Las Vegas Sands, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has made a bold move by filing a petition aimed at legalizing casino gambling in the state of Texas. 

Las Vegas Sands’ Petition Pushes for Casino Resorts in Texas

Las Vegas Sands acquired a significant portion of the Dallas basketball team back in December 2023 and is now setting its sights on reshaping the Texan gambling landscape, reported CBS News.

The petition, submitted by the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, established in 2021, emphasizes its commitment to bringing high-end entertainment, luxurious resorts, and fine dining to Texans. Their strategy involves advocating for the expansion of casino-style gambling within the state.

This is not Las Vegas Sands’ first attempt at influencing Texan gambling laws. Back in 2022, the company launched the Texas Sands political action committee, investing a considerable $2 million to lobby for the legalization of casino gambling. 

Despite facing steep opposition, including skepticism from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who highlighted the lack of Republican support in the state Senate, Las Vegas Sands and its allies remain undeterred.

Furthermore, back in December, Village Walk RE 2 LLC, affiliated with Las Vegas Sands, acquired a 108-acre property in Irving, Texas, near the former Texas Stadium site, sparking intrigue following Las Vegas Sands’ majority stake acquisition in the Dallas Mavericks. 

While the purpose of the land remains undisclosed, Sands expressed interest in developing an integrated resort in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, hinting at future acquisitions. This move further signaled potential shifts in Texas’ stance on gambling, with analysts speculating on the Adelson family’s influence in advocating for legislative changes.

Texas Gaming Landscape Shifts with Legislative Efforts and Industry Backing

State Rep. Charlie Geren introduced HJR 97 in February last year, outlining a potential pathway to amend the Texas Constitution and permit the establishment of casino resorts. The Chickasaw Nation, operators of Oklahoma’s Winstar Casino and owners of Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, have also expressed support for the introduction of casino resorts in Texas.

Moreover, upcoming developments such as the opening of the Choctaw Landing Casino and Resort in Oklahoma’s southeastern region further highlight the growing interest in expanding gambling opportunities within Texas’ vicinity.

Separate bills advocating for sports betting have also gained traction, with notable figures like former Gov. Rick Perry and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones endorsing legislative efforts to regulate this activity.For any significant changes to occur, legislative approval and subsequent voter endorsement would be required. With the upcoming 89th Legislature, proponents of legalized gambling are gearing up for a renewed push to sway lawmakers and public opinion in their favor.

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Texas, the second-biggest US state in terms of population and area, is among several states that currently do not offer legal sports betting. In Oklahoma, one of Texas’ neighboring states, efforts toward legalization continue, while Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico, all of which are bordering Texas, currently offer legal betting on sports. But the fight toward legalizing sports betting in Texas continues, with former Gov. Rick Perry confirming his support for the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a group of US operators that support the safe and legal sports betting sector.

In a video released on X, the Governor revealed that he joins the SBA in support for the legalization of sports betting across Texas. Perry estimated that the size of the illegal sports betting market in the state is in the billions. He said that there is an estimated $8.7 billion in bets placed in Texas via illegal, unlicensed, offshore betting operators.

Gov. Perry warned that the use of illegal betting operators poses a threat to the personal information of the users. Moreover, he said that there is no guarantee that bettors would receive their payouts. According to the former Governor, there are no legal repercussions against the illegal offering, posing another risk for the consumers who use such services.

“I joined the Sports Betting Alliance because it’s time to end the offshore, illicit market for sports betting and create a consumer protected online sports betting market in Texas,“

wrote former Gov. Rick Perry

The Legalization of Wagering on Sports, a Homerun for Everyone

Another important point raised by the former Governor is the support of professional sports franchises in Texas. He explained that the state’s 11 major professional sports franchises support the legalization of sports wagering.

“Given that Texans are already participating in mobile sports betting, legalization would be a homerun for all involved,“

added Perry

Gov. Perry explained that while more than 35 states have already legalized the activity, Texas “continues to fall behind.” Speaking about the state’s neighbors, he added that they are benefitting from money that can otherwise stay in Texas. The former Governor added that the legalization of betting can raise significant proceeds for the state, estimating the activity can generate up to $556 million annually.

Speaking about the integrity of sports, Perry said that a robust set of rules needs to be implemented. Those rules, the Governor said, would help safeguard the integrity of sports competitions while at the same time providing legal options for Texans to wager on.

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Loot boxes are a part of many popular modern video games. The feature offers an activity that is similar to a game of chance where players can open, unlock or break a loot box and receive a random prize. Australia is the latest country to implement changes related to loot boxes as a part of important regulations that are set to come into effect next September.

Michelle Rowland, Australia’s Minister for Communications, revealed that the Albanese government remains committed to reducing gambling harm and this includes restricting access to games with gambling-like elements by children. She confirmed that a proposal calling for a mandatory minimum classification for gambling-like content as a part of video games was recently greenlighted.

As a part of the changes, which are going to come into effect as of September 2024, games that contain simulated gambling, including social casino games, would receive an R18+ restricted classification. This classification means that users under the age of 18 would not be able to legally access such content. Moreover, the R18+ classification means that such products are not suitable for children.

In addition, the changes will implement an M-mature advisory classification for games that have payable features such as loot boxes and other in-game purchases. While the measure is advisory and not restrictive, it means that legal guardians and parents would be able to know that such products are associated with risks they need to consider before letting their children play. While the change will come into effect next September, it would not apply retrospectively.

Changes Seek to Protect Children from Gambling Harm and Addiction

According to Rowland, the changes to video game classification come after a three-week public consultation that was completed earlier this year. In May 2020, the Neville Stevens Review recommended such classification to the former government in Australia. Now, Rowland said, the Albanese government is taking appropriate action, following the recommendation in an effort to protect children from harms related to gambling-like content.

“We know there is a growing community concern about children being exposed to gambling-like features in games.“

Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications in Australia

The Minister for Communications acknowledged that video games expose children to features similar to gambling, which raises concerns about harm and addiction. A link between games with gambling-like features and problem gambling and other forms of harm was found in research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. According to Rowland, the changes seek to help Australians make informed decisions about the content that is suitable for their children.

Australia isn’t the only country to impose regulations for loot boxes. This summer, the government in the UK urged the gaming sector to implement strict guidelines in order to protect the players. Overall, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport published and developed 11 different principles related to loot boxes.

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