Las Vegas Sands Pursues Casino Development Opportunities in Texas
Industry News
18 October 2023
Las Vegas Sands is actively working to establish casino resorts in Texas, focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a key region for expansion. The company has joined forces with the Texas Destination Resort Alliance to push for legislative changes that would allow casino gaming in the state. This coalition, financially backed by Sands, aims to introduce high-end resort casinos, bringing luxury entertainment and tourism potential to Texas.
Strategic Land Acquisitions and Regional Support
To prepare for potential legalization, Las Vegas Sands has already secured several strategic land parcels in Texas, including a 108-acre property in Irving, near the former Texas Stadium site. In addition, the company recently acquired land from a firm associated with Dallas Mavericks’ owner, highlighting a future vision that aligns with entertainment and tourism growth in Dallas. Sands executives have stated that their goal is to develop “integrated resorts” that could elevate Texas as a prominent tourism destination.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to projections from a study by Rice University, bringing casino resorts to Texas could add $13 billion to the state's GDP, creating approximately 70,000 permanent jobs and 185,000 construction jobs. These resorts would offer not only gaming but also top-tier dining, entertainment, and hospitality venues, drawing tourists from within Texas and across state lines.
Legislative Challenges and Community Engagement
Efforts to legalize casino gambling in Texas require an amendment to the state constitution, needing two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers, followed by a public referendum. While previous initiatives have stalled, Sands has ramped up lobbying efforts, outpacing other organizations in political donations and community outreach. Texas lawmakers are beginning to engage in discussions about the regulatory, safety, and economic implications of legalized gambling, especially in cities like Dallas, where local leaders are increasingly supportive of exploring the industry’s potential benefits.
Las Vegas Sands remains committed to facilitating legislative changes, betting that Texas could soon join the growing list of states embracing destination-style casino resorts.