Petition Against Irving, Texas Casino Gaining Local Support Despite Vegas Casino Influence

Texas is already one of the most staunch critics of legalized gambling, and its residents are furthering that reputation.

Thousands of residents of The Lone Star State signed a petition to strike down a rezoning proposal that would allow the creation of a mixed-use entertainment district featuring a casino in Irving.

The state would need to legalize casino gaming before the project could get underway.

Texas locals push back on casino plans

A petition on change.org titled “Stop the Rezoning of PUD 6 for “Destination Resort/Casino” implored Irving locals to register their dissent for the project. The petition had nearly 3,000 signatures as of Friday morning.

Among the concerns listed by the petition’s organizer were fear of increased crime and the likely external influences on the local government of Irving, which was estimated as having about 250,000 citizens in a 2023 census.

“Instead of relying on a casino that preys on our most vulnerable citizens, we should focus on developments that truly benefit Irving—like small businesses, green spaces, and family-friendly attractions,” the petition reads.

The project would occupy 1,001 acres on and around the former Texas Stadium site around Highway 183, about 20 miles from the heart of downtown Dallas. 

Plans called for the creation of corporate buildings, retail stores, housing units, and the crown jewel, a 1,750-room destination resort with a casino floor, 4,000 theater seats, and a 15,000-seat arena. 

Vegas casino company imposes its influence

One of the most interesting parts of this story dates back to 2023 when a business associated with Las Vegas Sands Corp. purchased land in the area.

A few months later, majority shareholder Miriam Adelson secured a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, ousting Mark Cuban as the primary decision-maker for the NBA franchise. 

Reports suggested the pair had a mutual interest in constructing a gaming facility near or adjacent to the Mavericks’ home at the American Airlines Center. It was also recently announced that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont will be the next chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands.

Some Irving natives revealed on Wednesday, the day after a town hall discussion on the petition was announced, they received texts allegedly paid for by Las Vegas Sands that encouraged them to support the Destination Resort.

The casino company’s interest in Texas predates Adelson’s acquisition of the Mavericks. It has been one of the biggest spenders on lobbyists and lobbying firms and, according to District 5 Council Member Mark Cronenwett, as reported by KERA News, will have a representative in attendance at the town hall.

The company’s lobbying efforts have proven futile up to this point, given the Texas legislatures’ firm opposition to casino gambling and legal sports betting.