Texas Poker Bill is Dead

Bad news for poker players in Texas. House Bill 3186 has died. Filed by State Representative Jose Menendez of San Antonio, this piece of legislation would have allowed establishments to have up to four live or electronic poker tables. This would have made Texas Hold’em legal and required the Lottery Commission to regulate it. The bill would have also allowed charitable poker to be played for a wide array of important Texas issues.

Many had hoped that HB 3186 might also act as a catalyst towards legalizing gambling in the state. Despite its vast size and close proximity to states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, there are no casinos in Texas.

The measure was dropped from further consideration after it failed to reach the floor for its second reading before the midnight deadline. It didn’t help that it was placed way down the 23-page calendar, which includes hundreds of items for discussion.

Supporters like Mike Lavigne, treasurer of the Texas Poker Political Action Committee (dedicated to encouraging safe and legal poker in Texas) were present at the Austin State Capitol to watch the clock slowly tick its way to midnight. Not surprisingly, many supporters present went away wondering if Texas would ever get with the times.

In an interview with ESPN Radio in Dallas, Rep. Menendez said, “I’m very disappointed. A lot of my colleagues are afraid that this voting for legalizing poker might hurt them in their next election. In particular, my Republican friends are the ones that are afraid of their primary voters.”

Menendez went on to add that the bill was intended to create highly structured regulations for a pastime widely supported by Texas residents in numerous public opinion polls. He did not say if he would attempt to reintroduce the legislation.

For more articles on gambling legislations, please read the following:

Rep. Shelley Berkley Introduces Online Gambling Legislation

Asian Countries to Legalize Casino Gambling

Texas Poker Bill is Dead