Bill
Bill > SB765
summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Charitable gaming; poker tournaments and events. Defines poker event for the purposes of charitable gaming to mean a Texas Hold'em poker game or Texas Hold'em poker tournament in which (i) a schedule of fixed and variable fees for entry into the poker event and the number of chips received for such fees is established and posted; (ii) chips with cash value are permitted to be used; (iii) games and tournaments may be run concurrently; (iv) no limit applies to how many poker events occur during the time listed on the permit for such poker event; and (v) a seating fee may be charged at a rate of up to $8 up to once every 30 minutes. The bill removes from the definition of Texas Hold'em poker tournament the requirement that running out of poker chips eliminates an individual from the competition and raises the participation age of poker events from 18 to 21 years of age. The bill prohibits unlimited rebuys after the first two hours of tournament play or until the first break with one add-on permitted at the end of the rebuy period. The bill requires any qualified organization that conducts any poker event to use at least 20 percent of its poker adjusted gross receipts, defined in the bill, from the conduct of Texas Hold'em poker tournaments for (a) those lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized or (b) those expenses related to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or repair of any interest in real property involved in the operation of the organization and used for lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes. The bill also outlines certain specifics related to the conduct of poker events, including remuneration to operators and tips or gratuities paid to dealers and employees of such operators. Finally, the bill prohibits any qualified organization from permitting a Texas Hold’em poker game that is not a Texas Hold’em poker tournament to be conducted outside of its social quarters or from permitting participation in such game by any person who is not a bona fide member of the organization.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the regulations surrounding charitable gaming, specifically concerning Texas Hold'em poker events. It redefines a "poker event" to include Texas Hold'em poker games and tournaments with established fee structures for entry and chips, allowing for chips with cash value, concurrent games, and unlimited poker events within a permit's timeframe, while also permitting a seating fee of up to $8 every 30 minutes. The bill removes the previous requirement that running out of chips eliminates a player from a tournament and raises the minimum age to participate in poker events from 18 to 21. It also introduces new rules for rebuys (optional purchases of additional chips during a tournament) and add-ons (a single additional chip purchase allowed at the end of the rebuy period), limiting unlimited rebuys to the first two hours or until the first break, with only one add-on permitted. Furthermore, qualified organizations conducting poker events must now allocate at least 20 percent of their "poker adjusted gross receipts" (total money from poker games minus prize money) to their stated charitable, religious, community, or educational purposes, or for expenses related to acquiring, constructing, maintaining, or repairing property used for these purposes. The bill also clarifies specifics on operator fees and tips for dealers and employees, and prohibits Texas Hold'em games that are not tournaments from being held outside of an organization's social quarters or played by non-members.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House requested conference committee (on 02/27/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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