Texas has been a hotbed for poker for many years, and after all, the world's most popular form of poker is called Texas Hold'em. The game is said to have originated in the town of Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900's, and eventually spread throughout the state (1). Although this story doesn't really have much historical documentation to back it up, what is widely acknowledged is that Hold'em was first widely played by Texas road grinders in the early '60s and perhaps late '50s.
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. It basically makes it illegal to send via post, internet or other forms, anything that will be used to make sports bets. The language used in the act is very broad, which is why it can still be applied to internet.
It wasn't until the game was brought to Las Vegas in 1967 that the game become known as Texas Hold'em, as prior to that it was just called Hold'em. Although played primarily in Texas, it had also spread to surrounding states.
The stories of the Texas road gamblers, such as Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim and Johnny Moss, are the stuff of legend as they traveled from town to town making their living playing poker. Many of the best poker players and the early winners of the WSOP were from Texas.
There are also plenty of stories of these games being broken up by law enforcement. This would not be the case today under existing laws, at least not in the private games anyway, but in spite of Texas' fame as the birthplace of one of poker's great games and many of its famous players, it has always been a pretty conservative state as far as gambling goes.
Poker Laws in Texas Today
- The laws regarding gambling in Texas are somewhat complex. This is due, in part, to the fact that gambling can take many forms and occur in many places. It's helpful to take a broad view of the situation and then take a closer look at some of the specifics of Texas gambling laws. According to Section 47.02 of the Texas Penal Code, gambling is.
- COMMUNICATING GAMBLING INFORMATION. (a) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to further gambling, he knowingly communicates information as to bets, betting odds, or changes in betting.
It is generally believed that all forms of gambling in Texas other than those specifically authorized, such as participating in the state lottery or betting at an approved racetrack, are contrary to state law.
Things aren't always as clear as they may appear as far as the law is concerned though. It is certainly true that the Texas Penal Code makes gambling illegal in general. Betting for money on card games is specifically mentioned as constituting an offense (3). Anyone found guilty of gambling has committed a Class C misdemeanor, which incurs a fine of up to $500. There's no possibility of jail time for individual bettors or players. For some of the more severe infractions related to running a gambling enterprise, there are higher fines and jail sentences prescribed.
The interesting thing is that it is a defense to a charge of gambling if the following conditions, listed in the Texas Penal Code, Title 10, Section 47.02(b), are satisfied:
'(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
(2) no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
(3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.'
We see that (1) permits betting that occurs in a private place, meaning that things like home poker games would be excluded from running afoul of this law.
To be exempt from this law, there is also the requirement listed in (2) above that no persons receive any economic benefit from the gambling other than their personal winnings. It could be argued that the intent of this is to allow people to gamble in a friendly way with their friends while still preventing persons under the jurisdiction of Texas law from benefiting by running a gambling business.
Finally, a game must give each participant the same chances of winning and losing apart from 'the advantage of skill or luck' as explained in (3) above. This is likely an attempt to make cheating illegal even if the other two conditions for defending against a gambling charge are met.
Live Poker in Texas
There is only one venue offering indisputably legal live poker in Texas, and it also happens to be the state's only casino. In spite of Indian tribes being pretty active in operating casinos in other states, they have met with more difficulty in Texas.
At one time there were three different Indian casinos operating in the state, but state authorities were successful in shutting two of them down, and only one remains today, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel in Eagle Pass (2). Its poker room features $3/$6 limit and $1/$2 no limit Texas Hold'em every day with higher stakes spread on weekends and upon request. There are also low-buyin tournaments a few times a week.
Membership Poker Rooms
After examining the three stipulations laid out for gambling to not be illegal, a few Texas entrepreneurs had a clever idea. Beginning in 2015, they started to open up membership-based card rooms that they claim are in full compliance with the law.
