HB 3186 - Texas Poker

[binions]

Pretty interesting. Came out of committee with a 6-2 positive vote, and may be voted on soon. Here is the text:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodo...l/HB03186I.htm

Highlights:

Lottery Commission governs. Commercial operators license available only to those with a TABC alcohol permit or a pari-mutual permit and $1 million gross assets.

Rake capped at 10% up to $4. Jackpot bonus capped at $1. No location may have more than 4 tables.

If live dealers empoyed, then dealers have to be licensed. In addition, video surveillance must be used. Chips must be made with the logo of the establishment. And finally, no deck may be used for more than 50 hands.

If electronic tables are used, no chips, no dealers, no decks and no video surveillance is required.

State tax = 18% of gross receipts.

Charitable tournament operator's license also available.

[scottjf8]

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No location may have more than 4 tables.

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15 hour list on the only 1/2 NL table [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[JSSAggie]

It is time to get the word out. This bill is set to hit the house floor on Thursday 5/10. Everyone needs to use the house website http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php and phone your representative.

I created a quick website to help send email messages to your representatives.
http://www.legalizepokerintexas.com/?issues=HB3186

Don't stop there make sure to recruit your friends and force them to make a phone call.

-Jeff

[kahntrutahn]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't stop there make sure to recruit your friends and force them to make a phone call.


[/ QUOTE ]


Spam going out ASAP

[JSSAggie]

I felt like a spammer earlier this week when I was sending to everyone in my address book. Half the people I didn't ever know.

[corndog]

Nice work, Jeff!

Gig 'em

[Ron Burgundy]

Could someone remind me what the tax revenue goes towards? I think that's an important thing to put in our messages.

[allbad]

[ QUOTE ]
Could someone remind me what the tax revenue goes towards? I think that's an important thing to put in our messages.

[/ QUOTE ]

homeless shelters and larger purses for dog/horse races.

[arod4276]

how about lowering the outrageous property taxes..

wtf would it go to horse tracks?

[allbad]

because horse/dog tracks are the only entities that can have large poker rooms. Other places will only be able to have a max of 4 tables. I'm making a huge assumption in stating he probably came up with the limits for the support of racetrack owners.