You’ve probably seen them—the flashy TV ads calling for lawmakers to “let Texans vote on destination resorts.” They’re everywhere, from primetime slots to social media feeds. But who’s really behind this push, and what’s the endgame?
The PAC Behind the Push
The Texas Destination Resort Alliance (TDRA) is a political action committee (PAC) with one clear mission: legalizing high-end casinos in Texas. The group presents itself as a grassroots coalition of Texans advocating for a constitutional amendment to allow destination resorts in the state’s major markets.
But here’s the key detail—TDRA isn’t just a homegrown movement. It’s financially backed by the Las Vegas Sands Corp., one of the most powerful casino operators in the country.
What the Ads Are Really About
The ads don’t explicitly mention casinos, but make no mistake—that’s the goal. The messaging leans heavily on themes of economic opportunity, tourism, and entertainment, rather than gambling itself. The PAC wants to make the issue palatable to a conservative-leaning state where gambling expansion has been a tough sell.
One line from a recent ad sums it up: “Texans deserve the right to vote on this issue.” That’s the strategy—make it about democracy, not dice.
Who’s Paying for It?
Las Vegas Sands Corp. is the primary financial force behind the campaign. The company, founded by the late Sheldon Adelson, has long had its eyes on Texas. It has spent millions lobbying lawmakers in Austin, hoping to break into a market where casino gambling is currently banned.
Here’s a look at how much they’ve spent in recent years:
Year | Amount Spent on Lobbying in Texas |
---|---|
2021 | $10 million |
2022 | $6 million |
2023 | $5 million (so far) |
This isn’t a new effort. Sands has been working behind the scenes for years to sway public opinion and legislative support. The PAC’s public-facing efforts are just the latest phase in a long-term campaign.
What’s at Stake?
If the PAC succeeds, Texas could see a major shift in its gambling laws. Right now, only a handful of gambling options exist in the state, such as tribal casinos, horse racing, and the state lottery.
A constitutional amendment would open the door to large-scale casinos in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Supporters argue it would:
- Bring in billions in tax revenue
- Create thousands of jobs
- Keep Texans from traveling to neighboring states like Louisiana and Oklahoma to gamble
Opponents, however, worry about social consequences, increased addiction, and the influence of big-money gambling interests on Texas politics.
What Happens Next?
For now, the Texas legislature holds all the cards. A constitutional amendment requires two-thirds support in both the House and Senate before it can go to voters. That’s a steep hill to climb.
But Sands and TDRA are playing the long game. Even if they don’t succeed this session, they’ll likely keep pushing until the right political conditions align.
One thing’s for sure—you haven’t seen the last of those ads.