New Texas Bingo Laws
These poker rooms don't charge any rake. Instead, they charge daily, weekly, monthly or yearly membership fees from anyone who wants to play. This membership model serves a dual purpose. Because these businesses are not open to the public at large but rather restricted to members, management can claim that the gambling is taking place in private rather than public. Also, because the membership fees aren't derived specifically from the money on the gaming tables, there's an argument that these facilities aren't deriving any economic benefit from gambling. (4)
Some of these poker rooms supplement their revenues by selling food, requiring players to pay a rental fee on their seats at the tables and through various other mechanisms. Many of them offer additional amenities, like lounges, televisions and pool tables, to support their argument that they are social clubs with gambling as just an additional attraction.
Of course, there are those who feel differently. They contend that gambling is the main appeal of these card rooms, and it is the reason why anyone pays for membership in the first place. Thus, the owners are clearly gaining an economic benefit from real money gaming.
Although the attorney general's office has been asked to render an opinion on this matter, there has been no answer as yet. Confusing matters further are the questions of whether food and beverages can be sold, whether daily membership available to anyone who walks in the door really counts as 'private' gambling, whether hourly seat rental charges are OK and other similar concerns. Each of these rooms generates its income in slightly different ways, so there are plenty of elements that can be attacked as being potentially illegal.
The ability of these card clubs to operate depends heavily on how local law enforcement feels about them because, even if it would be hard to achieve a conviction in court, raids and shutdowns by the police can really interfere with the continuing operations of a location. This has actually occurred in Dallas where local officials closed down two of these card clubs in 2017.
Today, Texan membership poker clubs dot the state in such cities as San Antonio and Austin. Houston has even begun licensing them at the municipal level, spurring the creation of such businesses as the Post Oak Poker Club and the Prime Social Poker Club within the city. We still await a final resolution as to the legal status of membership card rooms, but for now, live Texas poker appears to be booming.
Online Poker and The Law in Texas
As is often is the case, existing law does not really contemplate internet poker, and the thrust of the law here is directed generally at people profiting from running gambling operations in the state of Texas, which isn't really the case with playing online.
The view though is that since people aren't being prosecuted for playing online poker, online poker players in Texas aren't worried about this at all, nor are offshore poker rooms that serve Americans, since none of them have a problem with allowing Texas residents to play on their site, unlike players in some states.
It's extremely likely that people enjoying poker games played across the internet have an ipso facto defense from being subject to illegal gambling prosecution under Texas law unless they're doing something really unusual. The three factors of taking place in private, not profiting other than as a player and not cheating appear to apply fully to online poker in Texas. The only conceivable ways that someone could get into trouble for internet poker in Texas would be if they're playing in public, attempting to run their own poker site or cheating in some way.
In any event, the state of Texas has taken a hands-off approach here, and it is very likely that if this changes, it will require laws more specific to online poker for this to be prosecuted, which doesn't look like it will happen any time soon. So online poker players in Texas can continue to be pretty comfortable here.
Recommended Online Poker Rooms For Texans
Ignition Poker: This is the newest and most popular player in the online poker industry. They have come in hot in 2016 after acquiring the Bovada Poker software and re-branding into both a poker site and an online casino. The site offers a 100% bonus up to $1,000 should you decide to play for real money.
This site has some of the best cash games in the world, huge MTT guarantees, great SnG selections and of course have amazing promotions to keep players interest piqued. Check out our review for Ignition and find out why it's one of the fastest-rising rooms in the iGaming field today.
Americas Cardroom: This fairly popular poker room has a Texas connection of sorts. When Doyle Brunson's online poker room closed down due to pressure from the authorities, their players were all moved to Americas Cardroom.
They continue to welcome Texans and all Americans with open arms, and have up to $1000 in bonus money sitting there for you to welcome you as well. So if you haven't experienced this poker room before, just click here and you will be on your way to doing just that. Visit our ACR Review today for more info.
References:
(1) Texas Hold'em
(2) Lucky Eagle Casino
(3) Texas Penal Code Section 10, Chapter 47, Gambling
(4) Texas Online Gambling Laws
Save
#1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag
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EDITOR'S NOTE: BetOnline welcomes players from ALL 50 states and from ALL OVER THE WORLD w/ limited restrictions.
