A major casino-resort proposal could transform Irving’s entertainment landscape—if Texas lawmakers approve it. Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest gaming and hospitality companies, has publicly confirmed interest in building a destination casino and entertainment complex on the former Dallas Cowboys practice facility site in Las Colinas.
This bold proposal has stirred excitement, controversy, and a lot of questions from Irving residents and business owners.
Site: Former Dallas Cowboys Valley Ranch Practice Facility
Location: Valley Ranch area, near Hwy 114 & MacArthur Blvd
Size: 36+ acres
Ownership: Privately held; available for redevelopment
Current zoning: Mixed-use (casino not yet permitted in TX)
The vision includes a $2–3 billion destination resort with:
A luxury hotel & conference center
Casino floor with slots and table games
Upscale restaurants and nightlife venues
A 3,000+ seat performance theater or concert venue
Outdoor plazas and water features
Potential shopping promenade or branded experiences
🎙️ “We believe Irving is a prime location to deliver a world-class resort,” said a Sands representative in March 2025.
Casinos are still illegal in Texas. For this project to happen, the Texas Legislature would need to approve a constitutional amendment to allow commercial casino gambling—and voters would have to pass it in a statewide election.
As of summer 2025, the legislation is still under debate.
📌 Meanwhile, cities like Dallas, Austin, and Galveston are also being considered by casino developers.
Here’s why Irving is high on Sands' radar:
Proximity to DFW Airport (10 minutes away)
Existing entertainment infrastructure: Toyota Music Factory, Convention Center, Lake Carolyn
A ready-made corporate audience in Las Colinas
Access to major highways and transit (DART, tollway)
A large tract of available land in Valley Ranch
If approved, this project could create:
💼 5,000+ permanent jobs
🧱 Thousands of construction jobs
💰 Millions in annual tax revenue
🚀 Increased tourism and hospitality spending
Las Colinas restaurants, realtors, and hotels are watching the proposal closely:
“It would change the game for tourism,” said a hotel GM near Lake Carolyn. “Our occupancy rates could jump year-round.”
“We’d see more foot traffic, but also more competition,” noted a downtown restaurateur.
Local business owners in your directory could benefit from:
Increased customer base
Higher property values
New partnership opportunities with resort vendors
Expanded event and catering demand
Q: Is gambling legal in Texas?
A: Not yet. Only limited gaming exists on tribal land. Commercial casinos require voter-approved constitutional change.
Q: What happens if the law changes?
A: Cities will compete to host the first licensed casinos. If Irving gets picked, development could start within 12–18 months.
Q: Can residents oppose or support this?
A: Yes! You can contact state legislators and follow updates from the City of Irving.
Track Texas legislation during the current special session
Watch for public input meetings in Irving if Sands makes a formal proposal
Engage with your city council member or economic development staff
Support or oppose the measure if it reaches the 2025 statewide ballot
Whether you’re in favor of a casino or not, one thing is clear: Irving is on the map for transformational projects. The next 12 months could determine whether Las Colinas becomes a Texas gaming capital—or whether the opportunity passes us by.
We’ll continue covering this story as it develops right here. Just go on the Irving Las Colinas Local News page.
