Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling and its laws can cover a wide variety of activities. Quick play games. Under Texas law, (Penal Code §47.02) gambling is considered a criminal offense if someone:
Gambling Laws In Texas
- makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest
- makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
- plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.
The law does provide for some exceptions such as participating in the state lotteryor placing bets on horse and greyhound dog races (sometimes referred to as pari-mutuel wagering). The law also provides for some affirmative defenses to prosecution:
- the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
- no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
- except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants
Gambling Laws in Texas. Texas is one of the most conservative US states and has followed certain traditions for many years. Thus, it comes as no surprise, that the state is rather reluctant to changes, especially when it comes to gambling laws. Generally speaking, almost all forms of gambling are illegal in Texas.
Social Gambling Laws In Texas
- Texas: Not legal, but legislation proposed. A proposed bill would allow mobile and online wagering on pro and college sports, but it will require a referendum amending the state constitution to be.
- Gambling Is it Time for Texas to Expand its Gambling Laws? Casinos across the border are swelling with cash, while our state’s regulations choke out incremental progress.
Additional exceptions include if the person reasonably believed their conduct: Roulette system that works.
Who Enforces Gambling Laws In Texas
- was permitted under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code; (Charitable Bingo)
- was permitted under Chapter 2002, Occupations Code; (Charitable Raffles)
- was permitted under Chapter 2004, Occupations Code; (Sports Charity Raffles)
The first page of this guide will provide you with an overview of the Texas laws on gambling while the subsequent pages will discuss more specific topics like bingo, eight-liners and poker.