In 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he “wholeheartedly” supported the state’s strict stance against expanded gambling. But in October, he indicated he’d be open to additional gambling options in the state. Abbott’s Press Secretary Renae Eze said, “We don’t want slot machines at every corner store, we don’t want Texans to be losing money that they need for everyday expenses and we don’t want any type of crime that could be associated with gaming. But, if there is a way to create a very professional entertainment option for Texans, Governor Abbott would take a look at it.”
Gaming industry operators and supporters gave massive amounts of money to political campaigns in the recent election cycle, in anticipation of the legislative session that opens in January. They also have lined up more than 300 lobbyists, according to state records. That’s the most lobbyists hired by any other single industry or business in Texas.
In addition, the new Sports Betting Alliance, BetMGM, Caesar’s, Boyd Gaming and Landry’s Entertainment plus sports betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings are getting ready to set up shop in Texas.
State Senator Carol Alvarado has filed a bill, Senate Joint Resolution No. 17, to allow up to four destination resorts in metro areas with at least 2 million people, plus smaller casinos at horse and dog racetracks. The measure also would authorize Native American tribes to offer casino games and slot machines.
Besides Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also has been a strong opponent of expanded gambling. In 2021, he said expanded gaming wouldn’t see “the light of day.” As Senate leader, Patrick can prevent legislation from reaching the chamber floor.
Still, earlier this year, Las Vegas Sands created a Texas Sands Political Action Committee and its biggest recipient has been Texans for Dan Patrick. That PAC received $225,000, including a $75,000 donation in late September, according to campaign finance records.
In total this year, the Las Vegas Sands PAC has spent nearly $1.8 million through 216 donations to 126 politicians in Texas, including both Democrats and Republicans in the Texas House and Senate. It gave $200,000 to Abbott, who was a favorite of the late Las Vegas Sands owner Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam. Since 2020, the couple gave Abbott an additional $1.5 million to help him win re-election and beat Democrat Beto O’Rourke.
Horseracing and the Texas Lottery are the only legal gambling in the state. Last summer, the Republican Party of Texas approved a new platform including provisions against casino gambling. Allowing casinos or sports betting would require a statewide voter referendum to change the Texas constitution.
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates the state’s only Native American casino, the Lucky Eagle Casino, located on the tribe’s reservation in Eagle Pass.
