Texas Eyes Zoning Approval For Las Vegas Sands Development

On March 18, 2025, in a narrow 5-4 vote, the Irving Zoning Commission approved a significant zoning change for a 1,001-acre site that could become the focal point of a major mixed-use development led by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation (LVS). This decision is a key development in the ongoing effort to bring a casino resort to Texas, despite the state's history of resistance to gambling expansion. The proposal is multifaceted, including plans for a resort, a possible sports arena, and other entertainment venues, and stands as the first step in a project that may reshape the region's economic and social landscape.
Key Details of the Proposal

The approved zoning changes transform the site into a high-intensity mixed-use development. Notably, two specific tracts within the development were reclassified from a transit-oriented mixed-use community to high-intensity mixed-use. The vision for this site includes a large-scale resort featuring a casino, a sports arena with a minimum of 15,000 seats or a theater with at least 4,000 seats, and a hotel with 1,750 rooms. The project is positioned as a potential game-changer for the area, breathing new life into a location that once housed the now-demolished Texas Stadium, former home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The proximity of the proposed arena to the Dallas Mavericks' current home court has led to speculation that LVS, controlled by the Adelson family, could relocate the team. The development site is located just eight miles from the Mavericks’ existing arena, stirring curiosity among fans and analysts about the potential for significant changes in the local sports and entertainment scene.

Legislative Hurdles for Casino Expansion

Despite the commission's approval of the zoning changes, the road ahead for LVS and its development plans is fraught with obstacles, particularly in the legislative arena. The issue of casino expansion in Texas has faced persistent resistance, and efforts to legalize commercial casinos and sports betting have consistently faltered. Currently, only lottery and tribal casinos are permitted in Texas, with the state’s legislature refusing to pass measures that would allow for broader gaming.

LVS has heavily invested in political lobbying, with Miriam Adelson, the controlling shareholder of LVS, donating over $13 million to political causes ahead of the 2025 legislative session. However, as of now, it seems unlikely that the legislative environment will change soon enough to allow LVS to secure a casino license in time for the proposed development’s realization. Political dynamics have shifted this year, with key pro-gambling legislators losing their seats and others, who previously supported expansion, reversing their positions. In fact, a group of legislators sent a letter to House State Affairs Committee Chairman Ken King, signaling that any future gambling expansion would be “dead on arrival” in 2025.

Texas' legislature convenes only in odd-numbered years, meaning that any new efforts to legalize commercial casinos and sports betting are unlikely to succeed before 2027. The timing of this decision could have a significant impact on LVS’s plans, as the absence of a casino license would likely stall or even derail the broader development project.

Local Opposition and Community Response

Beyond legislative and regulatory hurdles, the development proposal faces substantial opposition from local residents. At the Irving Zoning Commission meeting, dozens of residents voiced their concerns about the potential impact of the mixed-use project on the local community. The project’s approval was met with vocal opposition, and a Change.org petition against the zoning changes has garnered more than 3,600 signatures.

Despite this, some key local officials have voiced support for the development. Irving City Councilman Mark Cronenwett, for instance, framed the proposal as a long-awaited opportunity to revitalize the area, particularly given the site’s history as the location of Texas Stadium. Cronenwett emphasized the potential economic benefits of the project, including increased tourism and an expanded tax base for the city. This view is shared by other proponents who argue that the development could transform Irving into a regional destination, providing significant economic growth.

As the political and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, so too will the leadership at LVS. On March 6, 2025, LVS announced that its current CEO, Rob Goldstein, would step down in March 2026, transitioning to an advisory role through March 2028. Patrick Dumont, the current president and COO of LVS, will take over as CEO. Dumont’s appointment will coincide with the potential launch of the Texas project, adding an additional layer of uncertainty regarding the future direction of LVS’s investments and strategies.

Dumont, known locally for his role as governor of the Dallas Mavericks, has recently been at the center of controversy for his involvement in a high-profile trade involving Luka Dončić, the Mavericks’ star player. While Dumont’s leadership will be pivotal for LVS, his reputation in the Dallas community, particularly among sports fans, could have unforeseen implications for the broader acceptance of LVS’s proposed development.

 

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. Our tax base will increase immensely. This will be a tremendous opportunity for the city of Irving if we can do it and if it doesn’t actually cause Irving to suffer in a way that residents will be really hurt by.

 

The Road Ahead

The approval by the Irving Zoning Commission is just the beginning of a long and uncertain journey for LVS’s proposed mixed-use development. While the project promises to be a transformative addition to the region, it faces significant challenges, including the need to navigate a difficult legislative environment, address growing local opposition, and overcome the lack of a viable casino license. Furthermore, with leadership changes on the horizon at LVS, the company’s approach to the project may shift in the coming years. For now, the future of the development remains in limbo, awaiting further approvals, legislative decisions, and community feedback.

This development, should it come to fruition, has the potential to reshape the landscape of Texas gaming and entertainment, but much remains to be seen in the years ahead.