A massive investment may soon be coming to Austin: Samsung Austin Semiconductor is considering building a multi-billion dollar chipmaking plant at its campus in north Austin.

The gambling empire Las Vegas Sands is pressing forward with its ambitious drive to bring casinos to Texas after a series of recent developments, including the death of its CEO, Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, have called into question how much momentum remains behind the cause.

The program makes it cheaper to do business in Texas and creates jobs and tax revenue in counties across the state. Without the tax break, supporters of Chapter 313 say, companies could go to states that are more generous with public subsidies.

When a big political player comes waltzing into Texas spending big money from out of state, it’s usually a good sign that he wants something from lawmakers. So when Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, spent $4.5 million to help Republicans keep control of the Texas House in 2020, heads turned.

Is Texas a serious candidate to join the ranks among legal sports betting states in the U.S.? Hard to say for sure, but Las Vegas Sands billionaire Sheldon Adelson is making a play for expanded legal casino gaming in the state — and sports betting would likely be a part of that.