(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:(1) Bingo Ball Draw--A pulling of a bingo ball(s) to determine the winner of an event ticket by either the number or color on the ball(s).(2) Deal--A separate and specific game of pull-tab bingo tickets of the same serial number and form number.(3) Face--The side of a pull-tab bingo ticket, which displays the artwork of a specific game.(4) Flare--A poster or placard that must display:(A) a form number of a specific pull-tab bingo game;(B) the name of the pull-tab bingo game;(C) the total card count of the pull-tab bingo game;(D) the cost per pull-tab bingo ticket;(E) the number of prizes to be awarded and the corresponding prize amounts of the pull-tab bingo game; and(F) the name of the manufacturer or trademark.(5) Form Number--The unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer to a specific pull-tab bingo game. A form number may be numeric, alpha, or a combination of numeric and alpha characters.(6) High Tier--The two highest paying prize amounts as designated on the pull-tab bingo ticket and on the game's flare.(7) Last Sale--The purchaser of the last pull-tab bingo ticket(s) sold in a deal with this feature is awarded a prize or a registration for the opportunity to win a prize.(8) Merchandise--Any non-cash item(s), including bingo equipment, provided to a licensed authorized organization that is used as a prize.(9) Pay-Out--The total sum of all possible prize amounts in a pull-tab bingo game.(10) Payout Schedule--A printed schedule prepared by the manufacturer that displays:(A) the name of the pull-tab bingo game;(B) the form number of the pull-tab bingo game;(C) the total card count of the pull-tab bingo game;(D) the cost per pull-tab bingo ticket;(E) the number of prizes to be awarded and the corresponding prize amount or jackpot for each category of the pull-tab bingo game;(F) the number of winners for each category of prize;(G) the profit of the pull-tab bingo game;(H) the percentage of payout or the percentage of profit of the pull-tab bingo game; and(I) the payout(s) of the pull-tab bingo game.(11) Payout Structure--The printed information that appears on a pull-tab bingo ticket that shows the winnable prize amounts, the winning patterns required to win a prize, and the number of winners for each category of prize.(12) Prize--An award of collectible items, merchandise, cash, bonus pull-tabs, and additional pull-tab bingo tickets, individually or in any combination.(13) Prize Amount--The value of cash and/or merchandise which is awarded as a prize, as valued under §402.200(f) of this chapter. A collectable item is considered merchandise for determining allowable prize amounts.(14) Serial Number--The unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer identifying a specific deal of pull-tab bingo tickets. A serial number may be numeric, alpha, or a combination of numeric and alpha characters.(15) Subset--A part of a deal that is played as a game to itself or combined with more subsets and played as a game. Each subset may be designed to have:(A) a designated payout; or(B) a series of designated payouts. Subsets must be of the same form and serial number to have a combined designated payout or a series of designated payouts.(16) Symbol--A graphic representation of an object other than a numeric or alpha character.
Americas Cardroom: This fairly popular poker room has a Texas connection of sorts. When Doyle Brunson's online poker room closed down due to pressure from the authorities, their players were all moved to Americas Cardroom.
They continue to welcome Texans and all Americans with open arms, and have up to $1000 in bonus money sitting there for you to welcome you as well. So if you haven't experienced this poker room before, just click here and you will be on your way to doing just that. Visit our ACR Review today for more info.
References:
(1) Texas Hold'em
(2) Lucky Eagle Casino
(3) Texas Penal Code Section 10, Chapter 47, Gambling
(4) Texas Online Gambling Laws
Save
#1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag
BetOnline.ag is one of the most reputable online poker sites that still cater to United States players and ALL grinders worldwide. Claim your 100% poker bonus and/or FREE $25 sports bet!
- New players can earn up to $1,000 in bonus cash on their 1st deposit.
- Ridiculously crisp software and graphics - no lag whatsoever online or on your mobile device.
- Super easy to deposit on - #1 credit card acceptance rate ANYWHERE; Cryptocurrency also accepted!
- 24/7 live support, VERY FAST payout speeds and built-in sportsbook and casino.
- $25 FREE BET available and other perks you can use at their online or LIVE DEALER casino.
EDITOR'S NOTE: BetOnline welcomes players from ALL 50 states and from ALL OVER THE WORLD w/ limited restrictions.
