Key Texas Officials Signal Opposition To Casino Expansion, But Sands PAC 'Playing To Win'
The Texas Legislature will next meet in January 2027, setting the stage for another expected battle to legalize commercial casinos and sport betting.
But, according to reports, it seems unlikely gaming expansion will win approval next year in the nation’s second most-populated state.
While public option supports gaming expansion, key lawmakers, including Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, have been reluctant to offer support. Abbot is seeking a fourth four-year term in the November 2026 general election.
Late last year, Abbott told CBS News Texas he is not ready to support changing the Texas Constitution to legalize casinos. That step would require legislative approval and a public vote.
Asked why he is not supportive, Abbott, pictured, said, "Because we're seen increasingly problems that go along with gaming. Whether it be addiction or whether it be things that are happening in sporting events and athletes who are on the take."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, also a Republican seeking reelection, fought gaming expansion during the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions and is expected to continue that stance. As president of the Senate, he has a firm grip on whether bills are voted out of that chamber. In Texas, the Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin during odd-numbered years, meaning the next regular session is in 2027.
The pro-gaming faction suffered a setback during the March 2026 primary elections. Several pro-gaming legislators backed by billionaire Miriam Adelson, majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp., were defeated.
Las Vegas Sands Focused On 'Long Game' In Texas
The Adelson family is the majority owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and has sought approval of casino legalization in major Texas cities such as Dallas, where a casino-arena complex has been discussed.
The Adelson family has not indicated it plans to move the team away from Dallas if a casino-arena complex does not materialize in North Texas. On a separate note, the NBA has given the green light to add an expansion team in Las Vegas. That expansion team's ownership group has not been identified.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands Corp. has vowed to continue pushing for gaming expansion in Texas. Though headquartered in Las Vegas, the company no longer operates resort properties there. Its hotel-casinos are only in Macao and Singapore.
The Sands Political Action Committee said in a news release it will continue backing Texas candidates who support casino gambling in Texas, according to the Texas Tribune.
“The long game matters,” the company said. “And Texas Sands PAC is playing to win.”
Whether that strategy is successful remains to be seen. In recent years, major Texas sports bettor Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale told Gambling.com the Legislature in the Lone Star State is a “fractured group” that “can’t pass anything.” However, he said he is happy going next door to Louisiana to gamble. In Louisiana, casino gambling and sports betting are legal.
