- Illegal Gambling Machines In Texas
- What Is Considered Illegal Gambling In Texas
- Illegal Gambling In Texas
Unlike raffles and bingo, there is NO exception to the gambling law in Texas for nonprofits to hold poker or casino night fundraising events. The gambling law, Chapter 47 of the Penal Code, applies to nonprofits and to for profits equally. §47 (Vernon 2003). Texas law not allow the running of commercial casinos. However, the Native American lands in Texas are not subject to the same strict gambling laws of the state. That said, there are only a very small number of casinos that are actually in operation on native land. All forms of casino gambling are illegal in Texas. Every game on offer in a casino, from slot machines to poker, blackjack, and roulette, is categorized as gambling and is considered illegal.
Legal online gambling in Texas and all the laws that are changing has caused quite a bit of confusion. As with most states, there is the frequent questioning of how existing gambling laws pertain to online gambling due not only to the lack of precedence, but also due to no law specifically banning online gambling. Texans who are aiming to gamble online will find that there are options available that do not technically violate the law. Rather than just showing you where you can gamble, this page is designed to show you that you are not likely to violate the laws by participating in these games.
NFL Betting In Texas
With a few NFL teams here in Texas, all the fans here know that a big moment is here for them as the NFL betting in Texas is one of the most profitibale times of the year. There will be exciting games every weekend including the Cowboys and the Texans which both are home teams for the state of Texas. Sportsbooks everywhere in Texas and online sportsbooks are still the best options for bettors who love NFL games. With all that being said, there are bonuses and great deposit options with these sites with many NFL games. Most of the time players have enough money to bet on any game they want so when the season begins, money will be made left and right.
Online Gambling Age For Texas Residents
As with many states, Texas has a list of various age requirements on different games. The state of Texas has made it so several age limits have to be followed. For starters, land-based casinos and poker rooms have age requirements of being 21. This goes for casino-based bingo and any sportsbooks that might open in the future, as well. The limited forms of gambling that can take place at 18 include charity bingo, the lottery, greyhound racing, and horse racing.
Of course, once you use an offshore online gambling site, you can enjoy all disciplines at 18 and older, including sports betting, casino gaming, poker playing, horse racing betting, and more. Local state gambling age laws do not apply to offshore casino sites operating over the Internet.
Texas Online Gambling Laws
In Texas, there are currently no laws that have specifically banned online gambling. This is why the state of affairs related to gambling is as confusing as it is - there is nothing that says you will be arrested for gambling online. While this does not guarantee that these games are technically legal, there has been no evidence that these games are actually illegal. If a law is written to change this, we will update our page to reflect any legislation that has changed. For now, however, Texas Statutes Title 10, Chapter 47 explains the current TX gambling laws.
Gambling Sites That Accept Texas Residents
If you decide that it is worth the theoretical risk to gamble online, you will find that there are many options that offer access to residents in the state of Texas. We have found that sports betting sites, casinos, poker rooms, and bingo halls alike can all be played in the state of Texas. With all of these options available, fun is guaranteed, as is your safety and security. The top gambling sites for TX residents include sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, BetDSI, and BookMaker, as well as dedicated casino sites like Lucky Red, Slots.lv, AllStarSlots, Aladdin's Gold, and several others. Below, you can find our recommendations for the best Texas 2021 online gambling sites.
Bovada: Offering The Widest Variety Of Online Casino Games
Bovada is one of the most known online betting sites out there. One thing that grabs a lot of bettors' attention is the casino that has on its site. This is where you feel like you are in an actual casino playing a lot of money and can collect and an extra paycheck. You have different options in this casino like slots, blackjack games and even live dealer games. Make sure you are of an age when you try to sign up as well. The age requirement is 18 and older. Once you are of age you can participate in any casino games you would like. The quicker you can join, the more money you can make. Go To Bovada!
50% - $250 BONUS!
No DE, MD, NJ, NV
BetOnline: No One Treats Players As Well As They Do
They say everything is bigger in Texas. I think that's definitely true for playing online gambling. I know I love to get scratch-offs and bet a few dollars on games, and sometimes it's tough to find that one perfect site that has all the little things for players like me. If you're like me and want to win more than just a little pocket change, I suggest you try BetOnline, the best overall gambling site in the Lone Star State. When you sign up for free at BetOnline, you can wager on games, play all kinds of real-cash card games, take on dozens of different table games, and even play some slots. You're betting real money, on real odds, and winning real cash payouts.
