Lt. Governor Dan Patrick still believes there’s not enough public support for legalized casinos
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick recently confirmed that casino legalization is not expected to be part of the upcoming legislative agenda, citing a lack of widespread support from lawmakers and Texas residents. Patrick explained that casino gambling simply isn’t a priority for Texans or legislators, as he has not received feedback from constituents urging for its passage.
According to Patrick, major players in the casino industry, particularly Las Vegas Sands Corp., have been actively pushing for casino legislation. Despite investing significant funds into lobbying efforts, he believes these attempts have not resonated with the broader political landscape or public sentiment in The Lone Star State.
Last year, the sale of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson, a key figure at Las Vegas Sands, highlighted the continued interest of casino moguls in Texas. Still, Patrick argues that efforts to pass casino legislation have missed the mark by not garnering genuine support from Texans themselves.
During the previous legislative session, a casino bill gained some momentum, coming within eight votes of passing in the Texas House. However, Patrick pointed out that the bill’s backing primarily came from Democrats, which he views as insufficient for major legislation in a state led by conservative values. He asserted that Texas doesn’t pass significant bills without the backing of a strong majority.
Patrick also noted that opposition to casino expansion, such as religious groups and businesses, has stayed largely silent because they recognize the lack of traction for casino legalization. He suggested that if a casino bill ever did gain real support, opponents would likely become more vocal.
