Las Vegas Sands’ push to legalize destination casinos in Texas is back in motion ahead of the March 3 Republican primaries, fueled by a surge of political spending tied to Miriam Adelson.
The Sands-backed committees are targeting key House and Senate contests to strengthen a bloc capable of moving a constitutional amendment, the required first step for commercial casinos.
Nearly $10 million routed into primary messaging
Campaign finance filings show Adelson provided close to $10 million to the Texas Defense PAC, funding mailers and advertising in contested districts. The PAC is supporting incumbents seen as open to casino expansion and is also moving against lawmakers viewed as opposed.
Texas Sands PAC has also been active in direct candidate support. The cash buildup spans multiple cycles, pointing to a sustained strategy rather than a one-off primary burst.
Candidates push back as mailers create blowback
The spending has created political friction in some races. At least two candidates publicly rejected the help after pro-casino mail pieces circulated in their districts.
Those statements matter because Texas primary voters are sensitive to outside influence, and gambling remains a live cultural issue inside the party. The episode also shows how casino interests can become a liability for candidates who want the debate off their record.
Dallas resort vision remains paused without legal change
Sands has pitched Texas as a destination-resort market for years, and the company has tied its vision to the Dallas area. The group bought a large parcel in Irving, once home to Texas Stadium, and has floated an integrated resort concept that would pair a new arena with a casino.
That plan has not advanced. Sands previously removed casino-style gaming from a local proposal when it became clear state law was not changing, arguing the project does not work without gaming revenue.
Constitutional math keeps the effort uphill
The barrier is votes. Casino legalization would require a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers before voters could weigh in statewide. Senate leadership has repeatedly signaled there is not enough support to take the issue to the floor, and the governor has not committed to casino legislation.
The primaries are the near-term battleground. If Sands-aligned candidates gain ground in March, the next test will be whether lawmakers allow a casino amendment to advance.