Well, I know what you're thinking, how do I get this real money? Well, first you've got to put some cash in to play with. At BetOnline, you can do this via a number of avenues, but the most popular deposit methods lately have been cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and DASH. Now, let me explain how you can cash out your winnings. BetOnline has the largest selection of payout types in the industry, however because of certain laws, transfers directly to credit cards are prohibited. Of course, BetOnline has numerous easy ways to get you your money, like checks, cash wire transfers, Bitcoin and crypto payouts, money orders, and many more. Texas residents who sign up for free today can get a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1000 in free-plays! Go To BetOnline!
50% - $1,000
ALL STATES
| Rank | Casino | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Ignition | ||
| 3 | 500% Up To $5,000 | Visit Slots.lv | ||
| 4 | 100% Up To $4,000 | Visit Cafe Casino | ||
| 5 | 200% Up To $2,000 | Visit SlotoCash | ||
| 6 | 200% Up To $1,000 | Visit Cherry Jackpot | ||
| 7 | 40% Up To $4,000 | Visit Lucky Red | ||
| 8 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Las Vegas USA | ||
| 9 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Sun Palace | ||
| 10 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit CasinoMax | ||
| Rank | Sportsbook | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
| 1 | 50% Up To $250 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag | ||
| 3 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit SportsBetting.ag | ||
| 4 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit MyBookie | ||
| 5 | 50% Up To $300 | Visit Xbet | ||
| Rank | Poker Room | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
| 1 | 100% Up To $500 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 100% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag |
Online Casinos That Accept Texas Residents
Texas online casinos are available for players to hit the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheels, and draw the cards. Texans will find that online casinos have directly emulated land-based casinos, offering players a way to participate in the most popular games, just like they were in Las Vegas. We have documented many online casinos in order to help players find a way to participate. The top casinos are comprised of the sports betting sites and dedicated casino gaming sites listed above (Bovada, Lucky Red, etc.). All of these sites accept TX residents, and all of them offer membership rewards, attentive customer service, and guaranteed payouts. See all online casinos that accept USA players.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Texas Residents
Sports betting is not something that can be easily found via a land-based solution in the Lone Star State (though this could change in the near future as the Supreme Court overturn of PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, means that TX – like all other US states – may institute and regulate its own sports betting industry any time it pleases).
However, by visiting online sportsbooks, you will find that there are easy ways to win money betting on sports in TX. If you decide to bet on sports, you will see that the sportsbooks available offer many of the exact lines that can be found in sportsbooks in Las Vegas, as well as many other odds and lines that are even superior to those out west. Top sports betting websites serving Texas include Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and more. See all sports betting sites accepting USA players.
Online Poker Sites That Accept Texas Residents
None of the online poker rooms listed on this site carry bad reputations, as we have only offered our readers the chance to participate in the best of the best. Casino in florida. With these poker rooms, we can guarantee you a fair shot at winning, as we have made sure that every site on our list offers only certified, fair-play-based, automated gambling software. These sites are periodically audited by industrial watchdogs, so you can rest assured that every amusement available is on the up and up.
The best online poker sites that accept TX residents are actually the sportsbook products already mentioned, sites like Bovada and BetOnline, for example. As a general rule, if you want live, real-dealer poker against other human competitors, you'll need to go with a major sportsbook. If instead you'd rather play all kinds of themed video poker offerings, the more casino-based sites (Lucky Red, Aladdin's Gold, etc.) are the way to go.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept Texas Players
Even if it is not the most popular form of gambling, bingo is something that is played nearly daily in rec centers and retirement homes. However, those environments are not appropriate for all bingo players, and you may not want to go gamble in a physical brick-and-mortar location in the first place. To that end, there are plenty of bingo halls that allow players to hit the cards over the Internet. While winning may require a fair bit of luck, there is a definite possibility that a substantial jackpot can be won through these digital bingo halls. The best bingo halls you'll find are located on the Internet at 5Dimes and Downtown Bingo, with the latter being dedicated to bingo like no other site out there.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas?