(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:(1) Bingo Ball Draw--A pulling of a bingo ball(s) to determine the winner of an event ticket by either the number or color on the ball(s).(2) Deal--A separate and specific game of pull-tab bingo tickets of the same serial number and form number.(3) Face--The side of a pull-tab bingo ticket, which displays the artwork of a specific game.(4) Flare--A poster or placard that must display:(A) a form number of a specific pull-tab bingo game;(B) the name of the pull-tab bingo game;(C) the total card count of the pull-tab bingo game;(D) the cost per pull-tab bingo ticket;(E) the number of prizes to be awarded and the corresponding prize amounts of the pull-tab bingo game; and(F) the name of the manufacturer or trademark.(5) Form Number--The unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer to a specific pull-tab bingo game. A form number may be numeric, alpha, or a combination of numeric and alpha characters.(6) High Tier--The two highest paying prize amounts as designated on the pull-tab bingo ticket and on the game's flare.(7) Last Sale--The purchaser of the last pull-tab bingo ticket(s) sold in a deal with this feature is awarded a prize or a registration for the opportunity to win a prize.(8) Merchandise--Any non-cash item(s), including bingo equipment, provided to a licensed authorized organization that is used as a prize.(9) Pay-Out--The total sum of all possible prize amounts in a pull-tab bingo game.(10) Payout Schedule--A printed schedule prepared by the manufacturer that displays:(A) the name of the pull-tab bingo game;(B) the form number of the pull-tab bingo game;(C) the total card count of the pull-tab bingo game;(D) the cost per pull-tab bingo ticket;(E) the number of prizes to be awarded and the corresponding prize amount or jackpot for each category of the pull-tab bingo game;(F) the number of winners for each category of prize;(G) the profit of the pull-tab bingo game;(H) the percentage of payout or the percentage of profit of the pull-tab bingo game; and(I) the payout(s) of the pull-tab bingo game.(11) Payout Structure--The printed information that appears on a pull-tab bingo ticket that shows the winnable prize amounts, the winning patterns required to win a prize, and the number of winners for each category of prize.(12) Prize--An award of collectible items, merchandise, cash, bonus pull-tabs, and additional pull-tab bingo tickets, individually or in any combination.(13) Prize Amount--The value of cash and/or merchandise which is awarded as a prize, as valued under §402.200(f) of this chapter. A collectable item is considered merchandise for determining allowable prize amounts.(14) Serial Number--The unique identification number assigned by the manufacturer identifying a specific deal of pull-tab bingo tickets. A serial number may be numeric, alpha, or a combination of numeric and alpha characters.(15) Subset--A part of a deal that is played as a game to itself or combined with more subsets and played as a game. Each subset may be designed to have:(A) a designated payout; or(B) a series of designated payouts. Subsets must be of the same form and serial number to have a combined designated payout or a series of designated payouts.(16) Symbol--A graphic representation of an object other than a numeric or alpha character.(17) Video Confirmation--A graphic and dynamic representation of the outcome of a bingo event ticket that will have no effect on the result of the winning or losing event ticket.(18) Wheels--Devices that determine event ticket winner(s) by a spin of a wheel.(19) Consecutive bingo occasions within one day--More than one bingo occasion conducted by an organization or organizations in the same unit within a 24-hour period without any intervening occasions conducted by another organization or organization from a different unit, commencing at the start of the first occasion.(b) Approval of pull-tab bingo tickets.(1) A pull-tab bingo ticket may not be sold in the state of Texas, nor furnished to any person in this state nor used for play in this state until that pull-tab bingo ticket has received approval for use within the state of Texas by the Commission. The manufacturer at its own expense must present their pull-tab bingo ticket to the Commission for approval.(2) All pull-tab bingo ticket color artwork with a letter of introduction including style of play must be presented to the Commission's Austin, Texas location for review. The manufacturer must submit one complete color positive or hardcopy set of the color artwork for each pull-tab bingo ticket and its accompanying flare. The color artwork may be submitted in an electronic format prescribed by the Commission in lieu of the hardcopy submission. The submission must include the payout schedule. The submission must show both sides of a pull-tab bingo ticket and must be submitted on an 8 1/2' x 11' size sheet. The color artwork will show the actual size of the ticket and a 200% size of the ticket. The color artwork will clearly identify all winning and non-winning symbols. The color artwork will clearly identify the winnable patterns and combinations.