Las Vegas Sands went all in on legalizing casinos in Texas. Here's why the multimillion-dollar effort did not make it far this session.

The measure, which requires voter approval, would have brought about a monumental expansion of gambling in Texas, which has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country.

5:00 a. m. CT, June 16, 2021

The centerpiece of Las Vegas Sands' proposal was to build "destination resorts" with casino gambling in the state's four largest metropolitan areas. Credit: REUTERS/Steve Marcus

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To attract casinos to Texas, Las Vegas Sands, the gaming empire founded by the late Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, hired an army of lobbyists and spent millions of dollars on television ads.

But Sands' bill never made it to the floor in either House, and never even had a committee hearing in the Senate.

The measure, which requires voter approval, would have brought about a monumental expansion of gambling in Texas, which has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country. The centerpiece of Las Vegas Sands' proposal was to build "destination resorts" with casino gambling in the state's four largest metropolitan areas. Credit: REUTERS/Steve Marcus

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To attract casinos to Texas, Las Vegas Sands, the gaming empire founded by the late Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, hired an army of lobbyists and spent millions of dollars on television ads.

But Sands' bill never made it to the floor in either House, and never even had a committee hearing in the Senate. The plan was to build "destination resorts" with casino gambling in major metropolitan areas.

The company maintained it was committed to Texas for the long term. But people involved in the effort say at least a few factors stymied further progress in its debut session.

The coronavirus pandemic, the winter weather crisis and contentious priorities from Republican leaders led to at least one special session. Senate debate also stalled because Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposes expanding gambling. And the relatively late introduction of the bill backed by Sands gave lawmakers less time than usual to digest what would have been a major impact on the Texas economy.

Sands was at pains to make it clear that casinos would not be a silver bullet for Texas' finances, but some supporters of the proposal said it was still hampered by a better-than-expected state budget forecast that waned curiosity about new revenue sources.

"It takes time for such a large and complex thing, but we are only here every two years, only 5 months," said Segin, a member of the House of Representatives (Segin, who was in charge of Sands's supported bill. Say). "This takes time to do this."

According to State records, Las Vegas Sands spent $ 6. 3 million in the lobby in parliament, and spent at least $ 2 million on the entire state advertising campaign. Given that the company has been broadcasting in the most expensive media market in the state, it is likely that the company's total expenditures have exceeded $ 10 million.

It was the largest gambling campaign in Texas.

Making waves in Austin

When it became clear that Sands' House of Representatives bills did not move forward, Sands has issued a statement and claims that he has achieved a "big move forward" during this session, saying, "This vision will eventually realize. For this reason, we will continue to build support for local communities throughout the state. " A few weeks after the plan was revealed, the company aired television ads and continued to advertise the plan.

One of the Republican members of the Republican Committee, whose bill was abolished, did not have a very optimistic outlook.

"Prano's Matt Shaheen said about the overall work in this parliament in Sands." I didn't go anywhere. "

At the end of last year, Sands began to attract capital observers, as the lobbyist registration of the Texas ethics committee increased rapidly and the large Austin influential circles were included. For example, the company hired Gabin Massingil, the chief assistant to Dennis Bonen, the House of Representatives (Selected by Anglton), to lead a lobby activity in Austin.

Before the bill was submitted, the company had revealed its intentions.

"We are the world's top destination worldwide, a global destination of Texas, at a December meeting hosted by the Sand s-related governmen t-related vice president in charge of governmen t-related government. I think it is a potential market in the class. " "Texas is considered to be the largest plum in the history of hospitality and gaming," < SPAN> , Only five months are here, "says Segin, a member of the House of Representatives, who was in charge of Sands's supported bill in the House of Representatives. "This takes time to do this."

According to State records, Las Vegas Sands spent $ 6. 3 million in the lobby in parliament, and spent at least $ 2 million on the entire state advertising campaign. Given that the company has been broadcasting in the most expensive media market in the state, it is likely that the company's total expenditures have exceeded $ 10 million.

It was the largest gambling campaign in Texas.

Beginning of session

When it became clear that Sands' House of Representatives bills did not move forward, Sands has issued a statement and claims that he has achieved a "big move forward" during this session, saying, "This vision will eventually realize. For this reason, we will continue to build support for local communities throughout the state. " A few weeks after the plan was revealed, the company aired television ads and continued to advertise the plan.

