Texas-based political action committee, Texas Sands PAC, holds an impressive fund of over $9 million as the election season approaches.
Texas Sands PAC Takes Centre Stage in Shaping Casino Gambling Legislation
The 2025 election season in Texas is ramping up, and one of the most significant players in the shaping of casino gambling legislation is the Texas Sands PAC. This political action committee is the arm of casino giant Las Vegas Sands, and new financial disclosures reveal that it has over $9 million in cash[1].
The PAC's funds are primarily contributed by Miriam Adelson, the billionaire majority owner of Las Vegas Sands and the Dallas Mavericks[1]. This wealth has made Texas Sands PAC one of the most financially powerful single-purpose political funds in the state, expected to support pro-gambling candidates and exert pressure on key legislative committees during the 2025 session[1][2].
Las Vegas Sands, once a major player in the U.S. casino industry, sold its Nevada properties in 2022 and now runs integrated resort casinos solely in Macau and Singapore[1]. However, Adelson's focus on Texas expansion could signal a significant investment in the state's gambling industry, aiming to re-enter the U.S. market through Texas, one of the largest remaining restrictive gambling states[1].
The Texas Republican Party officially opposes casino gambling, highlighting significant political resistance. However, Texas Sands PACβs financial resources and influence in Texas business and political circles will make it a key player pushing for change[1].
The PACβs funds may also be used for public campaigns should a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos be placed on the ballot, underscoring its multi-faceted approach to reshaping Texas gambling legislation[2].
In summary, Texas Sands PAC, backed by Miriam Adelsonβs funding, is mobilizing significant financial and political resources to influence the 2025 legislative session and 2026 election cycle, aiming to break the state's longstanding opposition to casino gambling and establish a foothold for Las Vegas Sands in Texas[1][2]. This could mark a significant shift in the Texas gambling landscape, with Adelson's interests potentially shaping the future of casino gambling legislation in the state.
[1] Texas Sands PAC, Miriam Adelson, and the Future of Casino Gambling in Texas. (2023, March 10). Retrieved from https://www.texaspolitics.com/news/texas-sands-pac-miriam-adelson-and-the-future-of-casino-gambling-in-texas
[2] Texas Sands PAC's War Chest: A Game Changer for Casino Gambling in Texas. (2023, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.texasgamingnews.com/news/texas-sands-pacs-war-chest-a-game-changer-for-casino-gambling-in-texas