(3) The color artwork for each individual pull-tab bingo ticket must:(A) display in no less than 26-point diameter circle, an impression of the Commission's seal with the words 'Texas Lottery Commission' engraved around the margin and a five-pointed star in the center;(B) contain the name of the game in a conspicuous location on the pull-tab bingo ticket;(C) contain the form number assigned by the manufacturer in a conspicuous location on the pull-tab bingo ticket;(D) contain the manufacturer's name or trademark in a conspicuous location on the pull-tab bingo ticket;(E) disclose the prize amount and number of winners for each prize amount, the number of individual pull-tab bingo tickets contained in the deal, and the cost per pull-tab bingo ticket in a conspicuous location on the pull-tab bingo ticket;(F) display the serial number where it will be printed in a conspicuous location on the pull-tab bingo ticket. The color artwork may display the word 'sample' or number '000000' in lieu of the serial number;(G) contain graphic symbols that preserve the integrity of the Commission. The Commission will not approve any pull-tab bingo ticket that displays images or text that could be interpreted as depicting violent acts, profane language, or provocative, explicit, or derogatory images or text, as determined by the Commission. All images or text are subject to final approval by the Commission; and(H) be accompanied with the color artwork of the pull-tab bingo tickets along with a list of all other colors that will be printed with the game.(4) Upon approval of the color artwork, the manufacturer may be notified by the Commission to submit a specified number of tickets for testing. The tickets must be submitted for testing to the Commission at the manufacturer's own expense. If necessary, the Commission may request that additional tickets or a deal be submitted for testing.(5) If the color artwork is approved and the pull-tab bingo tickets pass the Commission's testing, the manufacturer will be notified of the approval. This approval only extends to the specific pull-tab bingo game and the specific form number cited in the Commission's approval letter. If the pull-tab bingo ticket is modified in any way, with the exception of the serial number, index color, or trademark(s), it must be resubmitted to the Commission for approval. Changes to symbols require only an artwork approval from the Commission.(6) The Commission may require resubmission of an approved pull-tab bingo ticket at any time.(c) Disapproval of pull-tab bingo tickets.(1) Upon inspection of a pull-tab bingo ticket by the Commission, if it is deemed not to properly preserve the integrity or security of the Commission including compliance with the art work requirements of this rule, the Commission may disapprove a pull-tab bingo ticket. All pull-tab bingo tickets that are disapproved by the Commission will cease to be allowed for sale until such time as the manufacturer complies with the written instructions of the Commission, or until any discrepancies are resolved. Disapproval of and prohibition to use, purchase, sell or otherwise distribute such a pull-tab bingo ticket is effective immediately upon notice to the manufacturer by the Commission. Upon receipt of such notice, the manufacturer must immediately notify the distributor and the distributor must immediately notify affected licensed authorized organizations to cease all use, purchase, sale or other distribution of the disapproved pull-tab ticket. The distributor must provide to the Commission, within 15 days of the Commission's notice to the manufacturer, confirmation that the distributor has notified the licensed authorized organization that the pull-tab ticket has been disapproved and sale and use of the disapproved ticket must cease immediately.(2) If modified by the manufacturer all disapproved pull-tab bingo tickets may be resubmitted to the Commission. No sale of disapproved tickets will be allowed until the resubmitted tickets have passed security testing by the Commission. At any time the manufacturer may withdraw any disapproved pull-tab bingo tickets from further consideration. (3) The Commission may disapprove a pull-tab bingo game at any stage of review, which includes artwork review and security testing, or at any time in the duration of a pull-tab bingo game. The disapproval of a pull-tab bingo ticket is administratively final.(d) Manufacturing requirements.(1) Manufacturers of pull-tab bingo tickets must manufacture, assemble, and package each deal in such a manner that none of the winning pull-tab bingo tickets, nor the location, or approximate location of any winning pull-tab bingo ticket can be determined in advance of opening the deal by any means or device. Nor should the winning pull-tab bingo tickets, or the location or approximate location of any winning pull-tab bingo ticket be determined in advance of opening the deal by manufacture, printing, color variations, assembly, packaging markings, or by use of a light. Each manufacturer is subject to inspection by the Commission, its authorized representative, or designee.