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Steve Wynn eyes a bold Texas casino comeback amid legal battles

From Vegas legend to Texas gambler? Wynn's potential casino revival hinges on a high-stakes political showdown. The clock is ticking.

The image shows a casino sign lit up at night in front of a building, with text on the wall and...
The image shows a casino sign lit up at night in front of a building, with text on the wall and lights illuminating the area. On the right side of the image, there are boards with text, likely advertising the best casinos in Las Vegas.

Steve Wynn, the 83-year-old casino mogul, is making headlines again—not just for his business moves but also for his newfound tech enthusiasm. After stepping back from Wynn Resorts following past controversies, he's now eyeing fresh opportunities, including a potential casino project in Texas.

His recent social media activity has even sparked lighthearted jokes about his growing comfort with Instagram, where he shares glimpses of Las Vegas' iconic moments.

Wynn's last major project, originally named Wynn Boston, was rebranded as Encore Boston Harbor after sexual assault allegations surfaced against him. Despite the scandal, Nevada law still permits him to hold up to 5% ownership in a publicly-traded gaming company.

Now, Wynn Resorts—inspired by his vision—is preparing to open the Middle East's first casino resort. Meanwhile, Wynn himself is considering a return to development, encouraged by friends urging him to build one final property as his legacy. Texas has become a focal point for his ambitions. The state has seen repeated legislative efforts to legalise land-based casinos over the past five years, though bills like HB 1121 and SB 8 have failed. A 2023 Texas Supreme Court ruling upheld the ban on casino-style gaming outside racetracks, but debates continue in the 2025 legislative session. A November 2025 ballot proposition may let voters decide, though partisan splits remain—Republicans largely oppose expansion, while Democrats push for new revenue streams. Native American tribes and economic advocates have driven much of the discussion, with lawsuits challenging the state's gaming monopoly. Wynn's interest in Texas arrives amid this evolving landscape, where tribal compacts and commercial casino proposals remain contentious.

Wynn's potential Texas project would mark a significant shift in the state's gaming industry. With legal hurdles still in place, the outcome depends on legislative and voter decisions in the coming year.

For now, his social media presence and open discussions about future plans suggest a man still engaged with the industry—just with a more digital touch.

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