Both HJR 133 and the accompanying proposal in the Senate would allow state citizens to vote on whether to lift the ban on gambling in the state constitution and build "destination centers" with casinos in four major cities. It would also allow the three federally recognized tribes to engage in gambling activities.
The topic has cross-party support in the legislature with the Republican sponsoring the Republican House bill and throwing the Democrat its support for the Senate version.
Sports betting legislation that passed through the state legislature had the same fate as casino bills. As there are only a few 31 scheduled meetings left before the session ends in May, it is very unlikely that anything will be done by 2022.
He also lobbied one of the largest gambling companies in the world. Las Vegas Sands Corp. formed a lobby team last November to help push through the rules. He also ran a media campaign across the state to increase public support on the issue.
The company, which recently sold its two casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, was arguably the driving force behind the move. towards the development of gambling. Sands was hoping to build a casino resort in the state and, according to multiple reports, was looking at the Dallas market.
Unfortunately for Texas gamblers, the political specter was too strong. And since the bill focused on an amendment to the constitution, it required a two-thirds majority to be adopted.
In February, as public support for expanded gambling was gathering momentum, Lt. Gov Dan Patrick said sports betting rules "will not see the light of day" in this legislative session. He was right.
Fortunately for those looking to see this bill passed, it looks like Sands will continue to lobby in future sessions.
"From the start, we said we were committed to Texas for the long haul," said Andy Abboud, vice president of Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, in a statement. "We made great progress in this session and enjoyed meeting lawmakers about our vision for tourist destinations and answering all their questions."