Texas poker bill goes to vote next week

Despite Texas Hold'em being one of poker's most certifiable claims to fame, real-money poker for profit still isn't legal in Texas. Until, possibly, next week.

A recent bill engineered by San Antonio state representative Jose Menendez is about to go up for a full vote in the state House of Representatives, with legal, real-money, public poker its objective.

Poker has been allowed previously in Texas, of course, as long as nobody financially benefits from the game outside of its players.

But this bill allows for poker at racetracks, bars and entertainment establishments, with gaming licenses approved by the state and usually limiting operators to small-scale poker rooms under four tables.

"Poker could bring in millions of dollars in tourism and television," Menendez told the San Antonio Express-News, "instead of being a law enforcement liability.

"Texas ought to benefit from the game."

Texans could be playing legal public poker early next year if the bill goes through, and it only needs a simple majority in the House to pass.

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