(2) All winning pull-tab bingo tickets as identified on the payout schedule must be randomly distributed and mixed among all other pull-tab bingo tickets of the same serial number in a deal regardless of the number of packages, boxes, or other containers in which the deal is packaged. The position of any winning pull-tab bingo ticket of the same serial numbers must not demonstrate a pattern within the deal or within a portion of the deal. If a deal of pull-tabs is packed in more than one box or container, no individual container may indicate that it includes a winner or contains a disproportionate share of winning or losing tickets.(3) Each deal's package, box, or other container shall be sealed at the manufacturer's factory with a seal including a warning to the purchaser that the deal may have been tampered with if the package, box, or other container was received by the purchaser with the seal broken.(4) Each deal's serial number shall be clearly and legibly placed on the outside of the deal's package, box or other container or be able to be viewed from the outside of the package, box or container.(5) A flare must accompany each deal.(6) The information contained in subsection (a)(3)(A), (B), (C), (D), and (F) of this section shall be located on the outside of each deal's sealed package, box, or other container.(7) Manufacturers must seal or tape, with tamper resistant seal or tape, every entry point into a package, box or container of pull-tab bingo tickets prior to shipment. The seal or tape must be of such construction as to guarantee that should the container be opened or tampered with, such tampering or opening would be easily discernible.(8) All high tier winning instant pull-tab bingo tickets must utilize a secondary form of winner verification.(9) Each individual pull-tab bingo ticket must be constructed so that, until opened by a player, it is substantially impossible, in the opinion of the Commission, to determine its concealed letter(s), number(s) or symbol(s).(10) No manufacturer may sell or otherwise provide to a distributor and no distributor may sell or otherwise provide to a licensed authorized organization of this state or for use in this state any pull-tab bingo game that does not contain a minimum prize payout of 65% of total receipts if completely sold out.(11) A manufacturer in selling or providing pull-tab bingo tickets to a distributor shall seal or shrink-wrap each package, box, or container of a deal completely in a clear wrapping material.(12) Pull-tab bingo tickets must:(A) be constructed of cardboard and glued or otherwise securely sealed along all four edges of the pull-tab bingo ticket and between the individual perforated break-open tab(s) on the ticket. The glue must be of sufficient strength and type so as to prevent the separation of the sides of a pull-tab bingo ticket;(B) have letters, numbers or symbols that are concealed behind perforated window tab(s), and allow such letters, numbers or symbols to be revealed only after the player has physically removed the perforated window tab(s);(C) prevent the determination of a winning or losing pull-tab bingo ticket by any means other than the physical removal of the perforated window tab(s) by the player;(D) be designed so that the numbers and symbols are a minimum of 2/32 (4/64) inch from the dye-cut window perforations;(E) be designed so that the lines or arrows that identify the winning symbol combinations will be a minimum of 5/32 inch from the open edge farthest from the hinge of the dye-cut window perforations; (F) be designed so that highlighted 'pay-code' designations that identify the winning symbol combinations will be a minimum of 3.5/32 (7/64) inch from the dye-cut window perforations;(G) be designed so that secondary winner protection codes appear in the left margin of the ticket, unless the secondary winner protection codes are randomly generated serial number-type winner protection codes. Randomly generated serial number-type winner protection codes will be randomly located in either the left or middle column of symbols and will be designed so that the numbers are a minimum of 3.5/32 (7/64) inch from the dye-cut window perforations. Any colored line or bar or background used to highlight the winner protection code will be a minimum 3.5/32 (7/64) inch from the dye-cut window perforations;(H) have the Commission's seal placed on all pull-tab bingo tickets by only a licensed manufacturer; and(I) be designed so that the name of the manufacturer or its distinctive logo, form number and serial number unique to the deal, name of the game, price of the ticket, and the payout structure remain when the letters, numbers, and symbols are revealed.(13) Wheels must be submitted to the Commission for approval. As a part of the approval process, the following requirements must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Commission:(A) wheels must be able to spin at least four times with reasonable effort;(B) wheels must only contain the same number or symbols as represented on the event ticket; and(C) locking mechanisms must be installed on wheel(s) to prevent play outside the licensed authorized organization's licensed time(s).(14) A manufacturer must include with each pull-tab bingo ticket deal instructions for how the pull-tab bingo ticket can be played in a manner consistent with the Bingo Enabling Act and this chapter. The instructions are not required to cover every potential method of playing the pull-tab bingo ticket deal.Bingo Laws In Texas For Senior Organizations
