A bill has been introduced in the legislature of the State of Texas that would legalize poker games conducted in certain locations, with considerable state regulation (Poker Gaming Act of 2013: State of Texas Bill (HB 292 filed 12/17/2012)).
The bill would allow existing pari-mutuel facilities, bingo halls and tribal entities to apply for licenses to conduct poker games on their premises only. Of note, the bill specifically prohibits the use of electronic gaming equipment and electronic poker games, including Internet poker.
This bill represents an interesting turn in the shifting Internet poker law landscape. Whether or not the State of Texas ultimately passes this bill into law, and whether other states follow suit with a more lenient land-based poker environment while prohibiting Internet poker, will be of utmost importance to gaming attorneys and those interested in Internet poker law in general.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic or pursuing a venture in this area, please feel free to contact us.
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