Committee Approves Texas Poker Bill HB222- Full House Debate is Next

[Eric]

Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee members
yesterday voted on HB 222, which proposed to legalize poker in Texas
(see bill summary below). They passed the bill by a 6-3 vote.

It is legal to play poker for fun, or to play for money in a private
home in Texas. But once the house or the dealer profits, the game
becomes illegal. This has driven much of the state's poker scene
underground.

The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Jose Menendez (D) of San
Antonio last November, is now heading to the Calendars Committee who
will set a date for full Texas House of Representatives debate later
this month.


Several blogs are thanking the enabling efforts of the Poker Players
Alliance (PPA), and especially Texas PPA State Director Mike Lavigne
and the many Texas PPA members who are actively supporting passage of
HB 222 each step through the legislative process. But the job is far
from done; additional continued support is still needed to get the
bill signed into law!


The poker bill would direct the Texas Lottery Commission (working with
other state agencies) to create regulatory and licensing schema for
all poker providers. Operators would be taxed based on their revenue
and would have to pay application and licensing fees, but they'd
legally be able to collect fees on poker hands and on game buy-ins.

The bill also proposes creation of a Poker Gaming Revenue Fund to
support social services in the state especially activities supporting
the homeless.

Tournaments would be allowable under Menendez's proposed bill, but
only with buy-ins up to only $100 and no more than an additional $30
in registration fees. Those caps will not attract high-profile events.
Bonus programs such as bad-beat jackpots are also allowed, but with
very modest caps: at present, the language in the bill calls for a
$250 maximum payout if any such "bonus" is achieved. Licensing for
electronic poker tables is also included within the bill.