Texas Gaming Commission

Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling and its laws can cover a wide variety of activities. Under Texas law, (Penal Code §47.02) gambling is considered a criminal offense if someone:

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• makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest
• makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
• plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.

The law does provide for some exceptions such as participating in the state lotteryor placing bets on horse and greyhound dog races (sometimes referred to as pari-mutuel wagering). The law also provides for some affirmative defenses to prosecution:

• the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
• no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
• except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants

Additional exceptions include if the person reasonably believed their conduct:

• was permitted under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code; (Charitable Bingo)
• was permitted under Chapter 2002, Occupations Code; (Charitable Raffles)
• was permitted under Chapter 2004, Occupations Code; (Sports Charity Raffles)

Texas Gaming Commission Phone Number In Austin

The first page of this guide will provide you with an overview of the Texas laws on gambling while the subsequent pages will discuss more specific topics like bingo, eight-liners and poker.

Texas Bingo Commission Home Page

• Eight Liners Operate On The Edge Of State Law. A New Bill Would Give Communities Regulatory Options

  This 2019 article from the Texas Standard discusses the fuzzy grey area that allows eight-liners to operate in Texas. The article also discusses a bill that was introduced but ultimately failed to pass during the 2019 legislation that would have given cities and counties the ability to decide whether to allow eight-liners in their jurisdiction.
• Bingo, Raffles, Gaming Rooms and Other Gambling Issues Under Texas Law [PDF]

  A 2019 publication created by the Texas Association of Counties addressing certain exceptions to the general prohibition against gambling including game rooms, eight-liners, bingo and fantasy sports. It also discusses Texas counties' authority to regulate businesses that offer these services.
• Legal Q&A: Eight-Liners [PDF]

  This 2016 publication from the Texas Municipal League answers common questions regarding 'eight-liners'.
• 8-liners in Texas: Still Illegal

  A 2016 publication from the Texas District & County Attorneys Association discussing the controversy of 8-liners and the difficulties that arise for law enforcement when attempting to enforce the law.