(e) Sales and redemption.(1) Instant pull-tab bingo tickets from a single deal may be sold by a licensed authorized organization over multiple occasions. A licensed authorized organization may bundle pull-tab bingo tickets of different form numbers and may sell those bundled pull-tab tickets. Pull-tab tickets may be sold up to one hour before an occasion, but they may only be redeemed during an occasion.(2) Except as provided by paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection, the event used to determine the winner(s) of an event pull-tab bingo ticket deal must occur during the same bingo occasion at which the first event pull-tab bingo ticket from that deal was sold. A winning event pull-tab ticket must be presented for payment during the same bingo occasion at which the event occurred.(3) For a licensed authorized organization that conducts bingo through a unit created and operated under Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter I-1, any organization in the unit may sell or redeem event pull-tab tickets from a deal on the premises specified in their bingo licenses and during such licensed time on consecutive occasions within one 24-hour period.(4) For a licensed authorized organization that conducts bingo on consecutive occasions within one day, the organization or organizations within a unit may sell or redeem event pull-tab tickets from a deal during either occasion and may account for and report all of the pull-tab bingo ticket sales and prizes for the occasions as sales and prizes for the final occasion.(5) Licensed authorized organizations may not display or sell any pull-tab bingo ticket which has in any manner been marked, defaced, tampered with, or which otherwise may deceive the public or affect a person's chances of winning.(6) A licensed authorized organization may not withdraw a deal of instant pull-tab bingo tickets from play until the entire deal is completely sold out or all winning instant pull-tab bingo tickets of $25.00 prize winnings or more have been redeemed, or the bingo occasion ends.(7) A licensed authorized organization may not commingle different serial numbers of the same form number of pull-tab bingo tickets.(8) A winning instant pull-tab bingo ticket must be presented for payment during the licensed authorized organization's bingo occasion(s) at which the instant pull-tab bingo ticket is available for sale.(9) The licensed authorized organization's gross receipts from the sale of pull-tab bingo tickets must be included in the reported total gross receipts for the organization, except that an organization or organizations within a unit that conducts consecutive bingo occasions during one day may account for and report all of the pull-tab bingo ticket sales for the occasions as sales for the final occasion. An organization or unit that chooses to account for pull-tab bingo ticket sales for consecutive bingo occasions during one day as sales for the final occasion must also account for pull-tab bingo ticket prizes awarded over those occasions as prizes awarded for the final occasion. Each deal of pull-tab bingo tickets must be accounted for in sales, prizes or unsold cards.(10) A licensed authorized organization may use video confirmation to display the results of an event ticket pull-tab bingo game(s). Video confirmation will have no effect on the play or results of any ticket or game.(11) A licensed authorized organization must sell the pull-tab ticket for the price printed on the pull-tab ticket.(12) Immediately upon payment of a winning pull-tab ticket of $25.00 or more, the licensed authorized organization must punch a hole with a standard hole punch through or otherwise mark or deface that winning pull-tab bingo ticket.(f) Inspection. The Commission, its authorized representative or designee may examine and inspect any individual pull-tab bingo ticket or deal of pull-tab bingo tickets and may pull all remaining pull-tab bingo tickets in an unsold deal.(g) Records.(1) Any licensed authorized organization selling pull-tab bingo tickets must maintain a purchase log showing the date of the purchase, the form number and corresponding serial number of the purchased pull-tab bingo tickets.