One of the Republican members of the Republican Committee, whose bill was abolished, did not have a very optimistic outlook.

"Prano's Matt Shaheen said about the overall work in this parliament in Sands." I didn't go anywhere. "

At the end of last year, Sands began to attract capital observers, as the lobbyist registration of the Texas ethics committee increased rapidly and the large Austin influential circles were included. For example, the company hired Gabin Massingil, the chief assistant to Dennis Bonen, the House of Representatives (Selected by Anglton), to lead a lobby activity in Austin.

Before the bill was submitted, the company had revealed its intentions.

"We are the world's top destination worldwide, a global destination of Texas, at a December meeting hosted by the Sand s-related governmen t-related vice president in charge of governmen t-related government. I think it is a potential market in the class. " "Texas is considered to be the largest plum in the history of hospitality and gaming." The only thing is here, "says Segin, a member of the House of Representatives, who was in charge of Sands's supported bill in the House of Representatives. "This takes time to do this."

According to State records, Las Vegas Sands spent $ 6. 3 million in the lobby in parliament, and spent at least $ 2 million on the entire state advertising campaign. Given that the company has been broadcasting in the most expensive media market in the state, it is likely that the company's total expenditures have exceeded $ 10 million.

It was the largest gambling campaign in Texas.

When it became clear that Sands' House of Representatives bills did not move forward, Sands has issued a statement and claims that he has achieved a "big move forward" during this session, saying, "This vision will eventually realize. For this reason, we will continue to build support for local communities throughout the state. " A few weeks after the plan was revealed, the company aired television ads and continued to advertise the plan.

One of the Republican members of the Republican Committee, whose bill was abolished, did not have a very optimistic outlook.

"Prano's Matt Shaheen said about the overall work in this parliament in Sands." I didn't go anywhere. "

At the end of last year, Sands began to attract capital observers, as the lobbyist registration of the Texas ethics committee increased rapidly and the large Austin influential circles were included. For example, the company hired Gabin Massingil, the chief assistant to Dennis Bonen, the House of Representatives (Selected by Anglton), to lead a lobby activity in Austin.

Before the bill was submitted, the company had revealed its intentions.

"We are the world's top destination worldwide, a global destination of Texas, at a December meeting hosted by the Sand s-related governmen t-related vice president in charge of governmen t-related government. I think it is a potential market in the class. " "Texas is considered to be the biggest plum there in the history of hospitality and gaming."

A few months ago, Adelson was very interested in Texas's politics, along with his wife, Miriam, as a top donor to successfully fight the majority of the Republican Party. In September, the couple donated $ 4. 5 million to Texas accounts under the Republican State Leadership Committee, the Republican State Leadership Committee, a major national organization in the state election.

Aderson also donated $ 500, 000 to Greg Abot Governor, concluded the election season, and was registered as the secon d-largest donor of the governor in the second half of 2020. After the election, Aderson cut off $ 25, 000, as Beaumont's House of Representatives Dade Ferran became the next leader of the House of Representatives in Texas.

It ended up with Adelson's last political donation. On January 12, the first day of the legislature, Las Vegas Sands announced that Aderson died due to the complications of no n-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In a statement, Mr. Abbott called Aderson as "an amazing American who climbed into the industry giant from the beginning with a legendary business sense and determination."

The news of Adelson's death and the lack of budget in Texas at the same time, some suspected that Sands had lost its momentum in the state before publishing the bill. However, the company continued to increase lobbyists to Austin, and in a statement that was shortly after Aderson's death, Avald said that the company is looking forward to cooperating with the members of the Congress.

Sands's Texas's ambitions became widely known, and top leaders in the state began to answer questions. Ferran, the new chairman, warned Sands to not rely on the debate that casinos would increase their state revenue in a weekly interview.

Other than that, Ferran expressed his positive constituency on the state border with Louisiana, a legal Louisiana.

"All my voters gamble," It's not a big deal for me. "

Abbott also kept an open mind in 2015, despite the fact that gambling regulations in Texas would be "sincere". When asked about Sands's efforts in an interview in February, Abbott said he wanted to hear from a member of the Diet about how voters feel about the casino.

Las Vegas Sands has hired some former Abbott staffers to its lobbying team, including former senior adviser John Collandolo. But one group that has been fighting casinos in Texas, the Chickasaw Nation (which operates casinos near the Oklahoma border), has hired Daniel Hodge, Abbott's first chief of staff and a longtime loyal aide, as a lobbyist.

