Las Vegas Sands-Backed PACs Pour $10M Into Texas Primaries

PAC Spending Shows Long Game

Campaign filings show major funding from Miriam Adelson, owner of Las Vegas Sands. Her money backs the Texas Defense PAC, which paid for mailers and ads in close House and Senate races before the March 3 primaries. The PAC mainly supports lawmakers seen as open to casinos and targets those who oppose expansion.

In some races, the Texas Sands PAC also gave money directly to candidates. Together, the groups appear focused on shaping future votes — not just winning one election. Records show these PACs raised and spent money over several election cycles, which suggests planning over years.

Some Candidates Reject Casino Support

Not all legislators were receptive to the assistance. State Rep. Trent Ashby publicly disassociated himself with the Texas Defense PAC after it had sent campaign mail in his support. He claimed that the messages distorted his stand and emphasized that he was against casino gambling.

Senate candidate Brett Ligon made a similar statement. He also rejected any link to casino expansion. These responses show the risk tied to gambling money — support can help campaigns, but it can also anger voters.

Lobbying Adds Another Layer

Political contributions are not the whole battle. Records of lobbying Las Vegas Sands employed over 100 lobbyists in 2021 in Austin. In the same year, the company incurred expenditures of between 5 million and 10 million.

Over the past two years, the Texas Sands PAC and Texas Defense PAC donated more than $15 million statewide. They also hold about $16 million in cash for future races. The goal appears steady:

• Back lawmakers open to casinos

• Pressure firm opponents

• Keep the issue alive between sessions

Dallas Casino Plan Still Stalled

Before his death in 2021, Texas was one of the leading targets of Sands founder Sheldon Adelson. His widow, Miriam Adelson, has pursued that push and strengthened the connections with the state. Later in 2023, she acquired a majority ownership in the Dallas Mavericks at approximately 3.8 billion.

Las Vegas Sands later proposed a new NBA arena linked to a resort casino in Irving. The site sits on land once used for Texas Stadium. Local resistance and lack of state action slowed progress. Before a 2025 city vote, Sands removed casino gaming from the plan — saying a resort without gaming made little sense.

Legal Hurdles Remain High

Legal casinos in Texas require a constitutional amendment. That means approval from two-thirds of both chambers and voters statewide. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick controls the Senate agenda and remains firmly opposed. He has said the votes are “nowhere close.”