The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission is set to vote Monday on whether to rezone a large tract of land that could eventually allow casino gambling—if the activity becomes legal in Texas.
The proposed mixed-use development would span 1,001 acres, including the former Texas Stadium site, home of the Dallas Cowboys from 1971 to 2008, according to a report by Chron.
Plans for the site include corporate offices, retail and residential spaces, a convention center, a 1,750-room hotel, a movie theater, and a “destination resort” with space allocated for casino gaming. The project has sparked vocal opposition from some residents concerned about crime, addiction, and drunk driving.
There is also potential for a new 15,000-seat arena that could house the Dallas Mavericks. The team’s majority owners also control Las Vegas Sands, the casino company behind the project.
In 2023, a business entity connected to Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) quietly acquired land in the area. A few months later, Miriam Adelson—widow of LVS founder Sheldon Adelson—purchased a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks. Las Vegas Sands has long viewed Texas, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as a prime target for casino expansion.
The company has invested heavily in lobbying efforts, with the Texas Sands PAC contributing $150,000 to Gov. Greg Abbott and $100,000 to Comptroller Glenn Hegar in August and September 2024 alone.
Last summer, Sands CEO Patrick Dumont said the company wants to invest at least $2 billion—and up to $12 billion—on a resort in Texas.
Despite the pitch, opposition to the project remains strong. On Friday, hundreds of Irving residents crowded the convention center to protest Las Vegas Sands’ plans.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on the rezoning proposal on March 17. If it passes, the project will go before the Irving City Council on March 20.
Even if Irving approves the project, casino gambling remains illegal in Texas. Legalization would require amending the Texas Constitution—an effort that needs two-thirds approval in both the state House and Senate, followed by majority support from Texas voters in a statewide election.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/17/98461-texas-irving-to-vote-on-rezoning-for-potential-casino-resort
