The hopes of Texas poker players have been again dashed as the Poker Gaming Act of 2009 was given the ultimate bad beat on Thursday, May 14. The sponsor of House Bill 222, Rep. Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio), officially suspended it with the knowledge that it ultimately faced defeat at the hands of Governor Rick Perry.

Attempts to legalize poker games in Texas have met with their fair share of disappointments, facing strict opposition at every stage of the process. HB 222 was originally introduced in November of 2008 to declare poker a game of skill and offer licenses for games and tournaments to be conducted by Indian tribes and charitable organizations, and in pari-mutuel establishments, bars, and taverns. The addition of a tax, half of which would benefit homeless programs in the state, was the caveat that Menendez hoped would make it passable in the legislature.

The bill finally reached the Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee on March 25, 2009, which led to testimony on both sides of the issue and an ultimate vote on April 2. It passed with a 6-3 vote, meaning it would be forwarded to the floor of the House of Representatives. But by the time it came up for discussion, Menendez became aware that the bill would experience great difficulties, namely at the hands of the current governor, who vowed to veto any legislation that would expand gaming.

Therefore, when HB 222 was presented on May 14, Menendez spoke about the bill and the need for it, especially considering that everyday poker players are in constant danger of being robbed or raided by the police. Admitting that he was short on votes, he willingly suspended the bill and removed it from the House agenda. In his statement prefacing the action, he said, “You need to know when to hold them and you need to know when to fold them.”

Texas Hold’em remains illegal in most respects in the state of Texas. The earliest that Menendez would be able to reintroduce legislation would be in 2010, though with Gov. Perry promising to veto it under any circumstances, pro-gaming legislators may decide to postpone any further bills until after the next state election.

Jennifer Newell

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