In any case, Patrick will have the most significant say on the Sands plan. In a February 9 interview with Lubbock radio host Chad Hasty, Patrick said he "has never been in favor" of expanding gambling, and poured cold water on the Senate, saying it "is not even close to having the votes to support gambling." He predicted the issue "will never see the light of day this session."

Sands did not hesitate. "But they didn't," Aboud said at a press briefing two days after Patrick's remarks.

On March 9, three days before the bill's deadline, Sands' bill was finally introduced. It was led by Couenpel in the House and Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) in the Senate. Alvarado is chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

In the House, the bill attracted four bipartisan co-authors: The members of the House Democratic Caucus are Reps. Toni Rose (D-Dallas), Charlie Gelen (R-Fort Worth), Joe Moody (D-El Paso), and Sam Harless (R-Houston). Rose is the first vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Gelen is a veteran who has served as chairman of the powerful General Affairs Committee, and Moody is serving his second term as chair pro tempore.

But Patrick's position in the Senate seems clear, and additional support there has been sparse. Only two senators signed on as co-authors, both Democrats: Sens. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen and Beverly Powell of Burleson. That's not to be expected in a chamber where Republicans hold a supermajority and have sole control over which bills are brought to the floor.

The scale of Sands' operation on Capitol Hill became clear by the end of March. By then, there were 74 lobbyists representing Las Vegas Sands, according to TEC records. Their contracts totaled between $3. 1 million and $6. 3 million.

That month, while the bill was awaiting committee hearings, Miriam Adelson traveled to Austin and met separately with Abbott and Patrick. Both men's offices said the meeting was among friends and had little to do with legislative business. Abbott's office said Adelson and the governor spoke about her husband's legacy and Israel.

In early April, Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced it would donate to a number of community groups in the state to help with recovery from Winter Storm Uri. The company did not say how much it would donate, but provided a list of beneficiaries, including Texas Baptist Men. Baptists are staunchly opposed to gambling and often vocally oppose gambling expansion at the state level.

On April 9, word finally came that the House bill would have a hearing the following Wednesday in the State Affairs Committee.

But Las Vegas Sands wasn't done with its all-out approach to the Legislature. Hours before the bill was due to be heard, the company announced it would launch a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to garner public support for the bill. The company's television and radio ads, running under the banner of the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, emphasized how Texas was losing tourism dollars to neighboring states.

The hearing went as expected, with casino supporters touting the economic development potential, highlighting the high quality standards that the destination resort model brings, and actively trying to address concerns about social ills. There was also opposition from the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission and the Kickapoo Tribe, one of three federally recognized tribes in Texas allowed to operate a casino at Eagle Pass.

The bill remained in committee after the hearing and was not brought to a vote before the committee's May 10 deadline.

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Rep. Chris Paddy (R-Marshall), the committee's chairman, said he saw the hearing as an "opportunity to start a discussion," but that he still thought "a lot of education" was needed on the issue. He also cited concerns about social issues and said he wanted voters in eastern Texas to better understand that what Sands is putting into play is "very different" than the casinos popular in Louisiana.

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Paddy thinks that "even if I wanted to leave this bill from the committee", "even if I wanted to leave this bill from the committee," Paddy said.

"In my personal opinion, this is ultimately realized.

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• In an interview after a session, Shahine said that he was concerned about the social adverse effects of casinos, such as gambling addiction and sexual trading. He did not move in the plan that casino operator, such as Las Vegas Sands, to deal with such problems, and said such a program, "It is a real problem that they really exist. They acknowledge. "
• Shahen said, although he always welcomed the opposition, he said that the next parliament would support the proposal "extremely low."
• "I thought it would be a mult i-session from the beginning," said Hares, a Republican Republican member of the Committee, who supported the bill. He said that the next session would be completed earlier in the next session than the Congress, which had only been a few days until the filing deadline for the bill.
• "I think I need to start faster, and that's the case," said Hares. "I think the next parliament will definitely be submitted to the parliament."

Nevertheless, Harless added, "I think it depends on our hands first."

Las Vegas Sands did not hold a hearing on the Senator Brian Hughes, a member of the Council of the Congress, which was the chairman of the Senator Brian Hughes. Hughes did not reply to the message requesting a comment for the article.

