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Texans Asked to Support Bill HB222 to Legalize Poker in TexasMon, Jan 26th, 2009 @ 12:00am Texas poker players are being asked to take action to show their support of the Poker Gaming Act of 2009 (HB222), introduced last November by Rep. Jose Menendez (D) of San Antonio, that seeks to regulate and legalize poker in the state. Specifically, Texas poker players are being asked to email Representatives Jose Menendez (jose.menendez@house.state.tx.us) and Joe Straus (joe.straus@house.state.tx.us) who is the new speaker of the house, whose support (or lack of opposition) will have much influence on the chances of the bill moving forward. Last session, the bill (which made it through committee, but never to the full House for a vote) estimated that it could increase coffers of Texas state government by $1.25 million over a biennium. Supporters of poker in Texas say poker players aren't going to stop, so the state might as well regulate the game, reports the Dallas Morning News. They also note that Texas can collect tax revenue and protect the public from criminal activity while freeing up urban police resources. "That way, they don't have to go in with SWAT teams to take out a bunch of old ladies," said Dan Michalski, editor and founder of the poker blog Pokerati.com that is spearheading the push to support the poker bill. Michalski, who lived and played poker in Dallas until a recent move to Las Vegas, added: "Right now, the state is not getting a dime from this except for what the police are taking off the table." ABOUT THE BILL Bill HB222 reintroduces many aspects of Menendez's former bill that attempted to legalize poker in Texas, HB 3186. The poker bill would direct the Texas Lottery Commission (working with other state agencies) to create regulatory and licensing schema for all poker providers. Operators would be taxed based on their revenue and would have to pay application and licensing fees, but they'd legally be able to collect fees on poker hands and on game buy-ins. The bill also proposes creation of a Poker Gaming Revenue Fund to support social services in the state especially activities supporting the homeless. Tournaments would be allowable under Menendez's proposed bill, but only with buy-ins up to only $100 and no more than an additional $30 in registration fees. Those caps will not attract high-profile events. Bonus programs such as bad-beat jackpots are also allowed, but with very modest caps: at present, the language in the bill calls for a $250 maximum payout if any such "bonus" is achieved. Licensing for electronic poker tables is also included within the bill. To view the entire bill, click here. Read Related Article:
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