Billionaire Miriam Adelson banks on Texas lawmakers for casino expansion

Billionaire Miriam Adelson has escalated her financial campaign to legalize gambling in Texas, pouring $13.7 million into political donations during the first ten months of 2024, a dramatic increase from the $3.3 million spent ahead of the 2023 legislative session.  

The contributions, mostly directed at Republican lawmakers and political action committees, aim to boost efforts to amend Texas’ constitution and pave the way for destination casino resorts. However, despite incremental gains, pro-gambling bills face significant hurdles in the conservative state, as per The Dallas Morning News.

Adelson’s donations primarily benefited Republicans, with House Speaker Dade Phelan receiving $1.02 million and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick $200,000 through PACs. Democrats, by comparison, received $948,500. Phelan was the only elected official to receive a direct donation from Adelson, amounting to $50,000.  

The funds were channeled through Texas Sands PAC, which received $4.1 million, and Texas Defense PAC, which received $9.05 million. Texas Defense PAC, Adelson’s exclusive funding source, spent $6.2 million ahead of the May Republican primary runoff.  
 
Expanding gambling in Texas requires a constitutional amendment, which demands two-thirds approval in both the House and Senate before going to a statewide vote. In 2023, two gambling-related bills reached the House floor but failed to advance:  

•  A proposal for eight resort-style casinos fell short with 92 votes, eight shy of the required 100.  
• A mobile sports betting bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate.  

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed skepticism about the legislation’s chances, citing limited support among Senate Republicans. “You don’t pass major legislation in a red, conservative state with the Democrats controlling the show, particularly on a major bill like that,” Patrick said earlier this month on WFAA.  

The Texas Republican Party’s 2024 platform further complicates the effort, opposing gambling expansion and urging lawmakers to reject contributions from pro-gambling entities.  
  
Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President for Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, said public and legislative support for destination casinos is gaining traction. “Texans want to decide and vote on this issue, and we look forward to working with the Legislature to give them that opportunity this session,” he said in a statement.  

However, political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus of the University of Houston cautioned that while financial contributions can influence legislative outcomes, the political climate must align with the issue. "A significant amount of money may not be enough,” Rottinghaus said.  
  
Adelson’s family recently acquired a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, fueling speculation about plans to integrate a casino resort with a new arena. Such efforts reflect a long-term strategy as gambling proponents aim to build momentum over successive legislative sessions.  

Despite setbacks, Abboud remains optimistic. “The groundswell of momentum is only continuing to build,” he said. The 2025 Texas legislative session, starting January 14, will test whether Adelson’s significant financial push can overcome entrenched opposition and reshape the state’s gambling landscape.