Front and Center: Gambling and Casino Advocates in Texas
Potential Casino and Gambling Regulation Bill on the Horizon for Texas
Stakeholders within the betting and casino industry are banding together for a united push towards legislative change in Texas. Whether they present one of two proposed measures remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure — they stand together in their quest.
According to Richard Janvrin, a seasoned writer specializing in sports, betting, and casinos, the industry's key players are optimistic that a constitutional amendment will be put before Texas voters in November 2025.
The Man Behind the Movement
Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, spearheads the coalition. With the IR Casino Resort in Irving, Texas on the horizon, Abboud has been vocal about the potential benefits that legalized gambling could bring to the state.
Road Ahead: Overcoming Obstacles
Although the path towards passage is fraught with challenges, proponents of the measure are undeterred. Key to their success will be addressing concerns from skeptical politicians and addressing the objections of local communities.
In his report, Janvrin notes that several committees have already formed with the goal of exploring legalization, including the North Texas Commission and the Dallas City Council. Texas Senator Nathan Johnson also introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow for up to ten casino licenses and the construction of resorts featuring hotels and entertainment.
An additional factor shaking up the landscape is HJR 134, a bill filed to legalize sports betting in Texas. If passed, this bill could lead to a statewide vote on the issue by November 2025. Potential betting license holders could include professional sports teams, PGA Tour events, and Class I racetracks.
The Role of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation
The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a major player in the gaming industry, is using its influence to push for change in Texas. While some view the corporation's involvement as a bid to legitimize their proposed resort in Irving, others believe that Senator Nathan Johnson's recent campaign contributions from the Sands Corporation may have swayed his stance on gambling legislation.
The corporation's recent withdrawal of its plans to build an upscale casino resort following community backlash has been viewed as a strategic move to rally legislators and influence regulatory changes.
Sources:
- Burke, A. (2023, May 18). Dallas City Council asks Texas lawmakers to consider expanding gambling. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/05/18/dallas-city-council-asks-texas-lawmakers-to-consider-expanding-gambling/
- Levy, R. (2023, February 15). New Texas gambling proposal would allow up to 10 casinos, in-person poker rooms. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/texas/article/new-texas-gambling-proposal-would-allow-up-to-10-17287262.php
- Mills, S. (2023, March 6). Following sports betting bill, the Texas casino industry rises to action. Killeen Daily Herald. Retrieved from https://www.kdhnews.com/news/politics/following-sports-betting-bill-the-texas-casino-industry-rises-to-action/article_d996fcb2-20ed-11ed-ba05-a3b32fc3eb89.html
- Ramey, P. (2023, October 3). Lobby group proposes Texas casino gambling, 30% of revenue to support education. Statesman. Retrieved from https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/texas-legislature/2023/10/03/lobby-group-proposes-texas-casino-gambling-30-revenue-support-education/68959695007/
- Shaw, L. (2023, October 10). Las Vegas Sands rethinks Texas casino resort project due to pushback from residents. Fox 4 News. Retrieved from https://www.fox4news.com/news/las-vegas-sands-rethinks-texas-casino-resort-project-due-to-pushback-from-residents
- The betting and casino industry, in a united push for legislative change in Texas, is optimistic that a constitutional amendment will be put before voters in November 2025.
- Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, is spearheading the coalition for legislative change, with the IR Casino Resort in Irving, Texas, on the horizon.
- Proponents of the gambling measure face challenges, including addressing concerns from skeptical politicians and local communities, as the path towards passage is fraught with obstacles.
- Richard Janvrin, a seasoned writer specializing in sports, betting, and casinos, has noted that several committees have formed with the goal of exploring legalization, including the North Texas Commission and the Dallas City Council.
- Texas Senator Nathan Johnson introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow for up to ten casino licenses and the construction of resorts featuring hotels and entertainment.
- Sports betting is another factor shaking up the landscape, with HJR 134, a bill filed to legalize sports betting in Texas, potentially leading to a statewide vote on the issue by November 2025.
- The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a major player in the gaming industry, is using its influence to push for change in Texas, with some viewing the corporation's involvement as a bid to legitimize their proposed resort in Irving, or as a means to sway Senator Nathan Johnson's stance on gambling legislation.
