Poker Legalization Bill Passes House Committee In Texas

Lawmakers in the state of Texas have finally realized what many residents have been saying. That the game of Texas Hold'em poker is popular, and is currently being run underground because of laws in the state.

The Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee has passed through a Bill that would legalize the game of poker in Texas. The vote was 6-3 in favor of the Bill. The Bill is aimed at giving local communities the right to vote on whether to allow poker.

"The vast majority of communities in Texas will hold successful elections allowing Texas Hold'em at specific locations," said State Director of the Poker Players Alliance, Mike Lavigne, "This is a smart way to allow local control over what will quickly become an economic development issue."

Representative Jose Menendez is the sponsor of the Bill, and he feels that the current laws are driving people to play at underground games. He wants the laws to reflect the will of the society.

It is currently legal to play poker in Texas, but the house cannot profit from the games. Once the house or the dealers profit, the game becomes illegal. The new Bill would call for establishments to obtain poker licenses, and then to be taxed on their winnings.

April 2, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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