Local resistance has forced the casino to shift gears in the Lone Star State
After facing strong public opposition, Las Vegas Sands has decided to withdraw its plans for a casino in Irving, Texas. The company’s proposal, which included a large-scale resort, initially featured casino gaming but was met with resistance from residents and local leaders. Before the city council could vote on key rezoning measures tied to the project, the casino portion was taken off the table. The council ultimately approved the rezoning ordinances by a 6-3 vote, but the casino debate had already been settled.
The decision came after an intense public meeting that saw overwhelming attendance. The main chamber could not accommodate everyone, forcing city officials to direct attendees to an overflow area. More than 160 residents signed up to voice their concerns, prompting officials to shorten speaking times to two minutes per person. When city officials announced that Las Vegas Sands had removed the casino from its proposal, the crowd responded with applause.
Many opponents cited concerns about crime, the speed of the project’s development, and the casino’s potential impact on the nearby University of Dallas. University President Jonathan Sanford acknowledged the economic potential of the overall development but opposed the idea of casino gaming so close to the school. The backlash had already been building from a previous planning and zoning commission meeting, where residents had expressed similar concerns.
Las Vegas Sands had hinted at the possibility of altering its plans earlier in the day. Mark Boekenheide, the company’s SVP of global real estate development, emphasized that the proposed resort was intended to drive tourism and business. He described it as more than just a casino, highlighting its potential to boost the local economy.
The broader development plan covers over 1,000 acres, including the former Texas Stadium site, with roughly 452 acres designated for new construction. The project envisions a massive hotel, restaurants, shopping areas, pools, and an entertainment venue. While the casino was the most controversial aspect, the scale of the entire proposal has drawn attention.
Although the casino element has been scrapped for now, some residents remain skeptical. Calls for a formal citywide ban on gambling were raised during the meeting, though no such measure was introduced for a vote.