I still don't know if Patrick, the chairman of the Senate, can move. However, some casino supporters believe that Patrick is not against the casino.

"Albalado said," I don't think he was a casino now in the parliament. Even if I wanted to leave the bill from the committee, "" I think everyone was aware that it would not happen in the end.

"In my personal opinion, this is ultimately realized.

In an interview after a session, Shahine said that he was concerned about the social adverse effects of casinos, such as gambling addiction and sexual trading. He did not move in the plan that casino operator, such as Las Vegas Sands, to deal with such problems, and said such a program, "It is a real problem that they really exist. They acknowledge. "

Shahen said, although he always welcomed the opposition, he said that the next parliament would support the proposal "extremely low."

"I thought it would be a mult i-session from the beginning," said Hares, a Republican Republican member of the Committee, who supported the bill. He said that the next session would be completed earlier in the next session than the Congress, which had only been a few days until the filing deadline for the bill.

"I think I need to start faster, and that's the case," said Hares. "I think the next parliament will definitely be submitted to the parliament."

Nevertheless, Harless added, "I think it depends on our hands first."

Las Vegas Sands did not hold a hearing on the Senator Brian Hughes, a member of the Council of the Congress, which was the chairman of the Senator Brian Hughes. Hughes did not reply to the message requesting a comment for the article.

I still don't know if Patrick, the chairman of the Senate, can move. However, some casino supporters believe that Patrick is not against the casino.

"Albalado said," I don't think he was a casino now in the parliament. Even if this bill wants to leave the committee from the committee, "" I think everyone was aware that it would not happen in the end.

"In my personal opinion, this is ultimately realized.

In an interview after a session, Shahine said that he was concerned about the social adverse effects of casinos, such as gambling addiction and sexual trading. He did not move in the plan that casino operator, such as Las Vegas Sands, to deal with such problems, and said such a program, "It is a real problem that they really exist. They acknowledge. "

Shahen said, although he always welcomed the opposition, he said that the next parliament would support the proposal "extremely low."

"I thought it would be a mult i-session from the beginning," said Hares, a Republican Republican member of the Committee, who supported the bill. He said that the next session would be completed earlier in the next session than the Congress, which had only been a few days until the filing deadline for the bill.

"I think I need to start faster, and that's the case," said Hares. "I think the next parliament will definitely be submitted to the parliament."

Nevertheless, Harless added, "I think it depends on our hands first."

Las Vegas Sands did not hold a hearing on the Senator Brian Hughes, a member of the Council of the Congress, which was the chairman of the Senator Brian Hughes. Hughes did not reply to the message requesting a comment for the article.

I still don't know if Patrick, the chairman of the Senate, can move. However, some casino supporters believe that Patrick is not against the casino.

"Alvarado said," I don't think he was a casino now in the parliament.

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While Sands failed this time, another notable approach, despite the fact that gambling in Texas has been focused on, has also fate. In early February, Texas's largest professional sports teams launched the Sports Gambling Alliance to have voters judge sports gambling legalization in Texas. Sands' bill, which was submitted later, included sports gambling, but the alliance chose to work alone.

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The Alliance's bill followed the same trajectory as the bill supported by Sands, and in the House of Representatives held a committee hearing, but was not held in the Senate.

Like the supporters of the Sands camp, the Alliance believes that the Alliance has been drowned in a large debate in the present parliament. "The major factor is that the bandwidth of the problem that the parliament should work on during this unique legislation period, such as COVID-19 and winter storms," ​​said Carla Gustafson, an alliance spokeswoman. I mentioned. "I knew it was a difficult time to propose this problem, but I wanted to start a conversation." Like Sands, the Sports Betting Alliance swears that it doesn't go anywhere, and is already aiming for the next session. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. Like Sands, the Sports Betting Alliance swears that it doesn't go anywhere, and is already aiming for the next session. During the recruitment period of autumn members, we need support from everyone. Would you like to raise your dedication to the next level? Please donate to the Texas Tribune paper to support the careful and independent journalism you trust.

The Alliance's bill followed the same trajectory as the bill supported by Sands, and in the House of Representatives held a committee hearing, but was not held in the Senate.

