Las Vegas Sands, a leading casino operator, is determined to push for the legalization of casino gambling in Texas, despite facing legislative defeat over a year ago. In preparation for the upcoming legislative session in January, the company is actively engaging with local leaders throughout the state to garner support for their cause.
Sands lobbyists are actively presenting their argument at a series of roundtable forums organized by the Texas Association of Business throughout the state. Their aim is to gather support for the upcoming 2025 gambling legislation. One of these forums was recently held in Tarrant County, attended by almost 50 business representatives and municipal officials from various cities in North Texas, including Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas.
Over the last year, Sands leaders have significantly increased their presence in North Texas. They acquired the Dallas Mavericks and also purchased over 100 acres of land in Irving, which is situated close to the former Texas Stadium site. This land is vast enough to construct a casino resort, which could become a popular tourist destination.
Sands and other gambling interests are utilizing a multipart strategy that involves not only community outreach but also significant political donations and intense lobbying efforts. This approach aims to overcome opposition to the establishment of high-end casinos and the legalization of sports betting.
In 2023, Sands supported a casino measure championed by state Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, during the legislative session. Although the bill ultimately failed during the session’s final days due to predicted defeat in the Senate.
According to Glenn Hamer, the CEO and President of the Texas Association of Business, a prominent chamber of commerce in the state, the ongoing forums are showcasing a significant level of backing for the legalization of casino gambling, despite previous unsuccessful attempts.
He stated that those who are in favor of destination gambling are gaining momentum.
When contacted by Fort Worth Report, Geren chose not to predict the prospects of gambling legislation in the upcoming 2025 session or comment on his involvement in the matter. He stated that it is too early to discuss the subject at this point.
The Republican legislator made it clear that he is not currently considering anything regarding the next session, as it is still far away. He stated, “I’m not thinking about anything like that at this point in time.”
If approved by the Legislature, Geren’s proposal would have allowed Texans to vote on legalizing casinos in various parts of the state, including North Texas. Unfortunately, a related House bill by state Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin, which aimed to establish eight high-end casinos, also failed to pass alongside Geren’s proposal.
In the past, gambling addiction concerns have led religious organizations and community health advocates to oppose any measures that would expand gambling. The Texas Republican Party has taken a firm stance against all forms of gambling, including casinos, as stated in their 2024 platform.
According to Rob Kohler, a consultant for the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission, the chances of legalizing gambling have worsened since the last session. He stated that legislative opposition among Republicans has increased after the March primaries.
After the 2023 outcome, Andy Abboud, Sands’ chief lobbyist, made a promise to intensify their efforts in Texas, and Sands’ recent actions demonstrate their commitment to that pledge.
Abboud didn’t give up easily. Despite facing defeat, he chose to look at last year’s legislative reception as a significant progress compared to past gambling votes. He firmly believed that their efforts were heading in the right direction.
According to insiders, Abboud, who serves as a senior VP of government relations at Sands, has been representing the company as the primary spokesperson in a succession of pro-gambling conferences organized by the state business association. Although he could not be reached for an interview, a Sands presentation delivered by Abboud during the North Texas meeting claims that the establishment of high-end casinos in Texas will have a massive $13 billion economic impact, generating around 70,000 permanent jobs, and creating 185,000 construction jobs.
Matt Hirsch, a spokesperson for the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, expressed confidence in the long-term commitment of the supporters of Geren’s proposed constitutional amendment, stating, “They are here to stay. They understand that this is not an overnight process.”
According to Hamer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, their organization has been advocating for the legalization of destination casino gambling in Texas for quite some time now. To further increase support across the state, they have organized conferences for local leaders.
According to him, the alliance for promoting destination gambling extends far beyond the Sands Corporation.
During a session held on July 23 at the Hurst Conference Center, North Texas leaders, in collaboration with the business association and the North Texas Commission, which promotes economic development in the area, discussed the possibility of bringing gambling to Texas. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross stated that he and the majority of the attendees are in favor of allowing voters to decide on the matter.
According to Ross, it’s just a matter of time before lawmakers give voters the opportunity to approve a state constitutional change that would allow casinos. As he stated, “the writing is on the wall.”
Ross stated that Arlington’s reputation as a hub for entertainment, with two Six Flags theme parks and professional sports venues, makes it an ideal location for this type of venue.
Alan Blaylock, a member of the Fort Worth City Council, was also present at the event. Unfortunately, he could not be reached for comment. The gathering included council members and chamber officials from various cities including Dallas, Irving, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Farmers Branch, and Frisco. Additionally, representatives from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the Boeing Company, and Lockheed Martin were in attendance.
According to Chris Wallace, who is the president and CEO of the North Texas Commission, his organization has established an exploratory committee to review the matter of legalized gambling. As part of their efforts to gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the debate, the commission helped to coordinate a conference. Wallace emphasized the importance of thoroughly examining all sides of this issue before any legislative action is taken.
In his statement, he expressed his doubts about the Legislature taking any conclusive action during the upcoming session. He went on to predict that the effort to legalize gambling might require a prolonged strategy that could extend to the biennial sessions of 2027 or 2029.
Several conferences have taken place in different parts of Texas including McKinney, the Woodlands, and Fort Bend County. Upcoming events are scheduled for Odessa, located in West Texas, and Taylor in the Austin area. Additionally, a virtual conference for East Texas is currently being considered.
