LV Sands’ Adelson Continues Pro-Gambling Support in Texas
As the Texas Legislature is getting ready for the 2025 session, billionaire and owner of the Las Vegas Sands Miriam Adelson is intensifying efforts to legalize gambling in the state.
Dr. Adelson, who brought in $95 million to the pro-Trump Preserve America PAC during Q3 2024, has significantly ramped up her political contributions as well.
In 2024, she distributed $13.7 million to political committees and lawmakers, marking a sharp increase from the $3.3 million donated before the 2023 session.
Her donations were aimed at paving the way for destination casinos and expanded gambling options in the state.
$8.2M Reached Republicans, Under $1M went to Democrats
Of the total contributions, more than $8.2 million went to Republicans, including substantial amounts to legislative leaders.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick received $200,000, while speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican from Beaumont, garnered $1.02 million.
Phelan, who narrowly survived a primary challenge, also received a personal $50,000 contribution from Adelson, the only direct recipient of her funds.
In contrast, Democrats received $948,500 from Adelson’s efforts.
Adelson’s push comes as Las Vegas Sands explores opportunities tied to her family’s majority stake acquisition in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Former owner Mark Cuban envisioned building a casino resort around a new arena in partnership with Sands. However, expanding gambling in Texas faces steep resistance.
It Doesn’t Happen Like Magic
Lt. Gov. Patrick has expressed doubts about the viability of pro-casino legislation, citing insufficient Republican support in the Senate.
“They came and spent millions… and just think it happens like magic. It doesn’t,” Patrick told WFAA earlier this month.
Moreover, the Texas Republican Party’s 2024 platform opposes gambling expansion and discourages lawmakers from accepting contributions from pro-gambling entities.
Despite the challenges, Andy Abboud, senior vice president of government relations for Las Vegas Sands, remains optimistic.
“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,” Abboud said.
Ongoing Efforts
Adelson’s contributions primarily funded two political action committees. Texas Sands PAC received $4.1 million, while $9.05 million went to the newly formed Texas Defense PAC, which supported Republican incumbents in the House.
The latter was solely funded by Adelson and spent over $6.2 million leading up to the May primaries.
Efforts to legalize gambling in Texas require a constitutional amendment, demanding two-thirds approval in both chambers and subsequent voter approval.
Although 2023 saw progress with two gambling bills making it to the House floor, neither advanced.
A proposal for eight resort-style casinos fell short of the required 100 votes, and a mobile sports betting bill stalled in the Senate.
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, notes that such sweeping initiatives often require years to gain traction.
While Adelson’s financial backing has opened doors, overcoming deeply rooted political skepticism will continue to be a high hurdle to jump.
Earlier in the month, we reported on Las Vegas Sands’ $8 billion growth plan for Marina Bay Sands in Singapore which attracted the attention of JPMorgan analyst Joseph Greff who pointed out the way the project could boost the company’s standing in Asia.
