SB765
Charitable gaming; definition of poker events, prohibited practices.
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Feb. 9, 2026
House: Referred to Committee on General Laws
Chief Patron:
Michael Jones (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Charitable gaming; poker 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; ... (More) (ii) rebuys, reentries, and add-ons are permitted without limitation; (iii) chips with cash value are permitted to be used; (iv) games and tournaments may be run concurrently; (v) no limit applies to how many poker events occur during the time listed on the permit for such poker event; and (vi) a seating fee may be charged at a rate of up to $8 up to once every 30 minutes. 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. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Presented and ordered printed 26105308D
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
- 01/21/2026 - Senate: Unanimous consent to introduce
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Assigned GL&T sub: Gaming
- 01/23/2026 - Senate: Senate subcommittee offered
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB765)
- 01/28/2026 - Senate: Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute (12-Y 3-N)
- 01/29/2026 - Senate: Committee substitute printed 26106570D-S1
- 01/30/2026 - Senate: Rules suspended
- 01/30/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (38-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 01/30/2026 - Senate: Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB765)
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Read second time
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: General Laws and Technology Substitute agreed to
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute (Voice Vote)
- 02/03/2026 - Senate: Read third time and passed Senate (31-Y 8-N 0-A)
- 02/09/2026 - House: Placed on Calendar
- 02/09/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/09/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on General Laws
