Las Vegas Sands — Local services in Spring Valley

Las Vegas Sands (LVS) has engaged in aggressive and at times controversial practices in Dallas/Irving as it pursues the legalization of casino gambling in Texas. Their strategy involves substantial lobbying efforts and the deployment of "dark money" through groups like the Lone Star Conservative Action Fund, which has actively financed candidates in local Irving elections (Ground News, May 29, 2025; Texas Taxpayers.com, April 28, 2025). This intense financial influence at the local level has raised concerns about transparency and community control, especially given the strong opposition from Irving residents who have voiced anxieties about potential increases in crime and mental health issues associated with casinos (Texas Scorecard, March 18, 2025; Yahoo News, March 25, 2025). The acquisition of vast land near the former Texas Stadium further underscores LVS's long-term intent, despite public resistance and accusations of "backroom deals" regarding land sales (NEXT.io, April 24, 2025). The perceived "unscrupulous means" employed by LVS extend beyond traditional lobbying. The use of "dark money" allows for significant political spending without disclosing donors, creating a lack of accountability and fueling suspicions of attempts to "buy political power" and "stack the council" with compliant officials (KERA News, April 29, 2025; Texas Taxpayers.com, April 28, 2025). Furthermore, the Adelson family's acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks, while distinct from LVS corporate, has been viewed by some as a strategic move to exert influence, with fan theories even linking player trades to broader casino legalization efforts, although these claims are officially denied by the NBA and Mavericks leadership (Sports Illustrated, April 17, 2025; WFAA, February 4, 2025). These tactics collectively suggest a willingness to push boundaries to achieve their objectives in a state historically resistant to casino gambling. This playbook, characterized by aggressive market entry and influence tactics, is not unfamiliar for LVS, echoing aspects of their approach in other global markets like Macau. In Macau, where LVS operates multiple large-scale integrated resorts, their strategy has included not only direct casino operations but also significant investments in non-gaming ventures such as hosting NBA China Games through Sands China Ltd. This serves to diversify their offerings, attract a wider audience, and build influence within the Chinese market (Sands.com, December 16, 2024; Macau Daily Times, December 10, 2024). While their Macau ventures have seen immense success, they also faced significant challenges like a major financial crisis halting expansion plans and costly legal disputes over concessions, demonstrating a persistent and robust operational strategy even in complex regulatory and political environments (Las Vegas Sun, January 18, 2009; AP News, July 17, 2013). The parallels suggest a consistent corporate methodology for securing market access and shaping the regulatory landscape to its advantage. Sources

Ground News. (2025, May 29). Las Vegas Sands lobbyist's contact appears in filings for 'dark money' group in Irving. KERA News. (2025, April 29). Outside group with alleged casino connection pouring money into Irving City Council race. Las Vegas Sun. (2009, January 18). Las Vegas Sands: A big rise, a big fall. Macau Daily Times. (2024, December 10). Sands China announces long-term partnership to bring NBA to Macau. NEXT.io. (2025, April 24). Las Vegas Sands accused of 'backroom deal' over Texas Stadium land sale. Sands.com. (2024, December 16). NBA and Sands China Announce the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns Will Play 2025 Preseason Games in Macao.

Texas Scorecard. (2025, March 18). Irving Residents Say 'No' to Las Vegas Sands' Casino Gambling Plan. Texas Taxpayers.com. (2025, April 28). Is Las Vegas Sands Spending Big in an Effort to Buy the Irving...

WE HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. Our car was VANDALIZED and broken into while parked in THE VENETIAN parking lot. All of our belongings were stolen. Security was not even aware if there were cameras in the parking lot. Furthermore, we filed a claim and the risk management representative (Maria Garrey) was incredibly rude to my husband. My husband is a DOCTOR and this was our first vacation since the pandemic began. It is a TRUE SHAME that they cannot show him a little courtesy and respect after everything that he has been through SERVING ON THE FRONTLINE OF THIS PANDEMIC. Just goes to show you that The Venetian and SANDS CORPORATION DOES NOT RESPECT its patrons and DOES NOT RESPECT HEALTHCARE WORKERS. Please DO NOT SUPPORT this...

As a local, I have always been impressed with the Venetian and the Palazzo hotel/casinos. I am questioning, however, whether Mr. Adelson is aware that KNXT 840AM radio talk show host, Alan Stock, made a comment about David Hoggs, one of the impressive young leaders of the Parkland students' "Never Again" Gun Control movement on his 4/3/18 broadcast (between 3:30-4p) that Mr. Hoggs would look like Hitler if you put a mustache on him? As the retired, former editor of The Jewish Reporter & PR manager for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, I was outraged by that remark! Mr. Adelson's an important force in the local & national Jewish community, is he...