Las Vegas Sands shared its first public comments on potentially bringing a destination resort and sports betting to Texas, which received sharp rebuke from politicians.
Owner Miriam Adelson sold off shares earlier this year to help finance a majority purchase of the Dallas Mavericks. The purchase lines up with previous lobbying work done by LVS in Texas with the hopes to legalize gambling in the second-most populous state.
The comments during Las Vegas Sands fourth quarter conference call were broad and offered no details about specific plans. Yet plenty expressed their opinion of not wanting Texas sportsbooks or casinos in the Lone Star State.
LVS comments on Texas gambling
Patrick Dumont wears a lot of hats for Las Vegas Sands, including president, COO and board member. He is also Adelson’s son-in-law.
He spoke about the interest in Texas from both the Adelson Family as well as Las Vegas Sands:
“In terms of Texas, I think the most important thing is that Las Vegas Sands is actively trying to facilitate the development of integrated resorts in the State of Texas and through the liberalization of gaming. And so we’re very excited about it. We think it’s an unbelievable market. Over time, we hope that it happens. I can’t tell you when it’s going to be, but we’re very focused on it as a company, and we like the opportunity to develop some very unique tourism assets, specifically in Dallas. We think that’s a great market. We’ve been very focused on it. And we think the opportunity there would be a great one.
“In terms of the family’s activities in Texas, I think we like the state. We’re very obviously happy with our investment there. We’re very excited about it. And we’ll look to be part of the business community there. But in terms of LVS, we’re very focused on bringing integrated resorts, destination resorts, to the State of Texas and the development opportunity that would exist there.”
Republicans push back on resort talk
There was a strong backlash from Texans that were not happy to hear Las Vegas Sands confirm its intentions in the company’s first comments since the Adelsons bought the Mavericks.
Republican Rep. Mitch Little brought up many anti-casino talking points:
“Adelson spent more than $10 million last year on this effort and lost. I’m sure she plans to spend even more next session, again she will lose.
“@FamilyProjectTX will be there to make sure of it.”
Texas sports betting, casino push a battle
The good news for pro-casino Texans is that a sports betting bill made it through the House last year.
One big problem: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made it clear there is still nowhere close to enough Republican votes in the Senate to get a gambling bill passed. He has been reelected through 2026 and one industry insider told LSR nothing will happen without Patrick on board.
“When the session was over, there was not a cry from voters calling their senators or House members, gosh, we didn’t pass, I needed this bill,” Patrick told CBS News Texas in December.
LSR reporter Mike Mazzeo contributed to this story.
