The city of Irving, Texas, is on the brink of a significant development with Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s proposed resort, but it has ignited strong opposition from the community, notably the University of Dallas and its surrounding residents. The plan for this ambitious project has sparked heated discussions about the future of gambling in the state and the impact on local culture.
In March 2025, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, renowned for its opulent casino resorts such as The Venetian and The Palazzo, submitted plans to construct its largest development to date adjacent to the University of Dallas. Faculty and alumni of the university, alongside local residents, have vocally opposed the plan, fearing it would undermine the community's values and economy.
According to Susan Hanssen, a professor at the University of Dallas and a longtime resident of Irving, the struggle against the casino can be likened to a defensive posture in a "David versus Goliath" scenario. In her opinion piece for The College Fix, she questioned whether the proposal could be halted, noting, “Can it be stopped? Nothing is impossible for God, but it is a case of David versus Goliath.” This sentiment captures the essence of community resistance faced by large corporate interests.
The proposal is especially significant as it would mark the first of its kind in Texas, a state where casinos remain illegal under the constitution. Hanssen explained that the swift progression of the rezoning efforts stunned many in Irving, who anticipated that discussions about gambling would wait until legislative action in Austin addressed the legality of casinos. With rezoning moving forward rapidly, residents expressed concerns regarding transparency and the integrity of the process.
In her criticisms of the Las Vegas Sands' proposal, Hanssen remarked, “They want outsiders to come to Irving to play. But the families of Irving don’t like that kind of play: they prefer to worship God, work to support, raise, and educate their children, and govern themselves.” Such comments underscore a clash between the community's traditional lifestyle and the entertainment-driven vision presented by the Sands Corporation.
In a formidable show of solidarity, hundreds of residents attended an eight-hour meeting of the Planning Commission to voice their disapproval; only four in attendance spoke in favor of the development. “They made the case that casino gambling is not the kind of development that the city needs or wants,” Hanssen noted, emphasizing that their position was supported by data on economic health and the impact of gambling.
Despite the overwhelming resistance, the Planning Commission approved the rezoning of the site, and the proposal moved to the Irving City Council for further review. In parallel, on March 18, 2025, the Irving zoning commission narrowly granted initial zoning approval following the aforementioned climate of public objection. Yet, as pressure mounted, the Sands Corporation made the unexpected announcement on March 20 that it would withdraw the casino component of its plans.
This drastic decision highlights the growing resistance to gambling expansion in Texas. Mark Boekenheide, an executive at Las Vegas Sands, addressed the city council shortly before the vote, stating, “At this time, given the current status of gaming expansion legislation in the state,” the company requested the council to remove the casino and instead consider proceeding with non-gaming components of the project.
The Irving City Council ultimately approved the amended proposal, with a 6-3 vote in favor, removing the casino from the development plan. They anticipated this change would help smooth relations with the local community and focus on a resort-based model instead. However, it is worth noting that the council’s decision does not preclude the possibility of revisiting a casino option should state laws allow it in the future.
Even with the casino component removed, uncertainty persists regarding the feasibility and financial viability of the project. While the Sands Corporation stated plans for a resort complex remain, local observers express skepticism about how it can thrive without the allure of casino gaming to attract visitors.
Besides the immediate local concerns, the political dimension looms large. Miriam Adelson, the controlling shareholder of LVS, has heavily invested in political donations, exceeding $13 million this year compared to $3.3 million in prior cycles. Observers note that this fervent lobbying effort reflects the casino industry's overarching aspirations to expand legalized gambling in Texas, yet local resistance and political dynamics complicate these ambitions.
Brendan Bussmann, a Las Vegas-based consultant, articulated that overcoming opposition in Texas remains a substantial hurdle. He stated that public discussions surrounding gaming may be delayed by several years, given current political sentiments and resistance from influential lawmakers, particularly Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. This further underscores the complexity of casino legalization in the state, where local sentiments are deeply intertwined with broader political struggles.
The stakes remain high for Las Vegas Sands Corporations in their efforts to penetrate the Texas market. Their commitment to developing projects in the region also includes competing for casino licenses in New York, where LVS is proposing a $6 billion casino on Long Island. However, industry experts caution that if New York were to legalize online gambling in favor of land-based resorts, it could diminish LVS's potential return on investment.
For local residents and the University of Dallas community, the fight against the proposed casino has roots that run deep into the extended cultural and spiritual fabric of life in Irving. As Hanssen articulates, “Will students still want to come from all 50 States in the Union to a little hill in Irving for an education in the Christian tradition and history of Western Civilization?” Her concerns reflect a broader anxiety about retaining community identity in the face of potential diversions like gambling.
Despite the recent victory in zoning amendments, the community remains vigilant, recognizing that the fight to maintain Irving's character is ongoing. With local groups and residents rallying against the development, it is clear that the future of Irving and its cherished traditions hangs in an uncertain balance.
