A change in the political landscape in Texas could bode well for gambling legislation
According to industry insiders, Texas is on the path to legalizing commercial casino gambling, and it seems to be a matter of “when” rather than “if.” Advocates for this change, including Andy Abboud, SVP of Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, believe the state will soon approve its first casino. Speaking at the Global Gaming Expo, Abboud emphasized the inevitability of casino gambling in Texas, stating that the push will continue until it becomes a reality.
Currently, Texas is one of the largest US states without commercial casinos, though residents spend significant amounts of money at gambling venues in neighboring states like Louisiana and Oklahoma. While there are some tribal casinos in Texas, they lack the full range of games and amenities found in Las Vegas-style resorts. The growing demand for gambling options, especially in the densely populated Texas Triangle area (Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston), makes the introduction of a casino in the state a logical next step.
Las Vegas Sands has been at the forefront of efforts to bring legal gambling to Texas. In the previous legislative session, the company hired lobbyists to push for the approval of casino gambling, and they plan to renew those efforts in 2025. If lawmakers approve the move, voters could have the final say in 2026 via a ballot measure, as the Texas constitution requires.
Although there is bipartisan support for gambling in the Texas House of Representatives, it still lacks backing in the Senate. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, has said he would consider bringing the issue to a vote if enough Republican senators support it.
Texans may soon see not only casinos but also legalized sports betting, which is being considered as part of the larger gambling expansion debate.
