In a renewed effort to bring casino gambling to Texas, advocates face significant obstacles despite recent momentum in legislative discussions.

Adelson Family Drives Efforts for Casino Legalization in Major Texan Cities

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, spearheading the campaign for legalized casino gaming, aims to introduce destination-style resort casinos in major Texan cities such as Dallas and San Antonio. Bolstered by their recent acquisition of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, the Adelson Family, owners of Las Vegas Sands, are pouring resources into lobbying efforts through the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, reported News 4 San Antonio.

Political analysts express cautious optimism about the prospects of casino legalization. Dr. Jon Taylor, a political science chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio, indicated that there is an increasing momentum in support of casino gambling. He pointed out that this trend is evident due to the strategic investments made by major corporations such as Las Vegas Sands. However, significant hurdles remain, particularly among staunch conservative and evangelical factions within Texas politics.

Opponents of casino legalization, predominantly conservative and evangelical groups, argue against the moral implications of expanding gambling. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emerged as a prominent voice against gaming expansion, reflecting the sentiments of a significant conservative base within the state.

Texas Grapples with Political Divide in Push for Casino Legalization

The political landscape further complicates the path to legalization. Recent primary elections saw moderate Republicans, potentially supportive of casino legislation, defeated or facing runoffs against more conservative counterparts. 

Despite some openness from Speaker of the House Dade Phelan and a slight concession from Gov. Greg Abbott, the constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers pose a formidable challenge.

Scott Braddock, an editor of the Quorum Report, emphasized the challenge by explaining that due to the need for a constitutional amendment, approval would require two-thirds of both the House and the Senate to vote in favor before presenting it to the people. Such a consensus seems elusive in the current Republican-controlled legislature, despite public opinion polls indicating favorable views toward expanded gaming.

Advocates highlight the potential economic benefits of casino legalization, emphasizing increased revenue and tourism opportunities for the state. Dr. Taylor underscored the competitive disadvantage Texas faces compared to neighboring states already offering various forms of gambling.

While advocates rally for change, the road to casino legalization in Texas remains steep and uncertain. As political dynamics continue to evolve, the outcome hinges on navigating a complex landscape of ideological divides and legislative hurdles.

The post Advocates Rally for Texas Casino Legalization Amidst Political Roadblocks appeared first on Keno Wizard.

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.

The post Las Vegas Sands Pushes for Legalizing Casino Gambling in Texas appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a groundbreaking legal battle, the State of Texas faces off against gambling machines in a case that could set a precedent for the future of such devices in the jurisdiction. The hearing, presided over by the 336th District Judge in Fannin County, marks the first time a Texas court is deciding the legality of these devices.

Skill Games Remain a Contentious Topic in Many Jurisdictions

Texas law explicitly forbids chance-based gambling machines. However, skill-based games circumvent existing restrictions and remain permitted despite their similarities. The legal scrutiny follows a county-wide seizure of gambling machines in March last year, impacting several locations. Fannin County District Attorney Richard Glaser and local law enforcement initiated the seizure, contending that the machines violated Texas gambling regulations.

A recent report by media outlet KXII revealed that the central question in this hearing was whether the 35 confiscated machines were skill-based or chance-based. Glaser firmly believes these machines operate on chance, making them illegal. If successful, the state plans to seize the machines and their proceeds. Such a move could also lead to more seizures, making business owners reluctant to invest in these devices.

These look like gambling machines, they play like gambling machines. We wanted to seize them all at one time.

Richard Glaser, Fannin County District Attorney

This ongoing legal battle mirrors a similar case in Pennsylvania, where a recent court decision deemed that skill games were legal. The decision caused significant backlash from the gambling sector, which claims that these devices, exempt from gaming taxes and oversight, threatened regulated operators and posed a danger to the public due to non-existent player protection measures.

The Machines Circumvent Existing Laws

While Pace-O-Matic, the company behind the devices, asserts that its games have been deemed legal in other parts of Texas, this hearing is the first instance of a court making a definitive decision. Joe Brown, a member of Pace-O-Matic’s counsel, argues that the games were meticulously designed to comply with Texas law and are, in fact, skill-based.

The skillful player can win every time that they play, and that takes it out of the definition of a gambling device.

Joe Brown, counsel for Pace-O-Matic

As the debate neared its conclusion, Fannin County District Judge Laurine Blake ruled that the game devices were skill-based and legal. She will be issuing an order for the return of seized property. This landmark decision could potentially impact similar machines across the state, setting a crucial precedent for the future of gambling devices in Texas.

