Texas Senate Bill SB376

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to criminal offenses applicable to and authorized uses of gambling devices, including eight-liners.

Impact

The enactment of SB376 could lead to significant alterations in how gambling activities are managed and monitored across the state, particularly in terms of local venues that offer gaming devices. The updates to the Penal Code will make it easier for law enforcement to regulate and define what constitutes illegal gambling. By addressing issues surrounding both amusement devices and gambling definitions, the bill could heighten scrutiny and enforcement on various gambling establishments, especially those utilizing eight-liners and similar machines.

Summary

Senate Bill 376 addresses the criminal offenses related to gambling devices, specifically focusing on devices known as 'eight-liners.' The bill clarifies the definition of gambling devices to include a broader range of contraptions, like electronic devices that provide opportunities for users to win prizes based on chance. This change aims to adapt the legal framework to modern gaming practices, which have evolved significantly with the advent of technology. By establishing legal distinctions around the usage of such devices, SB376 seeks to regulate gambling more effectively and ensure compliance with the state laws governing these activities.

Contention

Notably, there are discussions around how these amended regulations could impact local law enforcement practices and the gaming industry overall. While supporters of SB376 argue that it provides clarity and structure to the existing gambling laws, critics may raise concerns about the potential for overregulation which could undermine local economies or the cultural acceptance of certain gaming practices. There may also be pushes from various advocacy groups regarding the implications of these changes on responsible gaming initiatives and the accessibility of legal gaming options within communities.