Texas state law has no prohibitive measures when it comes to using the internet to gamble. The state defines gambling as risking something of value on an outcome based solely or partially on chance and prohibits anyone from facilitating the activity. But state laws only apply to state-based persons who would be offering these types of activities. Using an online, offshore gambling site allows residents to conveniently, safely, and most importantly, legally gamble online. Whether you're using an online casino or poker room, betting on sports or playing some bingo, these sites fall outside of the purview of Texas state law, so you have nothing to worry about.
Are Online Casinos Legal In Texas?
As it turns out, it seems that online casinos are legal in Texas. Having browsed the state's statutes, we can tell you that there is no written mention of online casinos anywhere within the text. We have looked into both the criminal code and gaming regulations and we have found nothing that has led us to believe the games are not legal in the state.
Is Online Horse Racing Betting Legal In Texas?
Pari-mutuel wagering in Texas is legal at both online and land-based locations. Residents in Texas can easily log on to an online racebook and place bets on their favorite horses in races taking place across the country. We recommend online, offshore racebooks. These sites will be able to offer you lines on both domestic and international races, expanding the number of races you will be able to bet on during the season. The best racebooks, not surprisingly, are located at the top sportsbook services, with sites like Bovada and SportsBetting leading the way.
Pick a pair poker. Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
There is nothing in the Texas legislature that has made it a crime for you to bet on sports over the Internet. Texans will find that there are many online sportsbooks, allowing players to wager on everything from baseball to football to hockey, with many other options in between.
Which Site Is Best For Betting On The Cowboys? The Texans?
There are several sports betting sites that advertise betting on NFL games, and all do provide it. That said, there are a few sites which are better than others. That matters because Texas residents take Cowboys and Texans games very seriously. Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth are two football-rabid cities with fanbases that live and die with their teams. We know football and football fans – after all, we have our allegiances, too. The two sites we recommend above all others for first-time bettors are Bovada and SportsBetting. Both sites have lines for Texans and Cowboys games for every week of the season, including props and future betting odds. In particular, Bovada has one of the best sites for live betting on NFL games, while Sportsbetting.ag has unlimited deposit bonuses along with a wide array of lines on games. Texas residents are welcome at both sites and have easy deposit/payout methods at their disposal.
Is Online Poker Legal In Texas?
Poker players can turn to the Internet in order to play their games, and you will find that many card rooms exist on the Internet. The ever famous Texas Hold 'Em is one option for play, though there are many others. If you decide to go with these poker rooms that accept Texas residents, you will find that there are only a few reliable and trustworthy sites available, but we have done what we can to show you the best. These include real-money, live-dealer, multiplayer poker at the top sportsbook sites (Bovada et al.) and themed video poker offerings at the more casino-oriented sites (Lucky Red, etc.).
Will I go to jail for online gambling in Texas?
We have never once heard of an arrest over online gambling in the state of Texas, and we doubt you will be the first. Since we have found that there are no laws making any form of online gambling explicitly illegal, you should not stress yourself over whether or not you will be indicted or brought to charges for gambling on the Internet.
Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Site
When funding your account at the legal online gambling site you're using, there are a number of different options to choose from. No one option is better than the other, it's just about what you're most comfortable with. Using a credit or debit card is most common, as they are extremely easy to use.
Occasionally, however, credit and debit cards can get declined because of the federal law UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, 2006). This banking regulation allows for financial institutions to block card transactions when they suspect it is being used to fund online gambling. Online gambling sites that are legal are completely safe, but sometimes the government likes to stick its nose where it doesn't belong. If your card is declined, however, it will often go through if you try again a bit later.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this inconvenience altogether. Using a prepaid card is the closest alternative to credit or debit cards. These cards are not processed by banks, so their deposits will never be declined. If you get one that is reloadable, you're set to go. (Just make sure the gift card or prepaid card you choose allows for international purchases, as not all of them offer this feature.) Mailing in a check or money order is also a handy way of funding your gambling site. Or you can use the digital currencies Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, or DASH. These are convenient, safe banking methods that will not be declined and will fund your account in relatively short order. Bitcoin is definitely our personal preference when loading up our accounts or receiving payouts.
Mobile Texas Gambling Apps
With everything from simple games to banking and investment apps on our smartphones these days, it can only be expected that we would want our gambling sites to travel around in our pockets as well. Mobile Texas gambling sites generally don't come in apps, but you will be able to find a number of gambling sites that have corresponding mobile sites. Designed to work with any operating system, these sites are browser-based. You can have an iPhone, Android, or still be rocking a Blackberry. As long as you have Internet access, you'll have access to your favorite sites' mobile betting interfaces. All of the sites recommended on this page have mobile gambling for Texas bettors.
