Las Vegas Sands Still Isn’t Over the Idea of a Texan Casino

Article by : Helen Feb 2, 2021

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Even though the casino empire’s founder, Sheldon Adelson, passed away earlier this January, the new executive leadership of Las Vegas Sands will double down on following the course he had established for the company – at least when it comes to making casinos legal in the state of Texas.

As reported by the Texan Tribune and multiple other news outlets, Las Vegas Sands expanded its lobbying army in the Lone Star state from 15 lobbyists on the company’s payroll as of January 5 this year to 54 as of January 29 – all in an attempt to convince Texas legislators to legalize casinos in the state. This would mean the casino empire is spending between $2.3 million and $4.5 million on lobbying in the state (the estimates are based on the pay ranges for individual lobbyists).

The possibilities for expanding Texas’ tourism offerings are exciting, and we look forward to working with lawmakers this session to present the potential opportunities that exist for robust, long-term economic development and jobs for the state.

Sheldon Adelson also donated over $5 million to Texas republican politicians, including the state’s Governor Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan, before his death. This move would increase the chances of the Republicans retaining control of the House and boost the re-election campaigns of politicians like Abbott. It was also a good sign that Las Vegas Sands is serious about making casinos in Texas a reality.

The fight for legalizing casinos in the Lone Star State is bound to be a tough one, for sure. The last time Texas got anywhere near making games of chances legal was in 1991: when the Texas Lottery was given the green light. Even though the talks around adding casinos to the list of legal (and, therefore, taxable) activities have been going on for decades, any attempts to pass legislation to achieve that have fallen short.

Interestingly, the general public seems to be ready for a casino opening in their state. According to a survey commissioned by Las Vegas Sands in late 2020, 60% of likely voters back up the idea of “casino-style gaming” becoming available in up to five locations across the state.

Yet, to legalize in-casino gambling, lawmakers would need to amend the Texas Constitution – it directly outlaws such activities for now. This means that a simple majority of supporters in the House and Senate won’t be enough. Lobbyists will need to ensure two-thirds of legislators back up legalizing casinos with their vote on the floor.

Apart from fighting for a casino becoming a possibility in Texas, Las Vegas Sands will keep its focus on growing the empire. The company’s new CEO and Chairman Rob Goldstein confirmed that Las Vegas Sands will follow Adelson’s strategy by investing in the Macau and Singapore markets. It’s no wonder: the Macanese properties account for 59% of the company’s revenues, while Las Vegas Sands’ casino-hotel complex in Singapore generates 31% of the empire’s total income.

Another Adelson’s dream that the new Sands leadership works on making come true is expanding to New York City. According to Goldstein, the casino empire is “on the hunt” there, adding, “We’ve been looking at New York for about 100 years it seems like. We’re big believers in New York.”

The New York state is authorized to issue three casino licenses three years from now, in 2023. With the pressure from the pandemic-induced budget deficit, a casino in the heart of New York City has become a lot more welcoming of an idea for state officials.