Texas Poker Would Generate $155 Million a Year - Posted by Michael Fomkin

But the Bill Is Still Stuck in Committee Despite Large Number of Supporters
 
More than 60 people came out to support a bill in Texas that would make it legal to play poker in certain bars there, but despite the support, the bill still remains in the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee.
 
That might change when committee members see the amount that the state’s comptroller’s office estimates will be generated by taxing poker in Texas.
 
According to an employee in Rep. Jose Menendez’s office, who is the bill’s sponsor, the comptroller estimates that $35 million would be generated in the first year. By 2012, more than $155 million would be generated by poker in Texas, an estimate that Menendez’s office thinks is a little low.
 
The bill would allow poker to be spread in licensed public establishments, would regulate the game to ensure public safety and fairness, and would officially recognize poker as a game of skill in Texas.
 
The bill would allow places that have liquor licenses to apply for a license to hold live poker games. Not all watering holes would be eligible. Only places that pull in a significant amount of money per month would be able to apply. Temporary “charity” licenses would also be made available.
 
Bars would be limited to four poker tables while the pari-mutuels would be allowed to have more, but hat number has not yet been chosen.