FAQ's
Does The Wire Act Make Sports Betting Illegal?
The Wire Act does not make sports betting illegal. The Wire Act (1961) prevents people from taking bets over a wire of communication. This law only applies to the person who is accepting the wager. Its main purpose was to limit bets from crossing state lines, in an effort to slow the spread of unlawful mob racketeering. It has no effect on online, offshore sportsbooks, as they are under the authority of the country they are based in.
How Can I Legally Bet On The 2017 Kentucky Derby?
You can legally bet on the Kentucky Derby in a number of different ways. Traveling to Churchill Downs to bet at the historic racecourse is always an option. But if you don't want to travel to Kentucky, you can easily use a local simulcast facility or, better yet, an online racebook. These sites provide more lines than you would find at the track or at an OTB shop. You'll find more exotic wagering options as well. Online racebooks are safe and legal for Texas residents to use. All the top TX offshore sportsbooks have racebooks as well, and they all have full coverage of the Triple Crown races and other races of all levels of national and international prominence.
What Currencies Can I Use To Fund My Account?
Most online gambling sites base their deposit and wager limits on US dollars. You can use whichever currency you'd like, however, to fund your account. Using something like Bitcoin or Litecoin, which are digital cryptocurrencies, is simple enough, as the book will convert the funds for you when you make a deposit. Funds will be converted back to their original form when you request your payout, based on the conversion rate available at the time of the payout. Because crypto carries high limits and virtually no added fees, it is our singular preference for all things banking at online Texas gambling sites.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Play At An Online Casino?
Each state has its own gambling ages to stick to and Texas is no exception. In this state, the legal gambling age is 21 for casino games. This applies to only land-based, in-state casinos (and, in the future, sportsbooks as well). However, if you use an online sportsbook or betting site that is located overseas, these regulations do not apply. Most Texas betting sites and offshore casinos merely require their customers to be 18 in order to sign up and play for real money.
Can I Play Poker With Other Players For Real Money?
Yes, you can play poker with other players for real money. Online poker rooms offer players the ability to play games on a trial basis without any real money, but once you make a deposit to your account, you can begin playing for real money. Most online poker rooms will have tables with varying limits, so all you have to do is choose the limit you're comfortable with and begin to play your favorite games. All winnings from these games can be withdrawn whenever you like.
Oh, Lone Star State. I have a bone to pick with you. This is a touchy subject, too, as I'm a proud citizen of the great state of Texas.
I love your food; I love your diverse cultures and climates. I love that you can be country and hipster all at the same time.
But.
I want to know why you hate gambling.
This is a heart breaker for this gambling Texan girl.
Why are almost all forms of gambling illegal in my home state?
Why do you want me to take my hard-earned dollars out of state to spend on my favorite hobby?
I don't want to give that taxable revenue to Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Nevada. I want to go to the Gulf Coast and let my family enjoy our warm waters.
Then I want to gamble.
Why are you keeping this from me?
Did I do something wrong?
Why are you so mad at gambling?
So many questions.
Let's see if I can answer some of them.
The History of Gambling in The Lone Star State
Texas, much like its neighbors to the east and west, has changed hands many times of the course of its history. It was once even its own sovereign nation. Texans often refer to the Republic of Texas.
Texas was originally part of multiple native tribes, but we know how this goes. It changed hands between the Spanish (Tejas is the Spanish spelling), American, Mexico, and even the French.
Texas has the strictest real money gambling laws in the United States.
I would've guessed our Mormon friends in Utah would be a no go on gambling, but no.
It's Texas.
This was huge swing from the Wild West attitude of the 1800s. Texas is the home of many outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. Let's not forget that Bonnie and Clyde were Texas residents, too.
This is not a neat or prim and proper state. We like to be left alone, not told what to do, and keep to ourselves.
The Prohibition Era ushered in a clamping down of the above vices to almost do a 180 from the torrid, wild past of the state.
So, when did the State of Texas make gambling illegal?
It's a long drawn out answer. I wish it were easier. I wish it were something simple like 1920.
But no, it was a slow suffocation of the hobby.