Thursday, June 4, 2020 | 2:00 am Even if it is changed to promote safety, the strip experience should continue to be the essence of Las Vegas. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. Even if it is changed to promote safety, the strip experience should continue to be the essence of Las Vegas. Las Vegas's casino recalls the player in a cheap room and promotion Editor Note: The information in this article was provided to GreenSpun Media Group at the time of press, and could be changed. Casino in Nevada, which had been closed for over two months, has begun to resume. Not all restaurants and other facilities will run immediately, buffet, nightclubs, dayclabs, and live entertainment facilities will remain shutters for the time being. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. Casino in Nevada, which had been closed for over two months, has begun to resume. Not all restaurants and other facilities will run immediately, buffet, nightclubs, dayclabs, and live entertainment facilities will remain shutters for the time being. Ariante: Ariante in North Las Vegas revives bingo, sportsbooks, and pools, but movie theaters, valley and spa are still closed. In the restaurant, MRKT SEA & amp; Land and Bister 57 will be resumed, and the latter will change business hours.

The location of DECATUR and BOULDER of the Arizona Charlie's Hotel will be resumed, especially the main casinos, bingo holes, and SOURDOUGH CAFES on both sites.

Bellagio: The pool area opens and the fitness center for guests is open. At Bellagio's Conser Bathley, the Japanese Garden Exhibition "Japan Journey: Magic of Kansai" is reopened by Jasmine, Lago, MAYFAIR SuPper Club, Prime SteakHouse, and Sadelle's. The parking fee has been stopped. The fountain will also be officially revived on June 4. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. CAESARS PALACE: In addition to Cafe Americano, Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen (Dinner only), Mesa Grill, Old Homestead SteakHouse, PRONTO. "Selection" opens. Lobby Bars, Montekrist Cigar Bar, Vander Pump Cocktail Garden, Vista Lounge, Venus Pool, etc. will also be available again. The parking fee has been stopped. CALIFORNIA: Aloha Specialties is back (9am-9pm daily, 10pm on weekends). Redwood Steakhouse will be open Wednesday-Sunday, and Market Street will be open 24 hours.

THE CANNERY: The Eastside location will not reopen on June 4, but the Craig Road location will, along with Carve Prime Rib (5pm-9pm daily) and the cafe (24 hours).

CIRCUS CIRCUS: Adventuredome and Carnival Midway will return, as will Splash Zone and pool. Also reopening are spas, salons, sportsbooks, steakhouses, and restaurants, including Blue Iguana. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. D: The pool will be open daily from 11am to 7pm and will feature a social outdoor lounge. Dining options include Andiamo Italian Steakhouse, American Coney Island, BarCanada, D Grill, Longbar and Vue Bar. El Cortez: Restaurant Siegel's 1941 will reopen. Tip: Park in the garage at 7th Street and Ogden Avenue.

ELLIS ISLAND: 24-hour café Village Pub and Ellis Island BBQ will return, but the beer garden Front Yard will remain closed for now.

FLAMINGO: Bugsy's Bar, X Bar and Pizza to Go will reopen, as well as the Beach Club and Go pool. Select restaurants and retailers at the adjacent Linq Promenade will also reopen, and the High Roller Observation Wheel will be open daily from noon to midnight. Parking fees have been suspended. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. FLAMINGO: Bugsy's Bar, X Bar and Pizza to Go will reopen, as well as the Beach Club and Go pool. Select restaurants and retailers at the adjacent Linq Promenade will also reopen, and the High Roller Observation Wheel will be open daily from noon to midnight. Parking fees have been suspended. El Cortez: Restaurant Siegel's 1941 will reopen. Tip: Park in the garage at 7th Street and Ogden Avenue. Golden Nugget: The downtown resort's pool will reopen, and dining options include Cadillac, Chick-fil-A, Claim Jumper, Vic & Anthony's, plus Stage Bar and Bar 46. Additionally, the new Saltgrass Steak House will debut with drinks and bartop games. GREEN VALLEY RANCH: Reopening restaurants include Borracha, Bottliglia, Grand Café, Hank's, Pizza Rock, Tides, and a food court with Fatburger and Capriotti's. Bingo, Keno, Sportsbook, and Kids Quest will also return, along with a spa, salon, pool, fitness center, and valet service. "110 % commitment" says Gustafson. GREEN VALLEY RANCH: Reopening restaurants include Borracha, Bottliglia, Grand Café, Hank's, Pizza Rock, Tides, and a food court with Fatburger and Capriotti's. Bingo, Keno, Sportsbook, and Kids Quest will also return, along with a spa, salon, pool, fitness center, and valet service. 10:20

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