Although the hearing has not concluded, the ruling signals a likely victory for skill games. Similar cases across the USA highlight the need for proper regulation. Treating them similarly to slot machines would solve most issues, bringing them out of the legal grey area and ensuring jurisdictions can collect taxes and enforce proper control.

The post Skill-Based Machines Set to Win Landmark Hearing in Texas appeared first on Keno Wizard.

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.

The post Texas Ex-Gov. Perry Pushes for Legalization of Sports Betting appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Texas Longhorns vs. Washington Huskies game is the semifinal of the 2023-24 College Football Playoffs. Whoever wins the 2024 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome will get to fight for the national title.

Judging by the Sugar Bowl odds, bookies think the Longhorns are more likely to win. That’s no surprise as they’ve been brilliant throughout this season, winning the Big 12 Championship in their most recent outing.

The Huskies, however, have no intention of giving up without a fight. They too have been brilliant so far, winning the Pac-12 Championship the last time they went on the football field.

Texas Longhorns vs. Washington Huskies Sugar Bowl Odds

4

9639 players claimed the offer this month

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana       
• Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
• Time: 8:45 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ESPN

Texas Longhorns Want Revenge

The Texas Longhorns went 12-1 in 2023, winning the Big 12 Championship in their most recent game. The game saw them destroy the Oklahoma State Cowboys 49-21.

This season, we also saw them beat a couple of big teams, most notably, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Their only loss of the 2023 campaign happened against the Oklahoma Sooners who scored the winning touchdown in the final minute of the game.

It was their first loss since December 29, 2022, when they lost 27-20 to the Washington Huskies. The game in question was the Alamo Bowl, which saw Washington’s quarterback Michael Penix Jr. win the MVP award. Will we see him do the same in the 2024 Sugar Bowl?

All Eyes on Michael Penix Jr. and Washington’s Offense

Many analysts believe that Michael Penix Jr. is Washington’s biggest asset and the key man for the game with Texas. This guy has been brilliant for the Huskies, helping them get to a 37.7 PPG in 2023.

He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NCAAF, so the Huskies fans have every right to hope for a good offensive display of their team in the 2024 Sugar Bowl. But what about the performance of their defensive team?

Washington’s defense is 46^th in the nation, allowing 23.6 points per game. In fact, their defense is to blame for making a couple of their recent games more tense than they were supposed to be. The thing is that the Huskies conceded 20+ points in each of their last six games, winning their last three by no more than a field goal.

Texas Longhorns vs. Washington Huskies Sugar Bowl Prediction

The Texas Longhorns’ offense has the potential to wreak havoc on the Washington Huskies, possibly scoring more than their average of 36.2 points per game. Unfortunately for their fans, their defensive players just do not look capable of stopping Penix Jr. & Co.

The result is that, even though we’re likely to see a lot of points on both ends, the Washington Huskies will be the ones to win the 2024 Sugar Bowl in the end.

Pick: Washington Huskies & Over 63.0 Points

The post Texas Longhorns vs. Washington Huskies 2024 Sugar Bowl Odds, Time, and Prediction appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The poker tournament series that takes place at different locations all across the US, The Moneymaker Tour, has announced a new and exciting partnership with Texas Card House in Houston.

The newly inked deal will allow the Tour which strives to help players “have their own ordinary to extraordinary moments” to host its first scheduled event in 2024 in Texas. 

The Lone Star State will, therefore, help the Moneymaker Tour kickstart the new year with 12 days packed with action at the tables, between January 10 and January 22. 

Over $500,000 in Prize Money Announced

Texas Card House Houston, which is one of the locations of Texas Card House, the state’s first private poker club, will host no less than 12 trophy events.

The buy-ins will start at $150 and go as high as $1,500. The Moneymaker Tour, which was created by 2003 World Series of Poker Champion and ACR Team Pro, Chris Moneymaker, along with Moneymaker executive manager Tony Burns, has also announced over $500,000 in guarantees across the series. 

The Main Event will take place between January 16 – January 22 and will feature a buy-in of $1,500 and a guaranteed prize pool of $250,000. The event’s final table will be streamed live on January 22.

The Moneymaker Tour’s executive manager, Tony Burns, expressed excitement for being able to step into the new year “in a new state with a new partner”. 

He also discusses Texas’ transformation into a state that offers “great action” while expressing their eagerness to have their “first-ever stop in Houston” on January 10.

The Partnership, “a Key Highlight” for Texas Cas House

At the same time, Texas Card House’s chief operating officer, Victor Leone, called the new partnership “a key highlight” in their continuous efforts to provide premium experiences for poker players in the state. 

