Legal in Texas soon?

RTBrandy · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 09:36 AM

AUSTIN - Poker players who now attend illegally organized card games
would get to take part in legal, licensed Texas Hold 'Em wagering across
the state under a proposal the Legislature is considering.
The bill by Rep. Jose Menendez, a San Antonio Democrat, would allow live
or electronic poker gambling at certain establishments as well as
charitable poker for qualified groups.
Poker enthusiasts, including some leading national players, are expected
at the Texas Capitol today for a hearing on the proposal before the
House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee.
If enacted into law, the measure would put Texas alongside several other
states such as California and Montana that created a safe, regulated
environment for poker wagering, said Michael Bolcerek, president of the
National Poker Players Alliance.

beowulfe · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 09:59 AM

Current law is that you can gamble as long as it is in a private establishment,
no person receives economic benefit other than winnings, and that except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants. So home games are legal as long no rake is taken.

*acesandfaces* · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 10:40 AM

Something must have changed because a fairly large card room (that will remain un-named) just put their order in with me. They just got the lease signed and the ink is still wet. They are located in Texas and fully open about what their buisness is.

TenPercenter · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 06:31 PM

Does anyone know the result of whatever was supposed to happen today in Austin?

Wooderson · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenPercenter

Does anyone know the result of whatever was supposed to happen today in Austin?

The bill is now "In Committee". Clcik http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLoo...0R&Bill=HB3186 for continuously updated info.

WINTERS · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2007, 10:18 PM

keeping my fingers crossed on this one!!!!!

Wooderson · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 03:09 PM

By the end of 4/3/07 it was "Left pending in committee"

Javi · #8 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 05:11 PM

From what I hear, there isn't a whole lot of opposition this time around. The general consensus is that a lot of people are tired of money that's going to Louisiana when it could easily stay here.