vTexas City Making Changes That Could Lead To Casino Development
The city of Irving, TX, has taken a significant step toward a potential casino development with the approval of two zoning changes. These approvals, granted by the city's planning and zoning commission, pave the way for a high-intensity mixed-use development.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:One approval applied to the overall site, while the other specifically designated two tracts as high-intensity mixed-use. With these approvals, the matter will now move forward to the Irving City Council for further consideration today.
Related: Texas Lawmakers Confirm no Chance of Casino Legalization This YearThe proposed development, if realized, would be a large-scale project featuring more than just a casino. Plans presented to the city council in February outlined additional elements, including an arena or a theatre. A resort is also included in the proposal. These features indicate an ambitious effort to create a major entertainment and hospitality destination.
The potential construction of an arena has led to speculation regarding the involvement of the Adelson family, which controls both Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and the Dallas Mavericks. The proposed development is located approximately eight miles from the Mavericks' current home arena.
Given the Adelson family's influence in both the casino and sports industries, some have questioned whether the team could eventually relocate to the new site if it materializes. The location of the proposed project is notable, as it was once the site of Texas Stadium, the former home of the Dallas Cowboys until its demolition in 2010.
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State-Level Challenges Remain
Despite movement at the local level, statewide gaming expansion in Texas remains a challenging prospect. Efforts to legalize commercial casinos and sports betting have consistently failed in recent years. Currently, the only legal forms of gambling in Texas are the state lottery and limited tribal gaming. Attempts to introduce broader gaming options, including commercial casinos, have faced significant opposition from lawmakers.
Gaming industry lobbyists have repeatedly pushed for expansion in Texas, yet legislative hurdles continue to stall progress. LVS controlling shareholder Miriam Adelson has increased her political contributions in support of these efforts, with more than $13 million donated ahead of this legislative session. This represents a substantial increase from the $3.3 million spent in 2023. However, the shifting political landscape in Texas appears to be working against gaming expansion advocates.
Recent elections have led to changes in the state legislature, with several lawmakers who previously supported gambling expansion either being replaced or reversing their positions. A group of legislators recently sent a letter to Representative Ken King, who chairs the House State Affairs Committee, stating that any form of gambling expansion is not viable at this time.
Since the Texas legislature convenes only in odd-numbered years, the next opportunity to revisit casino expansion will not come until 2027. The inability to secure a casino license within the near future could have significant implications for LVS and its ability to move forward with the Irving project.
In addition to legislative challenges, the proposed development faces opposition from local residents. A petition on Change.org opposing the zoning changes has gathered over 3,600 signatures. Furthermore, many residents voiced their concerns at the commission meeting, with the majority expressing opposition to the project. Community concerns could play a role in shaping the decision-making process as the matter progresses to the city council.
The Irving City Council will now determine the next steps for the project. While the recent zoning approvals represent progress for the development, multiple hurdles remain before a casino or related entertainment facilities can be built.
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