More on HB 3186
I watched the initial hearing last night on HB 3186 and it seemed to go pretty well. Unfortunately, it still seems like this bill is going to bill hell. I admit to not knowing too much about legislative processes in this state, so I defer to the opinion of 2+2 poster brimelian in this post. According to him, the bill isn't completely dead, but we shouldn't expect much to happen in the remainder of this legislative session.
With the bad news out of the way, let's discuss some of the particulars of the bill.
First, it sounds like the rumors of it being amended to only include electronic tables are false. Rep. Menendez specifically stated in the hearing that tables could have live dealers or be electronic. Great news if this bill finds some way to pass.
Second, games could only take place in establishments that already have liquor licenses and/or para-mutual betting centers. Sexually oriented businesses are out, and free alcohol cannot be offered to players. I was hoping for the ultimate trifecta of legal poker, naked women, and free booze, but one out of three ain't bad.
The original bill stated that bars could have a maximum of four tables, while a state commission will determine the maximum number of tables at horse/dog tracks. However, it sounded like the substitute bill that was presented last night may have taken out the 4-table max for bars. I'd have to see the text to be sure.
A 4-table max would be very unfortunate. First, game selection would be fairly limited for any particular establishment. Second, local tournaments would be restricted to 40 people each. Also, speaking of tournaments, the original bill states that the maximum buy-in would be $100 with a maximum house fee of $30. Lyle Berman of the World Poker Tour was one of those who was invited by Rep. Menendez to testify last night, so hopefully some emphasis is being placed now on the potential of large buy-in special events.
Rake would be set by the establishment with the restrictions of 10% max and $4 max per pot. The state would get 18% of the total rake.
Overall the reception seemed pretty positive by the committee, and I think some guarded optimism is warranted. While it may not have much of a chance of passing this year, the movement will not stop. I encourage any Texans to call or write their congressman to stress the benefits of legalized Texas Hold 'Em for Texans.
Edit: There is a nice video clip on the front page of CNN.com of their story on the situation. Check it out.
With the bad news out of the way, let's discuss some of the particulars of the bill.
First, it sounds like the rumors of it being amended to only include electronic tables are false. Rep. Menendez specifically stated in the hearing that tables could have live dealers or be electronic. Great news if this bill finds some way to pass.
Second, games could only take place in establishments that already have liquor licenses and/or para-mutual betting centers. Sexually oriented businesses are out, and free alcohol cannot be offered to players. I was hoping for the ultimate trifecta of legal poker, naked women, and free booze, but one out of three ain't bad.
The original bill stated that bars could have a maximum of four tables, while a state commission will determine the maximum number of tables at horse/dog tracks. However, it sounded like the substitute bill that was presented last night may have taken out the 4-table max for bars. I'd have to see the text to be sure.
A 4-table max would be very unfortunate. First, game selection would be fairly limited for any particular establishment. Second, local tournaments would be restricted to 40 people each. Also, speaking of tournaments, the original bill states that the maximum buy-in would be $100 with a maximum house fee of $30. Lyle Berman of the World Poker Tour was one of those who was invited by Rep. Menendez to testify last night, so hopefully some emphasis is being placed now on the potential of large buy-in special events.
Rake would be set by the establishment with the restrictions of 10% max and $4 max per pot. The state would get 18% of the total rake.
Overall the reception seemed pretty positive by the committee, and I think some guarded optimism is warranted. While it may not have much of a chance of passing this year, the movement will not stop. I encourage any Texans to call or write their congressman to stress the benefits of legalized Texas Hold 'Em for Texans.
Edit: There is a nice video clip on the front page of CNN.com of their story on the situation. Check it out.
posted by corndog at 5:54 PM
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