DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — A Republican megadonor is behind a new effort to convince the state legislature to legalize casino gambling in Texas.
Sheldon Adelson, whose Las Vegas Sands casino empire is among the world’s largest gaming companies, will bankroll what the Texas Tribune calls “a stable of high-powered lobbyists for the upcoming legislative session.”
Top lobbyist Andy Abboud says Texas is a worldwide destination that makes it “the biggest plum still waiting to be out there in the history of hospitality and gaming.”
Past efforts at legalizing casinos in Texas have failed largely through efforts of opposition by socially conservative groups such as Texas Values and the Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission. Governor Abbott is opposed to expansion of gambling in the state but legislators may give the proposal more consideration as they face a $4.6 billion budget shortfall. Some have argued for years that it makes little sense to send Texans to Louisiana and Oklahoma to gamble when the money and enormous tax benefits could remain here.
Abboud says the Sands corporation proposal would require fully transparent applications by competing companies. He added a “strict regulatory environment” would be an “absolute requirement.”
The Texas Tribune reports Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, were among the top donors to Republicans’ successful battle to maintain their majority in the state House.