Las Vegas Sands, the casino company affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks, is making headlines with its ambitious plans for a new resort in Irving, Texas, the former home of the Dallas Cowboys. This development, which aims to transform a significant area of the city, comes at a time when the state’s gambling laws are under scrutiny.
Why does this matter? Las Vegas Sands has been lobbying for years to legalize casino gambling in Texas. The company’s presence in North Texas could pave the way for an expansion of its casino operations if state leaders decide to loosen gambling restrictions.
The Texas Constitution currently limits gambling to a lottery, charitable bingo, parimutuel betting on horse and dog racing, and three tribe-owned casinos. Although poker rooms are also present across the state, their legality remains ambiguous. To change the current gambling laws, a statewide referendum would be necessary.
Earlier this year, Las Vegas Sands approached the Irving City Council with a request to rezone nearly 1,000 acres in the city, including the site of the now-demolished Texas Stadium. The proposed development is described as a "high-density" project that would feature corporate, retail, and residential buildings, alongside a resort boasting 1,750 rooms, restaurants, pools, and either a 15,000-seat arena or a 4,000-seat theater, as reported by KERA.
However, the initial plans for a casino and nightclub were scrapped following pushback from local residents. The City Council approved the rezoning ordinances by a vote of 6-3 last week, marking a significant step forward for the project. Irving City Council Member Brad LaMorgese cautioned that the construction of such a large-scale development would be a lengthy process, requiring additional approvals along the way.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential economic benefits of legal casinos, including thousands of new jobs, there are valid concerns about the societal issues that often accompany gambling establishments. Patrick Dumont, the Mavericks' governor and son-in-law of Miriam Adelson, made it clear that the franchise intends to remain in Dallas. He stated that they are committed to exploring every possible option in the city before considering a move to another location in the Metroplex.
"What we're saying to the city is we want to exhaust every possible option in the city of Dallas before considering pivoting to another location in the Metroplex. That's our commitment," Dumont told the Dallas Morning News.
In a recent development, Las Vegas Sands Corp. revised its proposal for the Irving project, officially removing the casino component due to public opposition and Texas’ gambling restrictions. The original plan, which included a destination resort with casino gaming, was contingent upon the legalization of gambling in the state.
During a public workshop on March 20, 2025, Sands executive Mark Boekenheide addressed the Irving City Council, requesting the removal of the casino from the zoning proposal. The new focus of the plan is a high-density, mixed-use area that will include retail and residential spaces, a hotel, and an arena.
The site, which spans 1,001 acres near Highway 114, includes the location of the former Texas Stadium, a site that holds historical significance for many Texans. The Planning and Zoning Commission initially approved the revised zoning proposal by a narrow 5-4 vote, sending it to the City Council for further consideration.
While some community members expressed enthusiasm about the updated proposal, others voiced concerns regarding the potential for future casino developments in the area. Some residents suggested that not only should casino gambling be excluded from the destination resort, but it should also be explicitly prohibited in the vicinity altogether.
The City Council is expected to vote on the revised zoning amendment soon, which will determine the fate of the Sands' development plans in Irving. If approved, the company will be able to proceed with the project under the new terms, effectively excluding casino gaming.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. has been actively pursuing opportunities in Texas, especially after acquiring a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks in 2023. This strategic move has positioned the company to play a significant role in the local economy, particularly if the state eventually decides to legalize gambling.
As the conversation around gambling in Texas continues to evolve, the proposed development in Irving stands as a potential catalyst for change. With the state's current restrictions on gambling, the future of Las Vegas Sands' plans hinges on public opinion and legislative action.
The debate surrounding casino gambling in Texas is far from over. As residents weigh the potential economic benefits against the societal implications of introducing casinos to their communities, the outcome of the Irving project could set a precedent for future developments across the state.
In the meantime, the Dallas Mavericks are preparing for their future in the city, with plans to build a "full-blown entertainment district" after their lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031. As Dumont prepares to take on a more significant role at Sands, including a reported transition to CEO next year, the intersection of sports, entertainment, and gambling in Texas will continue to be a hot topic.
As the state grapples with its gambling laws and the implications of the proposed Irving development, one thing is clear: the future of gambling in Texas is uncertain, but the stakes have never been higher.
