Sands Aims to Establish a Casino Resort in Dallas

Las Vegas Sands has invested millions in Texas political campaigns over recent years. Despite minimal returns on their numerous contributions, the world’s leading casino operator by market value shows no intentions of retreating.

Texas Senate candidate John Huffman recently shared a family photo gazing at the Bellagio Fountains on X. Although supported heavily by the casino industry and Sands, Huffman remarked in July that Las Vegas isn’t his preferred destination.

As per campaign finance records from the Texas Ethics Commission, the Texas Sands PAC contributed $500K to Republican candidate John Huffman for Senate District 9 last month. Huffman, a former mayor and city council member from Southlake in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, identifies as a “true fiscal conservative,” advocating for tax cuts and reduced regulations.

Sands believes Huffman could be a key figure in promoting casino gambling as a means of economic growth, potentially easing the tax burden on Texans and redirecting millions in gaming revenues currently benefiting Oklahoma tribal casinos and commercial establishments in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Huffman faces Republican Leigh Wambsganss in the upcoming November 9 special election, who publicly opposes gambling, asserting it negatively impacts society.

“The evidence is clear — gambling adversely affects families and communities,” Wambsganss noted in an interview with Texas Scorecard. “I believe expanded gambling isn’t suitable for Texas.”

Huffman contends that the decision on casino expansion should rest with the voters, stating, “If voters opt for expansion, it should be well-regulated and restricted to a select few high-end resorts that generate jobs and draw tourism.”

The largest shareholder in Sands is billionaire Dr. Miriam Adelson. Alongside her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, she acquired a 69% stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks from Mark Cuban in late 2023 for approximately $3.8 billion.

The Casino Lobby

Adelson’s late husband, Sheldon Adelson, who founded and led Sands, had long pursued entry into the Texas market. Now, Adelson is continuing his legacy.

Her recent acquisition of the Mavericks is considered to bolster her position in Austin, enabling her to persuade lawmakers to explore gaming options. Backed by Cuban, who advocates for Texas to diversify its entertainment offerings, they propose constructing a new NBA arena alongside an integrated resort casino.

Adelson and Sands are the sole funders of the Texas Sands PAC, with Adelson contributing $9.1 million in August, while Sands itself donated $4,500. Additionally, she supports the Texas Defense PAC, which has donated nearly $600K to Huffman. Together, Adelson’s committees represent around 94% of Huffman’s campaign funds.

Political Irony

Huffman finds it ironic that Wambsganss is against casinos, considering her family’s history of profiting from the gaming industry. This stems from her husband’s previous investment in a skill game manufacturing company active in Virginia, where Wambsganss was born before relocating to Texas as a child.

Although skill games have been banned in Virginia since July 2021, legal disputes continue. These games function similarly to slot machines but require players to identify winning paylines.

Huffman’s support of casinos also holds a hint of irony. He previously shared a ranking of his favorite U.S. cities after traveling to all 50 states, placing Las Vegas at number 16 among 21 cities and noting that the family didn’t engage in gambling.

“We didn’t gamble — obviously — but we strolled down the Strip, enjoyed the Bellagio Fountains, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. It was great for the kids to experience, but no one seemed eager to return,” Huffman reflected.