Texas Legislature's Casino-Related Measures: Endorsement by Mavericks Co-Owner Patrick Dumont
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a disappointing loss in the NBA championship game against the Boston Celtics Monday. However, co-owner Patrick Dumont remains optimistic about the team's future, including potentially winning a championship and a casino resort in Texas.
Dumont, who holds positions as president and COO at Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and is the son-in-law of Miriam Adelson, recently became the majority owner of the Mavericks in partnership with Adelson.
In talks with reporters, Dumont clarified that the acquisition of the team was not a ploy to push for gambling in Texas.
"We bought the team with no thoughts of casino gaming," Dumont stated. "Las Vegas Sands has been eyeing Texas for expansion well before we even considered purchasing the team."
While Dumont emphasized the current focus on the Dallas Mavericks and the Las Vegas Sands, he didn't rule out the possibility of pursuing casino legislation if the opportunity arises and it makes sense.
LVS has shown persistence and patience in their pursuit of casino legislation. As Dumont put it, "We think long term. We're not short-sighted. We're patient... Over time, hopefully we'll be successful."
Expert Opinions
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston, commented on Dumont's stance on casino legislation, stating, "Patience is key, especially when dealing with the Texas state legislature."
He added, "Major legislative changes, particularly those regarding gambling, take time in the Texas legislature."
Mark P. Jones, a professor at Rice University, shared his insights, suggesting that Dumont aims to see destination resort casino legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session or later.
"Dumont believes that destination resort casino legislation will pass in the Texas Legislature and be approved by voters at some point this decade," Jones explained. "This political victory could coincide with a Mavericks championship and a new arena complex in Dallas."
Political Landscape
During the 2023 legislative session, LVS and other casino supporters received support from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, and House Speaker Dade Phelan, R.
However, opposition from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R, and Republican allies in the Texas Senate has been an obstacle to LVS' goal of establishing a casino in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Jones noted that the lieutenant governor and senators' positions on casino gambling could evolve, possibly within the 2025 legislative session or in 2027, especially if the state faces a budget crisis.
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