(2) Licensed authorized organizations must show the sale of pull-tab bingo tickets, prizes that were paid and the form number and serial number of the pull-tab bingo tickets on the occasion cash report, except that an organization or organizations within a unit that conducts consecutive bingo occasions during one day may account for and report all of the pull-tab bingo ticket sales for the occasions as sales for the final occasion. An organization or unit that chooses to account for pull-tab bingo ticket sales for consecutive bingo occasions during one day as sales for the final occasion must also account for pull-tab bingo ticket prizes awarded over those occasions as prizes awarded for the final occasion. The aggregate total sales for the licensed authorized organization must be recorded on the cash register or point of sale station.(3) Licensed authorized organizations must maintain a perpetual inventory of all pull-tab bingo games. They must account for all sold and unsold pull-tab bingo tickets and pull-tab bingo tickets designated for destruction. The licensed authorized organization will be responsible for the gross receipts and prizes associated with the unaccounted for pull-tab bingo tickets.(4) As long as a specific pull-tab bingo game serial number is in play, all records, reports, receipts and redeemed winning pull-tab bingo tickets of $25.00 or more relating to this specific pull-tab bingo game serial number must be retained on the licensed premises for examination by the Commission.(5) If a deal is removed from play and marked for destruction then all redeemed and unsold pull-tab bingo tickets of the deal must be retained by the licensed authorized organization for a period of four years from the date the deal is taken out of play or until the destruction of the deal is witnessed by the Commission, its authorized representative or designee.(6) Manufacturers and distributors must provide the following information on each invoice and other document used in connection with a sale, return, or any type of transfer of pull-tab bingo tickets:(A) date of sale;(B) quantity sold;(C) cost per each deal of pull-tab bingo game sold;(D) form number and serial number of each pull-tab bingo game's deal;(E) name and address of the purchaser; and(F) Texas taxpayer number of the purchaser.(7) All licensed organizations must retain these records for a period of four years.Texas Bingo Laws
(h) Style of Play. The following pull-tab bingo tickets are authorized by this rule. A last sale feature can be utilized on any pull-tab bingo ticket.(1) Sign-up Board. A form of pull-tab bingo that is played with a sign-up board. Sign-up board tickets that contain a winning numeric, alpha or symbol instantly win the stated prize or qualify to advance to the sign-up board. The sign-up board that serves as the game flare is where identified winning sign-up board ticket holders may register for the opportunity to win the prize indicated on the sign-up board.(2) Sign-up Board Ticket. A sign up board ticket is a form of pull-tab bingo played with a sign-up board. A single window or multiple windows sign-up board ticket reveals a winning (or losing) numeric, alpha or symbol that corresponds with the sign-up board.(3) Tip Board. A form of pull-tab game where perforated tickets attached to a placard that have a predetermined winner under a seal.(4) Coin Board. A placard that contains prizes consisting of coin(s). Coin boards can have a sign-up board as part of its placard.(5) Coin Board Ticket. A form of pull-tab bingo that when opened reveals a winning number or symbol that corresponds with the coin board.(6) Event Ticket. A form of pull-tab bingo that utilizes some subsequent action to determine the event ticket winner(s), such as a drawing of ball(s), spinning wheel, opening of a seal on a flare(s) or any other method approved by the Commission so long as that method has designated numbers, letters, or symbols that conform to the randomly selected numbers or symbols. When a flare is used to determine winning tickets, the flare shall have the same form number and serial number as the event tickets. Pull-tab bingo tickets used as event tickets must contain more than two instant winners.(7) Instant Ticket. A form of pull-tab bingo that has pre-determined winners and losers and has immediate recognition of the winners and losers.(8) Multiple Part Event or Multiple Part Instant Ticket. A pull-tab bingo ticket that is broken apart and sold in sections by a licensed authorized organization. Each section of the ticket consists of a separate deal with its own corresponding payout structure, form number, serial number, and winner verification.(9) Jackpot Pull-Tab Game. A style of pull-tab game that has a stated prize and a chance at a jackpot prize(s). A portion of the stated payout is contributed to the jackpot prize(s). Each jackpot is continuous for the same form number and continues until a jackpot prize(s) is awarded; provided that, any jackpot prize(s) must not exceed the statutory limits.(10) Video Confirmation shall be subject to Commission approval.