Las Vegas Sands Revises Irving Resort Proposal Amid Opposition

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An artistic representation of the proposed Irving resort development.

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.