The plan to build a casino in Texas and make it part of a mixed-use development project has changed.
The Irving City Council has given the green light to a zoning change for a resort proposed by Las Vegas Sands near the site of the old Texas Stadium. However, the plan no longer includes a casino or nightclub, elements that had faced significant public backlash.
In two separate 6-3 votes, the council approved a revised version of the proposal. This came after Las Vegas Sands requested the removal of gambling and nightlife elements shortly before the meeting, as the Dallas Morning News reported.
The decision reflects the community's response and follows intense public discussions. In late February, when the proposal first reached the City Council, over 170 residents signed up to speak, with most expressing opposition.
Why Did Sands Pull Back the Casino Plan?
The ambitious plan to build a casino resort near the former Texas Stadium site hit a speed bump late last week.
WFAA-TV reports that just hours before city leaders were set to discuss the proposal, Las Vegas Sands Corp. opted to remove the gambling component from the plans. This decision comes after some community members expressed concerns.
Mark Boekenheide, a senior vice president at Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which shares ownership ties with the Dallas Mavericks, addressed the change during a city council workshop.
He explained that given Texas's current gambling laws and community feedback, it was best to eliminate the casino aspect from the development plans. "Sands has asked the Irving City Council to remove the destination resort and gaming component from the proposal," Boekenheide stated.
Why No Casinos in Texas?
Efforts to relax Texas' gambling laws have repeatedly failed since the laws were first enacted in 1856 and tightened in 1973.
In 2023, the House approved a sports betting measure, marking the furthest progress toward expanding gambling. However, the effort was mostly symbolic because Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican in charge of the Texas Senate, quickly blocked it. Patrick claims there is little support among the Senate’s GOP majority for gambling expansion.
With Patrick in office until January 2027 and planning to run for another term, the legislative fight over gambling has mainly occurred in the House. Supporters aim for small victories in the House, hoping these will set the stage for progress when a more favorable lieutenant governor leads the Senate.
Crowd Cheered When Texas Casino Plan Changed
Before the meeting, Assistant City Manager Philip Sanders announced that Las Vegas Sands had removed the casino part from the plan. When he shared the news, the crowded room cheered and clapped, KERA News reported.
Bernie Wright, one of the speakers, thanked the council for listening to the residents. "Please keep listening to us," Wright said, "more than to outsiders who don’t live here and raise families."
Rezoning Approvals Move Project Forward
Even without the casino component, approving the zoning change is viewed as a step forward. The plan is to transform over 1,000 acres of land into a high-intensity mixed-use zone. This zoning change is crucial for any future development, including a potential resort, if gambling becomes legal in Texas.
Some people doubted whether the issue was truly settled and urged the city council members to pass a clause banning gambling. However, the council never voted on it.
This development marks an ongoing saga in Irving's quest to use the former Texas Stadium site, balancing economic opportunities with community interests. The stadium was demolished in 2010, but the land remains empty.
Community Concerns and Future Prospects
The project's initial casino proposal had sparked protests and pushback from some in Irving. A public comment session on Thursday night saw 176 speakers, reflecting the community's engagement with the issue.
Residents speculate that Sands' willingness to build a casino hinges on potential legislative changes. As Boekenheide mentioned, the casino's profits are essential for the resort's viability. If Texas legalizes gambling, Sands might revisit their casino plans.
According to a statement provided to WFAA-TV, Las Vegas Sands appreciates the opportunity to discuss the project with local stakeholders and values community input. They remain open to considering future options should Texas laws evolve to allow gaming.
