Lobbyists for the casino giant Sands Corporation held a presentation last week in Irving for public officials, pitching them on legalizing gambling in North Texas.
The presentation included details of the company’s casino property in Singapore, its estimate of the economic impact of gaming in Texas and potential locations of proposed resorts.
The presentation claims casino operations would bring 14,000 jobs to North Texas and result in nearly $6 million of sales tax revenue.
Councilmember Chad West, who represents Oak Cliff, attended the meeting and said the city should be prepared.
The presentation also emphasized the difference between casinos and destination gaming resorts. Dallas-Fort Worth would be receiving a destination gaming resort and there will likely be 5 locations in Texas.
A traditional casino includes food and beverages, gaming and a small-scale hotel while destination gaming resorts include a large-scale hotel and spa, gaming, restaurants and nightlife, live entertainment, conventions and exhibits, and shopping.
According to Sands, 59% of likely Texas voters would support any type of casino proposal. That supports increases to 66% when they learn the details of destination resorts.
Companies affiliated with Sands purchased about 100 acres of land in Irving near Loop 12 and Highway 114 last July, but the map included in the company’s presentation listed other counties such as Rockwall and Somervell as potential locations of proposed resorts.
