Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB222

Filed
11/13/08  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB222 is poised to impact several layers of Texas law, particularly those concerning gambling. It will amend existing provisions in the Penal Code, allowing licensed operators to conduct poker gaming legally. Authorized gaming operators will need to adhere to strict regulations, including age restrictions, the licensing of dealers, and the establishment of a poker gaming revenue fund to track finances and ensure compliance. This act is positioned to boost economic activities in sectors related to gaming and tourism, potentially generating new jobs and additional state revenue from regulated poker activities.

Summary

House Bill 222 introduces the Poker Gaming Act, which regulates and authorizes poker gaming within Texas. It establishes guidelines for the Texas Lottery Commission to oversee poker gaming, facilitating licensing and operational requirements for establishments that conduct poker games. The Act aims to create a legal framework for poker gaming, distinguishing it from illegal unregulated gambling activities that may arise in public settings. The bill firmly asserts that poker is considered a game of skill, thus positioning it under a more favorable legal light compared to traditional gambling paradigms in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB222 include the potential societal impacts of increased gambling accessibility and regulation. Critics may express concerns about the normalization of gambling and its possible implications for public health and safety. Questions around the integrity of gaming operations, the prevention of underage participation, and ensuring adequate consumer protections are also likely areas of debate. Additionally, there may be apprehensions surrounding the licensing process for operators and dealers, as well as the regulations imposed on charitable poker events, ensuring proceeds are distributed properly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1601

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2100

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3890

Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3583

Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax.

TX HJR84

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

Similar Bills

TX HB382

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB292

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

MS HB708

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.

MS HB864

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.

MS HB271

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.

MS HB184

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.

MS HB1165

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.

MS HB682

Mobile sports wagering; authorize.