The Big Bet: Casino giant aims to put landmark destination-resort in Dallas

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation wants to build a massive hotel, casino and convention resort in Dallas—but first, Texas would need to legalize gambling, and local officials would need to welcome the project.

In an exclusive interview with NBC 5, company executives said they hope to replicate the success of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with a similar multi-billion-dollar investment in North Texas. Senate District 9 is the first battle in a larger war between business groups who want the voters to decide whether to expand gambling in Texas and Christian conservatives who do not want casinos in Texas. Big money is already being spent.

The Texas Senate is the main obstacle to any effort to expand gaming in Texas to include casino gaming. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick will not bring the item to the floor without enough Republican votes in the upper chamber. He's said publicly it does not have enough votes. Even if the legislature were to pass it, it would then need to be approved by Texas voters in a statewide referendum to amend the constitution.

Las Vegas Sands project

To illustrate what such a project could look like, NBC 5 was granted rare behind-the-scenes access to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore—one of the world’s most iconic resort properties. Standing more than 55 stories tall and overlooking Marina Bay, the Sands resort and casino is among the best-known in the world. Inside, an underground mall features 270 shops and restaurants, including the Dallas Café and Bar.

Above the mall, the property houses 1,850 hotel rooms, the SkyPark and one of the highest infinity pools in the world. About 100,000 people visit the resort daily.

What keeps the operation running is a five-story underground complex known as the “heart of the house,” where 12,000 employees clock in, change into uniforms that are tracked and washed daily, and move throughout the resort.

“Dallas is the only other place in the world that we think can match Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. It's that simple,” said Andy Abboud, senior vice president for Las Vegas Sands.

“It sounds very obvious, but always keep the customer at the center,” said Paul Town, chief operating officer. He told NBC 5 that supporting staff with on-site services such as a medical clinic and cafeteria is essential.

“We need to provide a very, very positive environment for our team members. Team members who are not happy in their work environment tend to not give great service,” said Town.

One of the newest additions to the underground facility is a fleet of robotic carts that move supplies around the property, monitored by a logistics center and maintained by dedicated teams.

“We do have a very strong service culture here,” said Shawn Ng, assistant vice president of hotel operations.