How the Texas Poker Bill Ended Up Dead in 2009

A recent bill that was presented to the state was allowed to just die off without even voting on it. It was unclear at first as to why they were allowed to just kill it off, but later realized it was a bureaucratic loophole in the system.

This new bill proposed, was going to allow poker games to be held at racetracks state wide. The House bill 222 called by most the “The Texas Poker Bill” was going to be closely monitored by the Texas Lottery Commission.

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 contested because the state loses millions of dollars every year due to Texas residents crossing the border to gamble in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. With that in mind the state of Texas is facing a very large budget deficit, and the extra taxed revenue would be huge for the state. Initially, supporters thought the Texas Poker Bill had a good chance at passing but couldn’t have been more 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.

There was another option. Jose Menendez a Texas State Representative and strong supporter of the bill came up with a possible solution. Menendez proposed a discussion, and vote re-introduce the bill on June 2nd 2009, ironically one day after the new legislation is set. He argued that because the bill had not been voted on that it was eligible to be re-submitted to the legislature a second time.

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.

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