OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND MORALS. In this chapter: (1) 'Bet' means an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance. Texas Law Enforcement Clamps Down On Illegal Gaming, Dallas PD Seizes $49K in Two Days. Posted on: April 11, 2020, 10:46h. Last updated on: April 12, 2020, 10:58h.
Classy coin casino. Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling and its laws can cover a wide variety of activities. Under Texas law, (Penal Code ยง47.02) gambling is considered a criminal offense if someone:
makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest
makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.
The law does provide for some exceptions such as participating in the state lotteryor placing bets on horse and greyhound dog races (sometimes referred to as pari-mutuel wagering). The law also provides for some affirmative defenses to prosecution:
the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants
Gambling In Texas Tours
Additional exceptions include if the person reasonably believed their conduct:
Gaming In Texas
was permitted under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code; (Charitable Bingo)
was permitted under Chapter 2002, Occupations Code; (Charitable Raffles)
was permitted under Chapter 2004, Occupations Code; (Sports Charity Raffles)
Indian Gaming In Texas
The first page of this guide will provide you with an overview of the Texas laws on gambling while the subsequent pages will discuss more specific topics like bingo, eight-liners and poker.