News Summary
Las Vegas Sands Corp. has amended its initial proposal for a major resort in Irving, Texas, responding to public opposition regarding casino gaming. The revised plan, which excludes gambling features, aims to develop a significant resort that could generate around 9,000 jobs and over $4 billion in investments. Although the Irving City Council has voted to exclude casinos, community members remain divided over the potential impacts of legalizing gambling in Texas. Ongoing discussions at the state level continue to shape the future of this controversial project.
Irving
Las Vegas Sands Corp. has revised its initial proposal for a major resort in Irving, Texas, as public opposition has surfaced concerning the inclusion of casino gaming. The company, which does not currently operate any casinos in the United States, is aiming to develop a significant resort if Texas legalizes gambling. The amended proposal was presented to the Irving City Council after concerns about the social implications of a casino prompted Sands to request the removal of gambling features from its plan.
The original concept for the Irving resort included a mixed-use development that could lead to an estimated 9,000 jobs and over $4 billion in investments. This ambitious project is centered near the former Texas Stadium site, where Sands owns a sizable amount of land. However, criticisms from community members regarding the potential relocation of the NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, have fueled public debate.
In December 2023, Sands acquired a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks, valued at $4.5 billion, following the death of company founder Sheldon Adelson in 2021. Dr. Miriam Adelson now leads the firm, which promotes an “integrated resort model” combining luxury accommodations, entertainment, convention space, and gaming. Despite her significant political donations supporting gambling legalization in Texas, resistance from various religious and conservative groups has stalled progress on related legislation.
The Irving City Council recently voted in favor of a revised ordinance that excludes casino gaming from the resort plan after separate 6-3 votes. Ongoing discussions about the impact of potentially legalizing gambling in Texas continue. While some residents welcome the prospect of economic development, others express concerns about potential gambling-related issues in the new proposal. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a tense meeting where local residents voiced their fears concerning the broader social consequences of introducing gaming.
State Senator Nathan Johnson has filed a resolution that would permit voters to decide on legalizing casino gambling in Texas. Support for this legislative effort has indicated a public desire for the option, particularly in light of economic improvements that proponents claim could arise from legalizing gambling.
Las Vegas Sands is based in Las Vegas but largely operates in international markets, including Macau and Singapore. The company had previously opened the Sands Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, which launched in 2009 but was sold in 2019 for $1.3 billion. The entertainment giant’s original property, the Sands Hotel and Casino, opened in 1952 and became a notable venue before being demolished for newer developments such as The Venetian and The Palazzo.
As the Irving City Council prepares to reconsider the amended zoning proposal, community members remain divided over the absence of gambling restrictions in the new plan. While many residents support economic growth, they also hold apprehensions regarding how introducing casino gaming may transform the local culture and environment.
The city council’s expected subsequent vote will be crucial in determining the direction of this project amidst the backdrop of ongoing state-level discussions about gambling legislation in Texas.
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Las Vegas Sands and Texas
- WFAA: Texas Voters on Casino Gambling
- CBS Sports: LIV Golf Dallas 2025
- NBC DFW: Las Vegas Sands Irving Resort Proposal
- DraftKings: WNBA Best Bets
- Wikipedia: Gambling in Texas
- Google Search: Texas casinos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
