Gambling lobbyist refusing to back down in Texas gambling battle

A prominent gambling lobbyist is remaining steadfast over his desire to pave the way for legal casino gambling and sports betting in Texas.

Arguably one of the largest untapped markets in the US, Texas has been put in the shade by neighboring states Oklahoma and Louisiana which both have well-established gaming industries.

Indeed, Texans who wish to place a wager will have to travel to either of the states mentioned above to visit a brick-and-mortar casino.

The path to legalized gambling has been fraught with frustration. Last year, bills to introduce sports betting and pave the way for commercial casinos cleared the house only to be quashed in the senate.

However, Andy Abboud, SVP of Government Relations at Las Vegas Sands, spoke earlier this week at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. And he is adamant he won’t buckle to move mountains for Texas to achieve its dream.

He said: “We’re not leaving, we’re staying until it’s done. It’s inevitable.”

Abboud rated Texas’ chances of a successful passage of sports betting and casino gambling next year at 50%.

Potential benefits for Texas:

• $250 million in annual revenue

• $1 billion in tax revenue over 5 years

• Attraction of top sports betting operators

Moreover, the bulk of top sports betting operators would be interested in having a slice of the pie if Texas changes tack, including DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel.

Abboud insists some Texans may have misjudged the momentum gaming is having.

He added: “The analogy is people who think Texas is not going to back legal gambling are people that thought the Pac 12 would stay together forever.”

Current challenges in Texas:

• Presence of one of the largest illegal gambling markets

• Strong opposition from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

• Need for 10 of 19 GOP Senators to support gambling

Texas, which is home to more than 20 million people, has an unwanted record of having one of the biggest illegal gambling markets which is casting a dark cloud over its aspirations.

Abboud is under no illusions that votes are needed to whip up a groundswell of support for the measure. If lawmakers can’t be convinced of regulated gambling in 2025, a fresh attempt will be made in 2027 as the legislature convenes in odd years.

Political outlook:

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick refuses to present gambling bills

• Support needed from GOP Senators to move forward

• Lobbyists planning long-term push through 2027

The road ahead promises plenty of twists and turns, but Abboud will continue to stick to his guns. Only time will tell as to how things will unfold.