The state would see local governments outlaw vices in their regions starting in the Reconstruction Era of the post war South. The nail in the coffin was the passage of the 18th amendment to the United States Constitution. This made alcohol and gambling illegal throughout the country.
Once this amendment was overturned, many states started to reopen racetracks and saloon or bars. Texas dug its heels in the ground on the topic of gambling.
Illegal Gambling Machines In Texas
The legality of gambling has wavered throughout the state over the years, but one thing has stayed true.
Texas doesn't condone most forms of gambling.
Texas has 2 casinos. We are number 2 in size and population in America. We are last in gambling.
And it doesn't look like the legislature is going to budge anytime soon.
There are some obscure loopholes in our gambling laws, and the lottery is a big government business.
What Type of Gambling Are Legal in Texas?
What Is Considered Illegal Gambling In Texas
There are a few types of gambling that are legal in Texas.
Most of these are weird – except for the lottery.
The Texas State Lottery
The State of Texas legalized a state lottery in July of 1991. That was a big win. I remember when my parents got together with their friends to go in a ton of tickets. My siblings and I started seeing scratch off tickets in birthday and holiday cards from our grandparents.
Playing the lottery in Texas is a big deal. An estimated 68% of Texan play some form of the lottery. With almost 40 million residents, that is a lot of money.
I am from Austin, the capitol of the state. Downtown they used to live film the drawings and we would watch through the window on our way to the bar when I was in college at University of Texas at Austin.
I don't know anyone who hasn't played the lottery. When my husband and I were young and broke we would buy scratch off in hopes to win enough to cover our bills
The Texas lottery is as common as a rodeo or going 2 stepping after a meal of Mexican food or BBQ.
The state makes billions off the proceeds. This money is allocated to schools and wildlife and land protections. Texans are big hunters which makes them conservationists by default.
Horse and Dog Racing
Under the pari-mutuel racing rules, Texans can participate in dog and horse betting. There are 3 class 1 racetracks in the entire state.
This type of gambling was legalized in Texas in 1978. Texas was about 30 years behind the rest of the country.
I didn't grow up with adults going to the races because of the old hold over of prohibition and the Progressive Movement.
Native Tribe Casinos
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the 3 recognized native tribes of Texas were granted the right to open gaming establishment.
The Kickapoo Tribe has the Lucky Eagle Casino. It's found in Eagle Pass, in far West Texas on the Mexican border. It's a long hot drive from almost anyone in the state except Laredo.
The Tigua Tribe owns and operates the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.
You'll find it in El Paso on their native lands. El Paso is the 5th most populated city in the state, but it's still a 9+ hour drive from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.
Are you seeing a trend?
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe offers gambling, too – at Naskila Gaming.
That's located in Livingston, just north of Beaumont, Texas. It's only a 3-hour drive, but there's not a lot to see once you get there
The Naskila Gaming and Speaking Rock Entertainment have been wrapped up in red tape and legal disputes for years and may not be able to survive. This is against trend for other native casinos in other states.
You've heard of WinStar?
The largest casino in the world?
It is a native owned casino and has its own economy. It's literally an hour drive from my house over the Oklahoma border.
What gives?
What Are 8-Liners and How Do They Work?
If you're not from here, you've probably not seen these shady little machines. They're the video poker looking machines in gas stations and dive bars.
They are gaming machines that offer noncash prizes of less than a $5.00 value. I have played these at a now closed bar (probably because they didn't ID people).
Nowadays I see them mostly in underserved communities. It's always a slimy gas station. The state legislature has been trying to outlaw them since the 80's.
They argue that they qualify as in-person gambling and don't follow that state guidelines of approved gambling.
That's not the type of hobby gambling I'm look for in my home state, are you?
Casino Cruises
Illegal Gambling In Texas
This one is tricky. I'm impressed to be honest. These one day 'cruises' take people to a cruise to essentially nowhere.
They stop in international waters so that there is no jurisdiction to say, 'Quit it!'. It is pretty genius but expensive.
The cost has caused many startups to fail or rebrand with more failure. They leave out of a Texas port with mostly Texas passengers.
Texas doesn't condone most forms of gambling.
Texas has 2 casinos. We are number 2 in size and population in America. We are last in gambling.
And it doesn't look like the legislature is going to budge anytime soon.
There are some obscure loopholes in our gambling laws, and the lottery is a big government business.
What Type of Gambling Are Legal in Texas?
