Bill > SB517

This bill proposes several changes to Texas gambling criminal offenses, primarily by expanding definitions and increasing criminal penalties. The bill broadens the definition of a "device" to include any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance, and expands the definition of "gambling device" to more comprehensively cover electronic games of chance. It also redefines "thing of value" to include a wider range of property, money, rights, privileges, and benefits, such as gift cards. Importantly, the bill upgrades the criminal penalty for several gambling-related offenses from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree, which typically carries more severe consequences like potential prison time. The legislation repeals a previous section of the penal code and specifies that these changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. By making these modifications, the bill aims to provide clearer legal definitions of gambling-related activities and impose stricter penalties for gambling offenses.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB517