Miriam Adelson Pours $13.7M into Texas Casino Expansion Push

Billionaire Miriam Adelson is doubling down on her efforts to legalize casino resorts in Texas, committing $13.7 million in donations.
Despite her financial backing, pro-gambling bills face significant hurdles in Texas’s conservative legislature, where opposition remains strong.
Adelson’s push seeks to transform Texas into a destination gaming hub, promising significant economic and entertainment benefits.
Learn how her campaign is reshaping the legislative landscape and what it could mean for gambling in Texas.

Miriam Adelson Bets Big on Texas Casino Expansion with $13.7M Campaign

Key Points

1. Miriam Adelson donated $13.7M to support Texas gambling legalization, up from $3.3M in 2023.
2. The push targets a constitutional amendment for destination casinos, requiring a two-thirds legislative vote.
3. Opposition from Senate Republicans and the Texas GOP platform complicates efforts to advance pro-gambling legislation.

Billionaire philanthropist Miriam Adelson has significantly escalated her campaign to legalize gambling in Texas, committing $13.7 million to political donations during the first ten months of 2024. This marks a substantial increase from the $3.3 million spent before the 2023 legislative session.

Adelson, a driving force behind Las Vegas Sands’ expansion efforts, is targeting a constitutional amendment to allow destination casino resorts in Texas. Her financial contributions primarily benefited Republican lawmakers and political action committees (PACs), reflecting her strategic approach to navigating the state’s political landscape.

Adelson’s Financial Influence

The majority of Adelson’s donations were funneled through Texas Sands PAC and Texas Defense PAC, with the latter receiving $9.05 million. These funds were strategically deployed to bolster support for pro-gambling initiatives and candidates who align with Adelson’s vision.

High-profile beneficiaries included House Speaker Dade Phelan, who received $1.02 million, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who garnered $200,000 through PAC channels. Phelan also received a direct donation of $50,000, highlighting his central role in the legislative push.

Despite these efforts, the path to legal gambling remains challenging. Texas requires a two-thirds legislative majority in both the House and Senate to amend the constitution. In 2023, two gambling-related bills failed to gain sufficient support:

• A proposal for eight resort-style casinos fell short by eight votes in the House.
• A mobile sports betting bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a key figure in the Senate, expressed skepticism about the bills’ prospects, emphasizing limited Republican support.

Opposition and Strategic Challenges

The Texas Republican Party’s 2024 platform complicates efforts to advance gambling legislation, explicitly opposing expansion and urging lawmakers to reject contributions from pro-gambling entities.

However, Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President for Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, remains optimistic. “Texans want to decide and vote on this issue,” Abboud stated, citing growing public and legislative support for destination casinos.

Political science experts, including Brandon Rottinghaus of the University of Houston, caution that financial contributions alone may not be enough. “The political climate must align with the issue,” Rottinghaus noted, emphasizing the influence of broader cultural and political dynamics.

Long-Term Strategy and Speculation

Adelson’s financial campaign aligns with a long-term vision to integrate gaming with other entertainment ventures. The family’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks has fueled speculation about plans to build a casino resort alongside a new arena.

While legislative setbacks persist, proponents view each session as an opportunity to build momentum. The 2025 legislative session, set to begin on January 14, will be a critical test of whether Adelson’s significant investment can overcome entrenched opposition.

Miriam Adelson’s $13.7 million campaign signals an unwavering commitment to bringing destination casinos to Texas. Her financial support has amplified the conversation around gambling legalization, but significant obstacles remain in a state known for its conservative values.

As the 2025 session approaches, the battle over Texas’s gambling future will likely intensify. Adelson’s efforts, paired with public demand for a statewide vote, could reshape the gaming landscape and position Texas as a premier destination for casino resorts.

With economic potential and public interest at stake, the next legislative session will determine whether Texas takes a bold step forward—or continues to resist the allure of legal gambling.