Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson commented on the future of casino gaming in the city during his annual interview with the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce. He outlined some of the challenges operators may have to face, warning them that the legalization of casino gaming is not the only thing they need to keep in mind.

Johnson reflected on this possibility in the wake of the deal between Las Vegas Sands and the Dallas Mavericks which saw the casino operator acquire land in Irving.

While Texas doesn’t currently allow commercial casino gaming, activists have sought to change that for years, with some spending millions on lobbying. The recent acquisition of the Mavericks, which is still subject to approval from the NBA, has sparked theories that the coming of casino gaming may be on the horizon.

Obviously, casino gambling is not legal in Texas, right? It’s not. And so, it would need to become legal by a change in state law.

Eric Johnson

While the legislature will ultimately decide whether casino gaming can happen at all, Johnson believes that the conversation doesn’t need to start there.

The Council Would Decide if a Company Can “Plop a Casino”

Johnson explained that consulting the city council is a major thing casino operators need to consider. He pointed out that even if Texas legalizes Tier III gaming, Dallas’ council would be the one deciding where companies can develop a casino or whether they get to develop a casino at all.

The folks I sit around the horseshoe every day, I can guarantee you, are gonna have to have a say in where you plop a casino in the City of Dallas, or whether you get to plop a casino in the City of Dallas.

Eric Johnson

Operators would need to secure a myriad of permits to get a casino project approved, which is why the Dallas mayor believes that discussion with the city council is an important thing operators should keep in mind.

Proponents of casino gaming argue that its legalization would bolster tourism and have a huge positive impact on the local economy. The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, has been one of the biggest supporters of casino gaming, saying that it would attract many visitors to The Lone Star State.

In any case, many believe that the outlook for casino gaming remains bleak despite Las Vegas Sands’ active efforts to change that. As of the time of this writing, only tribal operators are allowed to run casinos in the state.

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Svenska Spel, a Swedish state-owned gambling operator, has named Anna Johnson as the successor of its current chief executive officer, Patrik Hofbauer. The latter announced his exit earlier this year, opting to explore other opportunities instead.

Johnson will serve as Svenska Spel’s new president and CEO and is set to step into the office by June 2024, the former Swedish monopoly announced.

According to Svenska Spel, its new CEO boasts a master’s degree in economics from Mitthögskolan in Östersund. She is also an authorized accountant with an impressive track record behind her back.

Aged 50, Johnson currently serves as a partner and CEO of Grant Thornton, a global accounting and consulting firm. She boasts decades of experience in accounting and has held a number of leading corporate positions at Grant Thornton. She was appointed as the agency’s CEO seven years ago and has leveraged her experience to bolster the firm.

Hofbauer, meanwhile, is set to leave Svenska Spel very soon. Starting on February 1, 2024, the incumbent CEO will join the Swedish telecommunications juggernaut Telia Company. Following the departure of Hofbauer, Erik Strand, Svenska Spel’s board chair, will serve as interim CEO until Johnson takes office.

Johnson Is Honored to Have Svenska Spel’s Trust

Strand commented on the new appointment, praising Johnson’s track record of successful leadership positions. He lauded her ability to build strong teams, create more customer value and deliver profitable growth. According to the chairman, Johnson’s drive and curiosity made her a perfect fit for Svenska Spel.

The board and I are very much looking forward to working together with Anna and her management team.

Erik Strand, chairman, Svenska Spel

Strand added that Sweden’s former gambling monopoly has implemented many changes in recent years. He believes that the company is now poised to offer engaging and safe gaming experiences to its customers in the country.

Johnson also commented on his new position, saying that it represents a “fantastic opportunity.” The new CEO added that she is honored to have the trust of one of Sweden’s strongest gambling brands. She also praised the company’s commitment to sustainable entertainment, saying that this philosophy provides benefits both to the Swedish people and Swedish sports.

I am really looking forward to leading Svenska Spel’s journey of change together with the employees and continuing to create results.

Anna Johnson, CEO appointee, Svenska Spel

Speaking of Sweden, BOS’ general secretary, Gustaf Hoffstedt, just weighed on the country’s newly-proposed gambling tax, saying that it would be a “gift to the black market.”

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