Two bills related to poker have been introduced in the Texas House, each pushing for a completely different outcome. One aims to legalize poker clubs and give them formal recognition under state law, while the other seeks to shut them down entirely. The future of both proposals remains uncertain, as the Texas legislature meets only once every two years.
Poker clubs in Texas currently operate in a legal gray area. The state does not have regulated online poker, with players only able to access sweepstakes-based platforms or offshore sites. Law enforcement has taken different approaches across the state, with some clubs thriving while others face shutdowns. In February, authorities in Tarrant County raided a club and forced its closure. Meanwhile, poker rooms owned by Doug Polk, Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme continue to operate in other parts of the state.
Representative Ryan Guillen introduced HB2996, a bill that would officially recognize poker clubs as long as they remain private and require membership, invitations, or prior permission for entry. If passed, it would clarify the legal status of these venues.
Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University, doubts the bill will become law. “Yes, it would legalize the state’s social clubs,” he said. “But I doubt very much that the bill becomes law. So far, nothing has happened since it’s been filed and this is really just a new version of Guillen’s bill from 2023.”
Guillen had previously introduced a similar bill in 2023, which passed in the House but failed in the Senate.
Some legal experts argue that Texas poker clubs may not comply with existing laws and believe HB2996 brings the state closer to officially legalizing poker rooms but leaves certain aspects unclear.
The second bill, HB2154, introduced by Representative Matt Shaheen, seeks to make poker clubs illegal. It would redefine the legal meaning of a private place for gambling, restricting poker to homes or certain nonprofit events. Under this bill, commercial poker clubs, card clubs, and game rooms would no longer be allowed.
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