Leone added that their community should expect “a dynamic and thrilling tournament series” that will put “high-stakes play and intense competition synonymous with Chris Moneymaker” on full display. 

The Moneymaker Tour was inaugurated at the Poker Room at Palm Beach Kennel Club in May 2023 and has been growing in popularity ever since. 

Its third series was held at the Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati a few months ago, in September, and it was the first series to draw a $1 million guaranteed Main Event. 

The event gathered 788 participants and was won by Joseph Bakun who took home over $208,000.

The post The Moneymaker Tour Enters 2024 Next to Houston’s Texas Card House appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, making a strong comeback after a month-long battle with pneumonia, spoke exclusively to CBS News Texas at the Capitol on December 1, emphasizing the lack of support among GOP senators for the introduction of casinos in Texas.

Casino Controversy Amplifies as Mavericks’ Stake Sale Fuels Gambling Speculations

Patrick stated that he felt fine and mentioned that it would take him some time to regain 100% energy. He indicated that he was a long way from where he had been, addressing the progress of his health recovery.

While Patrick’s return to the Senate spotlighted the issue of casino gambling, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban‘s recent move to sell a majority stake to Miriam Adelson has intensified the debate. Adelson, the widow of casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, shares Cuban’s vision of a new arena in downtown Dallas as part of a casino resort. However, any such venture in Texas necessitates a constitutional amendment.

In the interview, Patrick revealed that, based on his experience and knowledge, they were not even close to having 15 votes or 16 votes for casinos. He cited the lack of public outcry after rejected bills supporting casinos during the recent legislative session as evidence of the Senate’s stance.

The majority stake sale of the Dallas Mavericks to the Adelson family, known for their involvement in the casino industry, has sparked speculation about the potential expansion of gambling in Texas. 

Mark Cuban’s vision for resort casinos in the state, coupled with the Adelson family’s political influence and financial resources, could serve as a catalyst for advocating legislative changes. 

Patrick Points Fingers as Casino Debate and Legislative Delays Unfold

Patrick, however, emphasized the necessity for casino operators to independently garner support among House and Senate members. He dismissed the notion that Gov. Abbott, Speaker Dade Phelan, or he himself held the key to such decisions. He stated that significant changes do not occur overnight and stressed the importance of getting in the trenches and grinding it out.

In a surprising turn, Patrick blamed Speaker Phelan for the delay in addressing a constitutional challenge that threatens property tax cuts and increased funds for retired teachers. The Senate proposed and passed a bill, SB 6, aimed at expediting the court challenge, though a similar bill was not filed in the House, leading Patrick to accuse Phelan of negligence.

The ongoing clash between Patrick and Phelan escalated as the former accused the House of dysfunction. Amidst these disagreements, speculations about a potential fifth special session have arisen. When asked about it, Patrick cautiously suggested waiting until February 5, 30 days before the Texas primary election, for the most productive time to reconvene.

The post Lt. Gov. Patrick Highlights GOP Senate’s Opposition to Casinos in Texas appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The owner of the Dallas Mavericks and ABC’s Shark Tank, Mark Cuban, has once again proven his unwavering support for the legalization of casino gambling by expressing his desire for lawmakers to consider legalizing resort-style gambling in the state.

Earlier this year, in May, the billionaire who is known for being one of the Lone Star State’s most prominent long-time casino proponents said the introduction of casinos would turn it into an excellent destination for tourists while significantly boosting its economic profile.

In December 2022, Cuban also expressed his ambitious plans to turn the Dallas Mavericks Arena into a Vegas-style destination by changing its current American Airlines Center headquarters to a much larger and more appealing venue.

“Resort Gaming Would Have a Huge Impact” on Tourism

Over the years, the Shark Tank investor who has committed to the 16th season of the iconic show, has been striving to bring some important changes to the way Texas is perceived by tourists. 

Namely, Cuban argued that when someone is thinking of all the places they would like to save up for an upcoming vacation, “Texas isn’t one of them”. 

He added that the state does not represent a genuine travel destination that someone would be willing to pay for, an issue that could find a quick fix with the help of resort gaming. In his opinion, this would draw in more people due to the fresh amenities and the potentially Vegas-style atmosphere.

In 2022, the businessman who is also a film producer and investor with a net worth estimated at over $5.1 billion, spoke about his vision to partner with Las Vegas Sands and build a new arena for the National Baseball Association team “in the middle of a resort and casino”.

Hope for a Brighter Future 

In spite of the Texas House shutting down the legislation that would have given the green light for casino resorts as envisioned by him, Cuban has not lost all hope for the future. 

