 70,000 permanent jobs would be created, as would 185,000 construction jobs. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is in high demand, and it is expected to bring in over $34 million in taxes.
If legislation allows, Sands would like to see two destination resorts in Dallas-Fort Worth and five more across the state. Sands has already invested millions into lobbying efforts for gambling and via land in the hopes of seeing their ideas come to fruition.
A constitutional amendment is required to see Texas legalize commercial casinos. The Republican party in the state has shown skepticism about the idea and does not seem to be on board with any form of gambling. The Texas Republican Party posted on its platform that they are opposed to any expansion of gambling, which includes casinos.
It’s a waiting game to see if Sands can get enough support to move forward. Will there be a push for this session? Or will Sands and players have to wait another year for the possibility of legalized casino gaming in Texas?
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