PPA gets one step closer to legalising Texas Hold’em in Texas

April 3, 2009

A bill that would legalise poker in Texas has been passed by the House committee that oversees gambling issues. It is somewhat ironic that the state that gives Texas Hold’em its name has very restrictive laws preventing any real organisation of one of its finest exports - the game that has swept the world. In Texas it is perfectly legal to play poker for fun or to play for money in a private home - but once the house or the dealer profits the game immediately becomes illegal - a consequence that has pushed its poker scene into the shadows.

Rep. Jose Menendez’ bill was passed by 6-3 with the agreement that local community elections will be held to allow the people of Texas to vote on whether to legalise the game.

If Texan cities do vote to legalise poker, the state would issue poker licenses to establishments and allow them to collect fees on poker hands and game buy-ins in exchange from tax based on their revenue.

“The vast majority of communities in Texas will hold successful elections allowing Texas Hold’em at specific locations,” said Mike Lavigne, state director of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA). “This is a smart way to allow local control over what will quickly become an economic development issue.”

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