Las Vegas Sands launches $2 million PAC to continue its push to legalize casinos in Texas
The new Texas Sands PAC has already spread over half a million dollars across roughly three dozen primaries for the state House and Senate. Full Story
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![The Sands Expo and The Palazzo resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.]()
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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 legislation — which required voter approval — would have brought a monumental expansion of gambling to Texas, which has some of the most restrictive gaming laws in the country. Full Story
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![Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of…]()
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Analysis: Judge legislators by what gets their attention — and their neglect
As the Texas Legislature rolls into its final two weeks, it's fair to credit members with what they've done. But pay attention to what they ignored. Full Story
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Push to bring casinos to Texas appears headed for defeat this session despite high-profile campaign
A key deadline passed Monday without action in the Texas House on casino legislation backed by the gaming empire Las Vegas Sands. A measure to allow sports gambling looks similarly doomed. Full Story
![Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of…]()
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Las Vegas Sands launches multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push for casinos in Texas
The TV and radio ads, which are set to start airing Thursday, make the case that Texas is forfeiting "billions" in tourism dollars to nearby states that allow casinos. Full Story
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![A woman is seen reflected wearing a protective face mask, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, outside a closed poker room…]()
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Legislation backed by casino giant would allow casinos, sports gambling in Texas
Las Vegas Sands is pushing to create the opportunity for casinos at "destination resorts" in the state's four largest metropolitan areas. Full Story
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![Gene Koonce plays on a craps table fitted with protective plexiglass panels during the reopening of Bellagio hotel-casino, c…]()
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Texas voters' views shifting on abortion, pot, gambling and Confederate monuments, poll finds
According to the latest UT/TT Poll, most Texas voters support expanded gambling and would legalize marijuana. Half would leave Confederate statues and monuments where they are. And they're divided on whether to change state abortion laws or leave them as is. Full Story
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![A container of dried hemp plant with leaves and stems on Jan. 23, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about expanding gambling in Texas. But supporters see hope in the long run.
People pushing for the move say they are hopeful they'll get legislative approval this year. If not, one executive said, it's "inevitable" in the future. Full Story
![Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of…]()
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Analyzing 2020: The pandemic recession in Texas
We've selected some columns from 2020 on the recession and the budget. Full Story
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![COVID related street art on Sixth Street in downtown Austin on May 6th, 2020.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texans might be ready for casinos, but lawmakers aren’t convinced
Casinos are making a serious run at Texas lawmakers, hoping to open up to five gaming destinations in a state that has resisted them for years. But gaming in Texas hasn’t been expanded in almost three decades. Full Story
![A woman is seen reflected wearing a protective face mask, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, outside a closed poker room…]()
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GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson readies 2021 lobbying blitz to bring casinos to Texas
Adelson's Las Vegas Sands has built a stable of high-powered lobbyists for the session, which starts in January, and the company acknowledged Tuesday that it is serious about bringing casinos to Texas. Full Story
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![Sheldon Adelson sits onstage before a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump at the Israeli American Council National Summit …]()
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Analysis: Adding a new tax might be easier than ending an old tax break
It might seem that closing tax loopholes and ending exemptions would be an easy way to balance a state budget during a pandemic. It's not. In fact, that might be the hardest option available. Full Story
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![The Texas House of Representatives chamber on Nov. 20, 2018.]()
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Analysis: In a recession, turning to sin might save the Texas budget
The pandemic-induced recession punched a hole in the Texas budget that lawmakers will try to patch when their session starts in January. And a hole in the state's finances almost always starts a conversation about how to raise money. This time, marijuana and casinos are in the spotlight. Full Story
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![Dried hemp plant with leaves and stems on Jan. 23, 2020.]()
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Texas House passes bill defining fantasy sports as legal game of skill
While critics say fantasy sports sites are hubs for illegal online gambling, others contend the games are based on skill and are therefore legitimate. Full Story
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![Fanstasy sports sites Fan Duel and Draft Kings financially supported the Texas Fanstasy Sports Alliance to advance fantasy s…]()
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Led by Democrats and young adults, most Texas voters want to legalize marijuana, UT/TT Poll finds
Most Texans are ready to legalize marijuana, but political obstacles remain, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story
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Analysis: For hints to next year’s fights at the Texas Capitol, watch the investment advisers
Editor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. The political debates of this election year will foreshadow some of the issues you'll see when the Texas Legislature meets next year, but some of the best clues — sports gambling is one example — come from the financial advisers to public sector investors. Full Story
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![A football match between Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016. Texas A&M won 67-0. Prairie View got $4…]()
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The Supreme Court ruled that states can legalize sports gambling. But Texas still might not play.
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have shown resistance to expanding gambling in the state in recent years. Full Story
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![The 2008 NCAA Men's Division basketball tournament at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 27, 2008.]()
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Texas' gambling rules explained: You can play bingo or the lottery, but no sports betting
In most cases, it’s illegal to gamble or place a bet in the state. But there are some exceptions. Full Story
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For daily fantasy sports sites, legal limbo in Texas set to continue
A bill that would have affirmed the legality of some popular fantasy sports sites in Texas died this legislative session, continuing a murky legal landscape for players in the state. Full Story
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Bill declaring fantasy sports legal passes House committee
In a hearing Tuesday, the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures approved a bill that would affirm the legality of online fantasy sports. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune
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