Mavs Owners Forced to Fold: Irving KOs Casino Dream
The Owners of the Dallas Mavericks Will Not Be Getting a Casino in Texas
Irving Blow Bigger Than Doncic Fiasco?
No, we are not talking about NBA star Kyrie Irving. However, a city that shares his name just dealt a body blow to his current employers and one that might even top the Luka Doncic trade debacle.
In a surprise piece of casino news, the city of Irving, Texas forced Las Vegas Sands Corporation to remove the most important part of their $2 billion resort plan: a cash casino floor. City officials made the decision after public hearings and thousands of signatures convinced them that locals and gaming tables don’t mix as well as they thought.
Las Vegas Sands bought the land near the old Texas Stadium site with big plans. They envisioned an entertainment complex with hotels, restaurants, retail, and a 15,000-seat arena that could eventually host the Dallas Mavericks.
🚨BIG WIN… Anti-gambling advocates are all smiles at tonight’s Irving City Council meeting as news breaks that Las Vegas Sands has asked council members to REMOVE casino gambling from the zoning change for their property. 🚫🎰@cherylbeantx @LuisCanosaD4 pic.twitter.com/3vitffZc8B
— Erin Anderson (@TrueTexasTea) March 20, 2025
The City Council voted to strip out any references to casino activities, effectively killing any dreams of Texans having a place to play blackjack for real money in the Lone Star State.
Texas has no framework for in-person casinos, but the Irving rezoning would have allowed the company to capitalize if the state ever went ahead with the expansion of gambling.
Resort Minus the Casino Floor
Senior VP for Global Real Estate at Las Vegas Sands, Mark Boekenheide, admitted that without gambling regulations in Texas, the project’s original financial plan doesn’t add up. He also said the company respects the status quo in the state and will work within the boundaries set by lawmakers.
This is a win for locals who love the idea of an upscale destination but hate the idea of a betting casino setting up shop in North Texas.
However, industry insiders say if Texas ever allows bet platforms, Irving’s newly zoned area could be the gateway for future growth. Council member Luis Canosa acknowledged this possibility when he stated that the city remains vigilant, especially since the developer still controls the land.
Sands: “We are NOT a casino-centric company”
Also Sands: “Without a casino we’re not building anything”Sounds pretty casino-centric to me.
Irving residents saw right through the deflections at the town hall. How are they supposed to trust this company?
To add insult to… pic.twitter.com/rTmsvOh3iq
— Luis Canosa (@LuisCanosaD4) March 17, 2025
Potential Gains
Economic arguments were a big part of the multi-month debate. Supporters said an all-in approach with the gambling component would bring lots of jobs and tax revenue.
Opponents countered with problem gamblers, crime, and neon glamour overwhelming local culture.
However, some residents seemed to be open to the idea of an online casino expansion.
Legislative Efforts
As the Texas legislative session hurtles toward its deadline in May, the gambling expansion battle has intensified with four major bills vying for attention under the Capitol dome.
The stakes have never been higher as lawmakers try to reconcile different visions for casinos, sportsbooks, and tribal gaming. For the first time in state history, bipartisan coalitions are forming around multiple gambling bills.
However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is the ultimate bad beat for gambling advocates. As Senate president, he’s repeatedly said sports betting bills are “dead on arrival” and only 3-4 GOP senators support expansion. His opposition creates a legislative logjam. In fact, no gambling bill has cleared the Senate since 1991.
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