Why Did the Texas Poker Bill Die in 2009?
A Texas Poker Bill introduced to the state legislature this year has officially been killed-for now. Although not exactly voted down (or voted on at all), it was allowed to die through a bureaucratic loophole. House Bill 222, aka “The Texas Poker Bill”, proposed allowing poker games to be legally held at racetracks. The poker games and tournaments would be conducted under the supervision of the Texas Lottery Commission. The version of the Texas Poker Bill that made its way to the Texas legislature was significantly scaled down for an earlier version of the bill that was much broader is scope.
This bill was going to be closely monitored by the Texas Lottery Commission, making sure it stayed in compliance with the bill at hand. The House Bill 222, the bill most everyone called “The Texas Poker Bill” would allow poker games to be conducted at racetracks statewide.
The original version of this bill allowed poker games at local bars and restaurants. The original bill was argued, some saying that it would protect player’s homes from thieves robbing an in-game session, or police raids as well. But after reviewing the bill extensively things had to be toned down a bit. This most recent bill that has been brought before the Texas legislature has been scaled down pretty significantly.
Initially, supporters of the Texas Poker Bill thought it had a good chance to pass. The state of Texas is facing a large budget deficit this year. Meanwhile, millions of dollars leave the sate every year when Texas residents cross the borders to gamble in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
The bill was hotly contested by some, because of the amount of revenue the state would be losing in gambling taxes. Texas was facing a very significant budget deficit already, and taking away a gambling tax that the state had relied on wasn’t the most popular idea. They realized that Texas residents would flee to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico to satisfy their gaming needs, losing millions for the state. Initially, supporters thought the Texas Poker Bill had a good chance to pass, however they couldn’t have been wrong.
However, the bill just seemed destined to fail, as just before the bill was about to go up for voting, the government relieved the state of Texas of its budget deficit with federal stimulus money leaving no urgency for extra revenue for the state. Texas State Governor Rick Perry made it abundantly clear that he would veto any bill, expanding gambling with in his state. So really no matter had the bill gotten the 100 votes needed to pass, it would have not made much difference to the Governor.
Texas State Representative Jose Menendez however had an interesting solution, to the problem. Understanding that the bill was no longer going to pass, Menendez proposed a discussion, and vote that the bill be postponed until June 2nd 2009. This was an interesting solution to the problem. The bill had not been voted down therefore was eligible to be re-submitted to the legislature on the June 2nd date.
Unfortunately, the legislature only meets every two years. Which means this bill will not be able to be put up for vote until 2010 but more like 2011 before it is voted on and passed. Its seems as if there is still life in the bill but supporters will need the extra time to do everything they can to get it to pass in two years.

