It has always been one of the strange ironies of poker that Texas Hold’em poker is not legal in Texas. There have been attempts to change the law, but the most recent and promising is House Bill 222, which was introduced by Texas Representative Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio) in November of 2008. Though his last attempt fizzled in committee in 2007, the new bill looks to have widespread support and will be discussed on the floor of the Texas House tomorrow.

HB 222 is also known as the Poker Gaming Act of 2009 and seeks to authorize and regulate poker in the state of Texas. While Menendez has long supported the legalization of poker, he cited one of the reasons for his refurbished bill as the rash of armed robberies in the Texas underground poker arena and the resulting need for public safety via the law.

The bill calls begins with a declaration that “poker is a game of skill” and that “unregulated poker gaming conducted by unlicensed operators in public establishments is inimical to the public health, safety, welfare, and good order.” It also states that “the development of regulated poker gaming in this state will benefit the general welfare of the people of this state by enhancing investment, development, and tourism in this state, resulting in new jobs and addition revenue to this state.”

Further in the 70-page bill is a list of possible issuances of poker gaming licenses to Indian tribes, charitable organizations, pari-mutuel establishments, and bars and taverns. Those who receive licenses would report to the Texas Lottery Commission, which is the authorized body that would be instrumental in working with state agencies to establish the regulations by which all licensees would be bound. In addition, the bill discusses the formation of the Poker Gaming Revenue Fund, an account to work with tax authorities in order to distribute 50 percent of the net proceeds of poker gaming revenue for non-profit organizations and local municipalities that would use the funds for services for and prevention of homelessness, renovation of homeless shelters, transition for the homeless to permanent housing, and medical and psychological help for the homeless. The remainder of the revenue proceeds would be invested in the Texas housing trust fund.

The hearing for HB 222 is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25th, and testimony will be given by poker players and others who support the proposed legislation. The public’s support, via remote contact to representatives or in person at the Capitol building, is encouraged.

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