Published on: May 19, 2026, 05:20h.
Updated on: May 19, 2026, 05:20h.
- Candidacy spotlight: Former mayor advocates for casino at the Astrodome location
- Calls for voters to remove Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
- Ongoing discussions about the future of the Astrodome
Although the Houston Astros have not played a game in the Astrodome since October 1999, the conversation around its fate continues. A local politician suggests that introducing casino gaming could be a viable solution.
Annise Parker, the former mayor of one of the largest cities in the U.S. and a current candidate for Harris County judge, argues that the Astrodome’s preservation is crucial. She suggests that if Texas were to legalize casino gaming, Tilman Fertitta could lead the way with a private-sector solution.
“Tilman Fertitta would establish the largest casino in the world there in no time at all, and we could save the Astrodome from further concerns,” Parker stated at a recent event with the Houston Association of Black Journalists, as reported by The Houston Chronicle.
Currently, Fertitta is believed to be a strong candidate for acquiring Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR) and is reportedly in exclusive discussions regarding this takeover.
Political Barriers to an Astrodome Casino
Despite ongoing efforts from various gaming companies to encourage Texas to reconsider its anti-casino stance, progress is not likely – a reality that Parker is aware of.
During the Houston Association of Black Journalists event, she pointed out that casino gaming could become a reality in Texas if voters would choose to replace Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) with another candidate. Patrick, in his role, has historically set the legislative agenda in the State Senate and has opposed moves toward advancing gaming legislation.
As a point of interest, Fertitta is not just the owner of the Houston Rockets but is also relocating a WNBA franchise to Houston. His expansive business portfolio includes ownership of the Golden Nugget casinos, making him an ideal candidate for establishing a casino in Houston.
Previous speculation suggested that should Texas receive approval for multiple casino licenses, Fertitta would almost certainly bid for one and look to establish a gaming location in Galveston, where he currently owns the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center.
The Astrodome Casino: A Potential Gaming Giant
Parker is right to claim that a casino situated in the Astrodome would indeed become the largest gaming facility globally. The venue spans an impressive one million square feet, significantly exceeding the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, which is currently recognized as the largest gaming establishment.
As of now, the Astrodome remains unused for concerts or sports events, underscoring the urgency to determine its future purpose.
“Since closing in 2009, numerous proposals have surfaced regarding the reuse of the Dome, including concepts like a hotel, event space, convention center, festival ground, amateur sports arena, theme park, entertainment hub, museum, recreational area, disaster relief center, and, regrettably, demolition,” notes the Astrodome Conservancy.