TEXAS POKER REVOLUTION PETITION  

We feel that with support of this legislation the following points should be noted:

(1) poker is a game of skill and not a lottery or gift enterprise prohibited by the Texas Constitution;

(2) unregulated poker gaming conducted by unlicensed operators in public establishments is inimical to the public health, safety, welfare, and good order. A person in this state may not offer and has no right to offer the game of poker for profit except as expressly permitted by the laws of this state;

(3) 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 additional revenue to this state;

(4) the conduct of regulated poker gaming by licensed operators in authorized establishments will not harm the people of this state;

(5) the regulation of poker gaming in this state is important to ensure that poker gaming; (A) is conducted honestly and competitively; and (B) is free from criminal and other corruptive elements;

(6) public confidence and trust can be maintained only by strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations, and activities related to the conduct of poker gaming and the poker gaming service industry;

(7) persons owning any interest in an operator licensed to conduct poker gaming and in distributing materials and specific equipment relating to poker gaming must be licensed and controlled to protect the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of this state;

(8) certain operators and employees of establishments authorized to conduct poker gaming and certain manufacturers and distributors in the poker gaming service industry must be regulated, licensed, and controlled to accomplish and promote these public policies while protecting the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of this state; and

(9) it is the intent of this chapter, where possible, to use the resources, goods, labor, and services of the people of this state in the operation of poker gaming-related amenities to the extent allowable by law.

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•This should be a stand-alone bill, and should have no electronic gaming attached to it.

• To be over seen by Texas Lottery Commission

• For a license to conduct poker gaming the Operator would limit the number of players to 300; for a license to conduct poker gaming for a (special event) charitable poker tournament would be limited to 2,500

• Table Limits; Tournaments: A licensed operator to conduct poker gaming the Operator would establish table limits for each poker gaming table. (a) The licensed operator may conduct tournaments at any time and charge a buy-in fee not to exceed $500 and a tournament registration fee not to exceed $50; and (b) for a license to conduct poker gaming for a ( special event) charitable poker tournament would be limited to $10,000.00 and a registration fee not to exceed $100 .

• Table Limits; Cash Games:( a) no limit games would be limited to $1-$2 , $2-$5 and $5- $10 .( b) for limit games it would be limited to $2-$4 and $4 - $8. • Each licensed operator shall collect a collection fee on each poker hand played. The collection fee may not exceed 10 percent of the communal pot in each hand of poker played, with a maximum of $5 per hand..

• A promotion bonus fee may not exceed $1 per hand. (b) The promotion bonus fee shall be remitted to this state, after deducting the gross receipts tax, the fee used for bonus programs, and administrative fees not to exceed 20 percent of the promotion bonus fee.

• Individuals between the ages 18- 21 years old may play poker only in facility is where alcohol is not sold.

• Only licensed, authorized organizations can conduct Poker games in Texas. These organizations may include religious societies, nonprofit organizations, fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations and volunteer fire departments.

• Charitable Poker would be a regulated fundraising activity conducted by charities, fraternal organizations, or other nonprofit entities qualifying under the Bingo Enabling Act. All proceeds from charitable bingo activities must be spent for the charitable purposes and objectives of the organization.

• A minimum of 30 percent of adjusted gross receipts must be disbursed, on a quarterly basis, from an authorized organization’s bingo account for the charitable purpose and objectives of the organization. All net proceeds from an authorized organization’s Poker account shall be devoted to the organization’s charitable purpose and objectives.

• A financial statement certified by a certified public accountant demonstrating that the applicant holds gross capital assets, including land and buildings, of at least $50,000

• Dealer’s License would be required. A person may not act as a dealer unless the person holds a dealer's license.

• A Poker Advisory Committee (PAC) would be established, as was the Bingo Advisory Committee (BAC) for the legalization of Bingo

Why reform Poker laws?

For years before the legalization of Bingo, millions of Texans played Bingo illegally in underground games, similar to what Poker players are doing presently. We propose to do similar legislation for legalization of Poker as was done for bingo in the early 1980’s. Instead of driving miles to out-of-state casinos and in doing so placing our Texans’ dollars across the borders, we propose to have local, licensed, authorized organizations that can conduct Poker games in Texas. These organizations may include religious societies, nonprofit organizations, fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations and volunteer fire departments. Who would benefit from charitable Poker distributions In Texas? A wide range of charitable causes, including local libraries, veterans organizations, museums, women’s shelters, needy children, the disabled, homeless shelters, churches, schools, addiction treatment programs, medical treatment and research programs, volunteer fire departments and senior citizens groups, just to name a few. Where would the money spent by charitable Poker players go? A minimum of 30 percent of adjusted gross receipts must be disbursed, on a quarterly basis, from an authorized organization’s Poker account for the charitable purpose and objectives of the organization. All net proceeds from an authorized organization’s Poker account shall be devoted to the organization’s charitable purpose and objectives. By signing this petition you agree that Texas Law Makers should legalize Poker. Poker is a legitimate game of skill and should be legalized.

By signing this petition you are telling law makers we want Poker and are willing to block votes for candidates that do not support Poker (if necessary).. Thank you for your support.