Texas AG: Card Games Without Money are Legal

"Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says it depends.

"Public games in which players pay an entry fee – and therefore have a financial stake in the bets they're making – would not be allowed under the state's gambling statute, he said. But tournaments in which players pay nothing to enter and don't risk their money – regardless of whether they can win prizes – don't fall under the state's definition of gambling.

"The opinion, issued in June in response to an inquiry from the Ector County district attorney, allows restaurants, clubs, bars and other venues that have alcohol permits to operate tournaments without fear of losing their licenses. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission rules forbid permit holders from allowing gambling on their premises.

"…The Amateur Poker League's president and chief executive, Shawn Riley, said his organization had been following Texas law closely and was pleased with Mr. Abbott's opinion. He said the league's lawyers had come to the same conclusion…"