With 30 million people and a thriving economy, Texas has become a target for casino legalization among some in the gaming industry. After several years of failed efforts to move the issue forward in the state legislature, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. is now circulating a petition to put the issue before voters directly.
The effort comes after Sands recently purchased a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks from Mark Cuban, who has long sought a new arena coupled with a Vegas-style casino resort. The petition effort comes from a Sands-funded group called Texas Destination Resort Alliance.
The group’s website touts the economic benefits of legalizing casinos in the state including funds for education, the addition of thousands of new jobs, and new state-of-the-art entertainment amenities.
“This measure would bring billions of dollars back to Texas from bordering states, to boost the state’s economy,” the group notes. “Texans would see several billion dollars invested into the state and billions for local services they rely on.”
Details on the Efforts
Texans are definitely interested in gambling with thousands heading across the borders into Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico to visit casinos each year. Sands has made major lobbying efforts for the industry in recent years, but now is hoping to get enough voters to sign the petition and get the issue on the ballot.
“They have a lot of lobbyists and spend a lot of money … they stay in the game, and do not take a rest,” political consultant Bill Miller told KTRH. “They are always there pushing, pushing, and pushing. They are deep pocketed and smart … they are doing what you have to do – trying to convince legislators that is a win-win for everyone.”
Sands has received the backing of the Chickasaw Nation, the tribe that owns the Winstar Casino in Oklahoma and the Lone Star Park horse track in Dallas. Former governor Rick Perry, a spokesman for the
Texas Sports Betting Alliance that is looking to legalize sports wagering, also backs the effort as does Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
“It will give Texans the ability to decide for themselves if they want this activity safely regulated or continue to be conducted in the shadows by out-of-state betting platforms,” Jones said in a statement for the Sports Betting Alliance.
Sands has already made a significant land acquisition for a potential arena/casino venue for the Mavericks desired by Cuban, who still holds an ownership stake in the team and also manages basketball operations. The company has purchased land that was formerly the home of Texas Stadium, the venue the Cowboys played at through 2008 before it was demolished in 2011.
While there may be some benefits and many Texans may favor gambling legalization now more than ever, Miller still believes legalization to be a bit of a longshot and that there is little support among legislators.
“People in Austin … the Conservative Republicans … they know what the base wants and likes,” he said. “They stay away from topics like that. There is no reason to voice for it when the base is not for it. It could cause problems for them.”
