Over a year after a legislative setback, Las Vegas Sands, a leading global casino operator, is preparing for another legislative push to legalize casino gambling in Texas. The company is actively engaging with local leaders across the state, leveraging the Texas Association of Business to host a series of roundtable forums. These forums aim to galvanize support ahead of the next legislative session in January, demonstrating a strategic and community-focused approach to advocacy.

Building statewide momentum:

In a recent gathering in Tarrant County, nearly 50 officials and business representatives from cities including Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas participated, reflecting broad regional interest. These sessions are part of Sands’ concerted effort to overcome previous obstacles by rallying municipal support and enhancing their presence in North Texas. Notably, Sands has significantly expanded its regional footprint by acquiring the Dallas Mavericks and over 100 acres near the former Texas Stadium site, earmarked for a potential destination casino resort.

Sands’ approach is multifaceted, combining community outreach with substantial political contributions and robust lobbying. During the 2023 legislative session, Sands supported a bill by State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, which ultimately failed in the Senate. Despite this, Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, noted that the forums demonstrate growing support for casino gambling, suggesting a shifting landscape favorable to Sands’ objectives.

The legislative journey for casino gambling in Texas remains challenging, with significant opposition from religious groups and health advocates concerned about gambling addiction. The Texas Republican Party has also explicitly opposed any expansion of gambling in its 2024 platform. Despite these hurdles, the persistence of proponents like Sands signifies a long-term commitment to changing state gambling laws.

Economic implications and community support:

The potential economic impact of introducing high-end casinos is substantial. Sands’ projections suggest that casinos could generate a $13 billion economic boost, create 70,000 permanent jobs, and necessitate 185,000 construction jobs in Texas. These figures were highlighted in a presentation by Andy Abboud, Sands’ senior vice president for government relations, emphasizing the transformative economic benefits for the state.

According to the Fort Worth Report, the initiative has garnered interest from various local leaders, including Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who supports giving voters the opportunity to decide on this significant legislative change. The involvement of influential entities such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin in these discussions underscores the widespread economic interest in legalizing gambling.

The push for legalized gambling is anticipated to be a prolonged effort, possibly extending beyond the 2025 session. Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission, suggested that achieving legislative success might require a multi-session strategy, stretching into 2027 or 2029. Additional forums are planned across Texas, including Odessa and Taylor, with a virtual conference for East Texas also in consideration. This reflects a comprehensive and sustained campaign to shift public and legislative opinion on casino gambling in Texas.