LVS gets zoning OK for Texas project potentially containing casino.

In a pivotal 5-4 vote, the Irving Zoning Commission has approved zoning changes for a substantial 1,001-acre site, potentially paving the way for a mixed-use development spearheaded by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation (LVS), centered around an expansive casino resort.

The decision, made in the early hours of Tuesday, March 18th, followed extensive deliberations. The commission granted two critical approvals: the first transforming the overall site into a high-intensity mixed-use zone, and the second reallocating two specific tracts from a transit-oriented to a high-intensity mixed-use designation.

With the commission’s endorsement secured, the initiative will now advance to the Irving City Council on Thursday for further consideration.

This marks the initial phase of a project poised to undergo significant scrutiny and facing a lengthy approval process. According to plans previously submitted to the City Council in February, the envisioned development will not only feature a casino but could also include an arena with capacity for 15,000 attendees or a theater accommodating 4,000 patrons, alongside a resort boasting a minimum of 1,750 hotel rooms.

Speculation has emerged surrounding the potential relocation of the Dallas Mavericks, controlled by the Adelson family, to this proposed development. It is situated approximately eight miles from the Mavericks’ current arena, occupying a site previously home to Texas Stadium, the former ground of the Dallas Cowboys before its demolition in 2010.

Unlikely Casino Expansion in Texas

Despite ongoing lobbying efforts, significant strides towards casino expansion in Texas remain elusive. Currently, the state’s gaming landscape is limited to lottery systems and tribal casinos, with commercial casinos and sports betting still prohibited. The recent surge in investment aimed at championing expansion efforts continues to yield minimal results.

Miriam Adelson, the controlling shareholder of LVS, has notably increased her political contributions for this session, contributing over $13 million compared to $3.3 million during the previous legislative term.

Looking ahead to 2025, experts predict another arduous campaign for expansion. The Texas Tribune reports a shift in legislative support, with several pro-gambling legislators ousted and others reversing their stance from the last session. A letter penned by a group of these legislators to Representative Ken King, chair of the House State Affairs Committee, definitively declared that any gambling expansion initiatives were “dead on arrival.” Given the Texas legislature meets biennially, hopes for casino expansion may be stalled until 2027, raising concerns about LVS’s development prospects without the requisite casino license.

Growing Local Opposition

Beyond legislative challenges, the proposed development is encountering substantial opposition from local residents. A petition on Change.org opposing the zoning changes has garnered over 3,600 signatures, while numerous residents voiced their disapproval during commission meetings. Reports indicate that nearly all attendees at these discussions expressed opposition to the Las Vegas Sands casino project.

Despite the opposition, some city officials, including Irving City Councilman Mark Cronenwett, have articulated support for the project. Cronenwett asserted during the meeting, “We have a vision in Irving for a premier destination in that spot ever since Texas Stadium was demolished. It will drive visitors to our city and significantly enhance our tax base. This represents a tremendous opportunity for the city of Irving, provided it does not adversely affect our residents.”

Leadership Transition at LVS

As the 2027 legislative session approaches, LVS will undergo a leadership transition. The company announced that CEO Rob Goldstein will step down in March 2026 to take on an advisory role until March 2028. Goldstein, a key figure within the organization for over two decades and the first CEO since the passing of LVS founder Sheldon Adelson in 2021, will be succeeded by Patrick Dumont, current President and COO.

Dumont, who also serves as the governor of the Dallas Mavericks, is a familiar figure among local fans. Recent controversies surrounding the trade of All-NBA guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis have drawn criticism and unrest from Mavericks supporters, as Dončić has become a beloved icon within the community.

The leadership changes at LVS will impact strategic decisions moving forward, particularly regarding the company’s ambitions within the Texas gaming landscape, which remains fraught with uncertainty.