AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker TITLE: Bills to Legalize Poker & Casinos in Texas Introduced DATE: 9:38 AM ----- BODY: It appears Texas state coffers are running so dry, that not one, but 3
separate bills have been introduced relating to poker and casino gambling as
a means of generating revenues for Texas. Legislation to regulate poker in
Texas was filed in the Texas House last Thursday March 8. Bill HB 3186
defines poker as a game of skill and proposes a set of guidelines for
thousands of Texans who already play poker to follow. The bill was filed by
Representative Jose Menendez (D) of San Antonio. 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. "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 Political Action Committee (PAC), a grassroots organization
created to encourage legal, safe and accessible poker in Texas. The
legislation also specifically allows for charitable poker, which would be
overseen again by the Lottery Commission. HB 3186 would mean bigger and more
successful regular charitable tournaments benefiting a variety of important
Texas 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." --------