Las Vegas Sands Corp. is continuing its efforts to bring legal sports betting to the Lone Star State.
The casino and resort company recently filed a petition through its Texas Destination Resort Alliance in hopes of building of four and five-star casino hotels in the state.
Las Vegas Sands, which purchased a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks in 2023, is calling for Texas residents to “show Texas lawmakers that support the expansion of gaming,” according to the TXDRA petition.
After the Texas legislature failed to bring gambling to the Lone Star State, Las Vegas Sands hopes to put legalized casinos on the ballot and in front of voters this year.
Chasing casinos
The Las Vegas-based company formed a political action committee in 2022 and spent $2 million to lobbying for casinos. It formed the alliance in 2022 with the intent to get into what would be a lucrative gaming market.
It’s one of the reasons owner Dr. Miraiam Adelson bought the Mavs.
“Texans currently spend several billion dollars a year on gaming in neighboring states such as Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma. We want to keep that money in Texas – to fund schools that educate the next generation of leaders,” TXDRA posted on its website. “To create new well-paying jobs to sustain Texas families. To bring resorts that attract international and out-of-state tourism, the largest conventions, the biggest names in the entertainment world, and destination shopping to Texas that will cascade benefits throughout our economy and revitalize communities across the Lone Star State when we need it the most.”
What about sports betting?
Getting casinos in Texas still seems like a difficult proposition in 2024. So does legalized sports betting.
A house bill in 2023 made some movement in the legislature before dying off, and there appears to be no movement for online sports betting in 2024.
There is a belief from industry leaders that Texas will legalize sports betting before California, and it could come in 2025.
Las Vegas Sands and brick-and-mortar casinos might have to wait their turn.
