Fueled by positive signals from state leaders, pro-gambling forces are channeling millions of dollars and miles of lobbyists’ shoe-leather into a well-planned legislative campaign to clear the way for casino gaming and legalized mobile sports betting in Texas.

The Las Vegas Sands Corp, the gaming empire founded by the late Sheldon Adelson, is deploying more than 50 lobbyists in the unfolding 2023 legislative session as part of an offensive that began taking shape immediately after the last session ended two years ago. Sands also donated more than $2 million to state leaders and scores of lawmakers during the 2022 election, including the majority of the Tarrant County legislative delegation, according to the Texas Ethics Commission.