The Las Vegas Sands Corp. wants the eyes of Texas to focus on the “billions” in gaming revenues and tourism dollars it’s losing to states with casino resorts.
The company has begun airing TV and radio ads telling residents the state needs casinos. It has also formed a group, the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, with a website and social media to carry the same message.
One 30-second ad explains that the legislature could put a measure on the ballot in November to let voters decide the issue. A constitutional amendment would be needed to allow four casino resorts in the state’s largest cities: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. The ad concludes, “Let’s boost our economy, create tens of thousands of jobs and help fund vital services like schools and public safety.”
LVS has hired a small army of lobbyists to besiege the state house and try to persuade lawmakers, who have resisted such attempts for decades. No action has been taken on House Joint Resolution 133—sponsored by LVS—although the House State Affairs Committee has heard testimony. Lawmakers also heard testimony on a bill that would allow sports betting, which is supported by a coalition of Texas professional sports teams.
LVS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Andy Abboud told the panel that the casino company would “never claim to be an economic panacea” but represents a new industry that wants to enter the state. To criticism that the Sands’ proposal would disadvantage homegrown companies, Abboud said local companies could partner with Las Vegas-based gaming companies and said his company has been working closely with Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta.
Joking about the large number of lobbyists his company has brought to Austin, Abboud said they did it “because we wanted to be transparent” and have as many people as possible available to answer lawmakers’ questions about a major issue.”
Supporters of HJR 133 emphasize that all it does is allow the voters to choose to allow casinos. Some, like Rep. Charles Geren, say casinos will create jobs and give a shot in the arm to the hospitality industry.
To critics who fear casinos will import social ills, Geren declared, “To that I say: We already have negative social impact.”
He added, “Go no further than our borders than those with an addiction can drive less than 20 minutes and then return home to our state with no resources in place for them. Go no further than your smartphone, where illegal bets are being placed on illegal bookie apps every day.”
Opposition speakers included representatives of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, and the Kickapoo Tribe, the only one of three Texas tribes that is allowed to operate a casino.
The effort that was begun by the late Sheldon Adelson, founder of Las Vegas Sands, is being continued by his widow, Miriam Adelson, who traveled to meet with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.
