by James
9. December 2009 08:28
Gambling is illegal in Texas. The state from which Texas Hold’em Poker originated does not legally allow its people to gamble. During the running for Texas Governor earlier this year several of the candidates highlighted the legalization of gambling as the primary focus of their campaigns.
In Texas law, gambling is defined as “an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance”,” betting on any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device” is considered illegal. The only time that these games are allowed is when there is no entry fee and no other way of losing money. The ‘chance’ factor is where the trouble starts. Advocates of poker are arguing that poker is in fact a game of skill, not chance.
Noted humorist author and musician, Kinky Friedman, who was running for Texas governor, argued that by legalizing casino gaming many of the state’s financial problems could be solved. With the money received from the taxing of casinos teachers could get raises, tolls could be removed to make roads free and the infrastructure could be improved. Added to this is his argument that Texans are still gambling anyway- they just drive to others states to do so.
Despite all the pro-gambling lobbying, the game still remains illegal in Texas. Arguments for and against gambling are strong but it seems the bottom line is that people will gamble whether it’s illegal or not and if this aspect was capitalized upon Texas could stand to benefit greatly from it.