This April, he invested $18.5 million into the American Airlines Center for the purchase of new seats and video boards. The center, which Cuban called “a great sports town” for sports aficionados, represents the Dallas area’s Premier Sports and Entertainment arena. 

The center is also home to the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars and NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

For the time being, Cuban will remain focused on the growth of his company, Cost Plus Drugs, which focuses on disrupting big pharma. Earlier this week, he held a speech in front of hundreds of business owners at Chase’s Make Your Move Summit in Frisco, where he strongly encouraged entrepreneurship while he explained his path to success.

The post Mark Cuban Rooting for Resort-Style Gambling in Texas appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A last-ditch attempt to make this happen has now been all but written off as no further information has been released. A bill that sought to expand sports betting in the Lone Star State has not been passed through legislative further than the House, facing a lack of interest in the Upper House, it seems.

Senate Refuses to Act on Online Sports Betting in Texas

Senators have not really concerned themselves with matters of legalizing sports betting in Texas over the past years, with a few outliners not really having the clout to compel fellow lawmakers to act. What this means is that Texas continues to lack what many states do – regulated online sports betting.

Texas has been in general a bit of a hardliner when it comes to gambling, seeing it as the source of social ill. Although there are genuine concerns about gambling affecting a certain percentage of the population negatively, investors such as Mark Cuban have argued that introducing casinos in Texas, for one, could be good for tourism.

Cuban said that many residents in the state are currently looking for trips to other places in the United States because they cannot find a casino resort closer to home. This is revenue inevitably lost to other states. But it’s not just about domestic spending, argues Cuban, who says that through casino resorts, Texas itself can become a tourist destination for residents of other states as well.

Neither casinos nor sports betting will be talked about until the next legislative session. The hope this year was that a referendum to change the constitution could have been initiated should a bill have passed through the House and Senate, letting residents have a say whether they want to see sports gambling regulated in their state.

Strong Opposition Expected in 2024 Just as Well

One of the main opponents of advancing online sports betting is Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick who has expressed his dissatisfaction with the concept and introducing sports betting legislation. Both Lt Gov. Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott have been recently elected, which means that chances to conquer the Senate in 2024 are still slim.

Even if lawmakers were successful in reaching an accord on online sports betting – or casino resorts, they would still have to change the minds of two very strong-minded men who seem to enjoy the backing of state residents as they recently won their seats. This is a tall political order. For the time being, online sports betting will have to take the backseat and wait.

The post Texas Gives Up on Online Sports Betting in 2023 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

According to Mark Cuban, one of the most prominent Shark Tank personalities and a billionaire, the arrival of integrated casino resorts in Texas would have a significant impact on the state’s tourism profile and significantly boost the state’s economic profile.

Making Texas a Tourism-Worthy Destination

Many companies have already shown interest in bringing their operations to bear in the state, including Las Vegas Sands, which has been lobbying to convince legislators of the validity of why bringing a casino resort would make a lot of sense.

Cuban, though, sees in the arrival of potential casino resorts the opportunity to transform the leisure travel and hospitality industries in the state, and give them a significant boost. Cuban spoke to The Dallas Morning News, a prominent media outlet, and spoke about what he saw as a major problem.

He argued that many people in Texas now had to save up for a trip to go to another state and try the experiences that a casino resort could bring right in their backyard. He acknowledged that fears about potential societal ills stemming from gambling were not to be overlooked and called it “a hook.”

However, he remains confident that there is actual value in turning Texas into one of those destination states where people from all over the country would be willing to save up for to visit and enjoy many of its facilities.

Legislative Efforts Coming Short of Supermajority

To get there, though, the state would need the right legislative framework in place. Efforts to push a form of commercial casino gambling and see Texas join one of the dozens of states in the United States that offer this service seem to be dead this legislative session with a bill backed by Rep. Charlie Geren falling through and dashing those hopes.

Geren’s House Joint Resolution managed to secure 92 votes in support of moving forward with the matter, but it fell short of the required 100-vote threshold to make it happen. Cuban has expressed his disappointment and said that the state needs to do more so that Texas can truly become a tourism beacon and attract more visitors.

Joint Resolution 155 did demonstrate changing attitudes towards commercial gambling in the state in general, proving that there is significant interest in the addition of casino resort gambling. The rub is that in order to pass any such changes, the state would need to still alter its constitution which requires a super majority and hence why Joint Resolution 155 missed the mark.

The post Mark Cuban Says Casinos Would Transform Texas into Desirable Destination appeared first on Keno Wizard.