The city of Irving appears ready to support a casino even if the state isn’t
A proposed resort and casino in North Texas moved one step closer to reality after the Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of rezoning land for the potential development. The decision, which passed by a narrow 5-4 vote, will now go before the Irving City Council for further consideration.
The project, backed by Las Vegas Sands Corporation, is planned for a site near State Highway 114, Loop 12, and Spur 482—an area previously home to Texas Stadium. While rezoning is a key step, the larger challenge remains Texas law, which currently prohibits casino gambling. Before construction could begin, state lawmakers would need to approve changes that allow voters to decide on a constitutional amendment.
Tuesday’s meeting saw a heated public debate that continued well into the early morning. Many residents expressed opposition, citing concerns about potential social and economic impacts, while others argued that the resort could bring significant economic growth. Commissioner Gerald Sanguino, who supported the rezoning, called it a unique opportunity to boost the city’s profile and economy.
Even if the city council approves the zoning change, the casino’s future remains uncertain. Texas lawmakers have historically resisted efforts to expand gambling, making legalization an uphill battle. If state law changes, the Sands Corporation estimates that the resort could still take five to seven years to complete.
The city council is set to discuss the rezoning issue on Thursday, with both supporters and opponents expected to make their voices heard. The outcome could shape the future of casino development in Texas, though it remains a long road before any project can officially break ground.
