HB 3186 was filed today in the Texas House. If you want to play poker in Texas legally, this is the best flag we have to fight under. I encourage you to read the bill or at least the press release pasted below.
This is going to be a tough, potentially long fight. I\’ll begin posting more regularly as our bill moves through the Legislature. The first step will be to get a hearing in the House committee after it is referred. HB 3186 should be referred to committee early next week.
When the hearing date approaches we will need as many folks as possible to congregate at the capitol and attend the hearing. Details to come on that.
In the meantime, the press release is below. Feel free to send Representative Menendez an email thanking him for filing such a great bill.
My html skill is akin to that of a 5-year-old, so please pardon my lack of fancy formatting:
For Immediate Release: Contact: Mike Lavigne
March 8, 2007 512-917-7614
Poker Bill Dealt to Texas House
Austin, TX// Legislation was filed in the Texas House today seeking to regulate the game of poker in Texas. HB 3186 defines poker as a game of skill and lays out a comprehensive set of parameters for the game thousands of Texans play every day. The bill was filed by Representative Jose Menendez (D) of San Antonio.
“This legislation could raise over a billion dollars over the next biennium for state coffers while bringing the game out of legal limbo and into the light,†said Mike Lavigne, treasurer of the Texas Poker PAC. “Texas would finally be able to benefit from rise of Texas Hold’emâ€Â
HB 3186 would allow up to four live or electronic poker tables at establishments meeting stringent requirements and task the Lottery Commission with deciding the number of tables allowed at racetracks.
Additionally, the legislation specifically allows charitable poker, also overseen by the Lottery Commission. HB 3186 would mean bigger and more successful regular charitable tournaments benefiting a variety of important causes.
“Charitable poker means more Texans win,†said Lavigne. “Texas charities are losing out on millions of dollars due to the antiquated laws governing the game.â€Â
Despite recent federal attempts to eliminate online poker, the game continues to grow in popularity worldwide. As poker related television programming continues to spread in popularity, so do the many new tournaments that attract tourists and visitors. States like California and Connecticut have long been reaping the benefits of the poker boom.
“We applaud Representative Menendez for taking the time to compile such a thorough piece of legislation,†said Lavigne. “This bill gives poker back to Texans and the state oversight over the millions of dollars already moving across Texas tables.â€Â
Highlights of HB 3186:
• 4 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 (inexpensive)
• 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
The Texas Poker PAC is a grassroots organization created to encourage legal, safe and accessible poker in Texas.
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www.texaspokerpac.com