Mavs sale could renew push to legalize gambling, sports betting in Texas

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s surprise sale of a majority stake in the team to Las Vegas’ Adelson family could “set the stage” over the “future of legalized gambling and sports betting in Texas,” according to Irving Meja-Hilario of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Cuban is a proponent of legalizing gambling in Texas to bring in resort casinos and, though the state has "killed any efforts to allow sports betting or gambling," industry experts say Cuban’s move could be "what finally pushes" Texas lawmakers to act. Univ. of Las Vegas International Gaming Institution fellow Alan Feldman said, “I have to believe that the political leadership has got to be a little tired of looking at all the tail lights leaving Texas.” Texas is "one of the biggest states" to not yet "legalize casino gambling or sports betting." Cuban has previously said that he believes Texas "isn’t a hot tourist draw" because it lacks “real destinations to save up for.” He has said that resort gaming "could change that," and he is "not alone" in that belief. Feldman said the Adelsons have “actively lobbied” state legislators for years. The family’s newfound ties to the Mavs could be “the tipping point for lawmakers.” Feldman: “They’ve been looking at Texas for a long time. …That wasn’t a realistic vision before but maybe that could change now” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/29).

PLACE YOUR BETS: In Dallas, Brad Townsend noted Cuban for “several years” has eyed the gambling industry telling The News last December that “my goal, and we’d partner with Las Vegas Sands, is when we build a new arena it’ll be in the middle of a resort and casino. That’s the mission.” That mission is “far from accomplished.” But now, Cuban “powerfully has aligned” with Sands Corp. It cost him “majority interest and governorship” of his beloved Mavs, but the mission “appears to be more achievable” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/29).