What Is Considered Illegal Gambling In Texas
There are a few types of gambling that are legal in Texas.
Most of these are weird – except for the lottery.
The Texas State Lottery
The State of Texas legalized a state lottery in July of 1991. That was a big win. I remember when my parents got together with their friends to go in a ton of tickets. My siblings and I started seeing scratch off tickets in birthday and holiday cards from our grandparents.
Playing the lottery in Texas is a big deal. An estimated 68% of Texan play some form of the lottery. With almost 40 million residents, that is a lot of money.
I am from Austin, the capitol of the state. Downtown they used to live film the drawings and we would watch through the window on our way to the bar when I was in college at University of Texas at Austin.
I don't know anyone who hasn't played the lottery. When my husband and I were young and broke we would buy scratch off in hopes to win enough to cover our bills
The Texas lottery is as common as a rodeo or going 2 stepping after a meal of Mexican food or BBQ.
The state makes billions off the proceeds. This money is allocated to schools and wildlife and land protections. Texans are big hunters which makes them conservationists by default.
Horse and Dog Racing
Under the pari-mutuel racing rules, Texans can participate in dog and horse betting. There are 3 class 1 racetracks in the entire state.
This type of gambling was legalized in Texas in 1978. Texas was about 30 years behind the rest of the country.
I didn't grow up with adults going to the races because of the old hold over of prohibition and the Progressive Movement.
Native Tribe Casinos
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the 3 recognized native tribes of Texas were granted the right to open gaming establishment.
The Kickapoo Tribe has the Lucky Eagle Casino. It's found in Eagle Pass, in far West Texas on the Mexican border. It's a long hot drive from almost anyone in the state except Laredo.
The Tigua Tribe owns and operates the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.
You'll find it in El Paso on their native lands. El Paso is the 5th most populated city in the state, but it's still a 9+ hour drive from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.
Are you seeing a trend?
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe offers gambling, too – at Naskila Gaming.
That's located in Livingston, just north of Beaumont, Texas. It's only a 3-hour drive, but there's not a lot to see once you get there
The Naskila Gaming and Speaking Rock Entertainment have been wrapped up in red tape and legal disputes for years and may not be able to survive. This is against trend for other native casinos in other states.
You've heard of WinStar?
The largest casino in the world?
It is a native owned casino and has its own economy. It's literally an hour drive from my house over the Oklahoma border.
What gives?
What Are 8-Liners and How Do They Work?
If you're not from here, you've probably not seen these shady little machines. They're the video poker looking machines in gas stations and dive bars.
They are gaming machines that offer noncash prizes of less than a $5.00 value. I have played these at a now closed bar (probably because they didn't ID people).
Nowadays I see them mostly in underserved communities. It's always a slimy gas station. The state legislature has been trying to outlaw them since the 80's.
They argue that they qualify as in-person gambling and don't follow that state guidelines of approved gambling.
That's not the type of hobby gambling I'm look for in my home state, are you?
Casino Cruises
Illegal Gambling In Texas
This one is tricky. I'm impressed to be honest. These one day 'cruises' take people to a cruise to essentially nowhere.
They stop in international waters so that there is no jurisdiction to say, 'Quit it!'. It is pretty genius but expensive.
The cost has caused many startups to fail or rebrand with more failure. They leave out of a Texas port with mostly Texas passengers.
The problem is most of the Texas ports are a short drive to Louisiana, our eastern neighbor. Louisiana is very pro gambling.
See the problem?
Why would I get on a day cruise and risk sea sickness when I can take my entire family to the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Casino and Resort for an all-inclusive resort vacation?
Conclusion
It's not good. Texas has even made friendly wagering illegal in the state. If I host a poker night with real money, I could serve some prison time.
When will Texas catch up and join the 21st, heck even the 20th, century?
I don't know.
Every year it's on the state legislature's docket.
Every session it fails.
Maybe other states have made it too easy for Texans to come visit.
I see it as a missed opportunity for tax revenue for the state. And tourist dollars. Texas is so big that driving from Dallas to the coast is considered being out of state in other parts of this country.
Austin has 100s of 1000s descend on it every March for the SXSW festival.
Why not also make some tax venue off them with gambling?
It just doesn't make sense.
But this state likes to do things the hard way because that's how it's always been. For a long time.
I would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Please leave a comment below.
