SB 765: Charitable gaming; definition of poker events, prohibited practices.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

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.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 14, 2026Failed to Pass from conference
2. March 14, 2026Failed to Pass from conference
3. March 14, 2026No further action taken
4. March 4, 2026House Conferees: Krizek, Cole, J.G., Morefield
5. March 4, 2026Conferees appointed by House
6. March 3, 2026Senate Conferees: Jones, Carroll Foy, Reeves
7. March 3, 2026Conferees appointed by Senate
8. March 3, 2026Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
9. February 27, 2026House requested conference committee
10. February 27, 2026House insisted on substitute
11. February 26, 2026House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 40-N 0-A)
12. February 24, 2026Passed House with substitute (88-Y 8-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history