Local elections aren’t favoring casino plans, but Sands plans on making more investments
Las Vegas Sands is continuing its push to bring casino gambling to Texas, even after several political setbacks during the latest primary elections. Candidates supported by the company lost multiple races against opponents who openly oppose gambling expansion in the state.
Several Republican lawmakers who have spoken against casino legalization won their primary contests. Among them were state representatives David Lowe, Terri Leo-Wilson, Mark Dorazio, and Andy Hopper. Each defeated challengers who had received backing from political groups funded by Sands.
Another race in Tarrant County produced a similar result. Cheryl Bean, a vocal critic of gambling, secured the Republican nomination for House District 94 despite opposition from political committees tied to the casino company.
Las Vegas Sands has invested heavily in Texas politics in recent years. Billionaire Miriam Adelson, whose family controls the company, contributed millions of dollars to pro-gambling political action committees. Those groups have funded campaign donations, advertising efforts, and voter outreach.
The strategy focuses on gradually building support in the Texas Legislature. Even after the recent losses, Sands representatives say their goal remains the same: elect lawmakers willing to consider casino legalization in the future.
Political experts say the company is playing a long-term game. Texas remains one of the largest states without commercial casinos, making it a potentially huge market if laws ever change. That potential explains why Sands continues to invest in the effort.
Strong resistance still exists in the state government. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has repeatedly said the Texas Senate will not vote on casino legislation while he leads the chamber. His position has blocked previous proposals from advancing.
A sports betting bill passed the Texas House in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. Later attempts to move gambling legislation in the House also failed to gain traction.
Despite the political challenges, Sands-backed groups plan to keep supporting candidates who favor a more business-friendly approach to gambling laws. Public polling often shows that many Texans support legal casinos and sports betting.
Changing the law would require a constitutional amendment approved by voters. For now, the casino industry appears ready to keep investing and waiting for a more favorable political climate.
