Mavericks Owners Take Steps Toward Potential New Casino in Irving, TX
Putting Chips in that Gambling Laws Will Change in Lone Star State
Vote Paves Way To Possible Entertainment Mecca
The Dallas Mavericks were losers in their fans’ eyes when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at the NBA trade deadline. In casino news, however, the team’s owners are hoping to score a win by building an entertainment/casino complex in Irving, Tx.
The Las Vegas Sands Corporation owns the Mavericks. It is hoping Texas gaming laws change and allow the company to pursue a casino. The first step toward the possibility took place when the Irving Zoning Commission approved a change on March 18 that turns an area near the former Texas Stadium into a mixed-use development.
Big Plans in the Lone Star State
If the Las Vegas Sands Corporation is able to navigate its way through Texas state laws, the hope is to build a massive project. It would entail a 15,000-seat arena, a 4,000-seat theatre, and a hotel with 1,750 rooms. Add in a casino and you have a destination sports fans and gamblers will rush to be a part of.
“The effort to bring destination resorts to Texas has received an overwhelming amount of support from Texans and lawmakers since it was first introduced, and the groundswell of momentum is only continuing to build,” Andy Abboud, Sands’ senior vice president of government relations, said in a statement. “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.”
Gambling regulations in Texas do not permit casinos. However, there is hope they will change to allow such venues. It won’t be an easy change.
“We have a vision in Irving for a premier destination in that spot ever since Texas Stadium was demolished,” said Mark Cronenwett, Irving City Councilman. “It will drive visitors to our city. Our tax base will increase immensely. This will be a tremendous opportunity for the city of Irving if we can do it, and if it doesn’t actually cause Irving to suffer in a way that residents will be really hurt by.”
Online Gambling Got Boost in 2023
The laws in Texas regarding online casino betting changed a couple of years ago. While the proposal made it through the Texas House, the state remains to have some of the most severe laws against gaming in the United States. A measure for casinos fell short at the same time coming up with 92 of the needed 101 votes.
High-powered politicians are against changing laws to legalize gambling in Texas despite Gov. Greg Abbott being in favor of it. It isn’t an easy pass to get Texas gaming laws changed. Texas’ gaming laws can be changed only by amending the state constitution, which requires two-thirds approval in both chambers — including the 150-member House — and support from a majority of voters on the statewide ballot.
This issue will be an intriguing one as it would change the face of Texas as an entertainment and gaming destination should the casinos become legal in the Lone Star State. Stay tuned.
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