In a recent webcast, Oklahoma tribal leaders expressed concern about the potential impact of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban selling a majority interest in the NBA franchise to the largest individual shareholder of Las Vegas Sands. This is raising concerns among Oklahoma tribal leaders regarding the possible expansion of gaming into Texas.

It is important to note that the Choctaw Nation opened their $600 million integrated resort casino in Durant just 10 miles from the Oklahoma-Texas border. In addition, the tribes are worried that Texas may legalize sports betting in the future which could affect their market share. The tribes have been campaigning for sports betting privileges, but have yet to reach a deal with Gov. Kevin Stitt of the Cherokee Nation. Stitt has surprised the tribes with a sports betting plan that they believe would effectively end their monopoly on casino gaming.

Las Vegas Sands, known for their lobbying efforts in Texas, has been unfruitful in their aims. With Dr. Miriam Adelson becoming the chief owner of the Mavericks, there are questions as to whether her influence might garner more support for commercial casino gaming in Texas. This move has the potential to affect tribal casinos and the overall sports betting industry in the region.



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