Golden Nugget owner Fertitta Entertainment was one of the two largest donors to January’s inauguration of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. But the donations didn’t help the casino and sports betting legalization efforts in the state.
According to the Texas Tribune, the Houston-based hospitality company owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta contributed $250,000 toward the $4.7 million raised for the celebration of Abbott’s and Patrick’s third terms. Dallas-based Energy Transfer also donated $250,000. Fertitta served as chair of the inauguration committee and had a front-row seat at the event.
Fertitta, who owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets and five Golden Nugget casinos, was part of a coalition pushing to legalize sports betting in Texas. The bill was approved in the House but the Senate never held a hearing on the measure.
Patrick, presiding officer of the Senate, has long opposed Texas gaming expansion.
Las Vegas Sands, whose efforts to legalize casinos in Texas also failed, contributed $100,000 toward the inauguration.
