Texas Legislature trying to pass a bill for poker rooms

[wonderwes]

There is current legislation in the Texas Legislature to legalize poker rooms in the state. Texas politics are quite weak, and the legislature only meets on odd number years. There is a current bill already up trying to pass this legislation. All the voting usually happens in the last 2 weeks of the legislature, which I think is around april or may. After that they do not meet till 2009.

If you want to send any emails to a Texas congressman, go to the website. The bill is HB 3186

http://www.texaspokerpac.com/

Highlights of the bill include:

- For live and/or electronic, raked tables allowed in each establishment that meets requirements
- Lottery Commission decides how many tables are allowed in each racetrack
- Charitable poker enabled
- Mandatory dealer training and licensing
- Licensing for distributors of commercial poker equipment
- Money raised will be dedicated to necessary state services
- Criminal penalties for dishonest operators
- Raises over a billion dollars for state services


Personally I hate that the closest casino with a poker room is 4 hrs away. It would be great if this bill passed. We will see how it pans out.

HB 3186