Are Poker Clubs Legal in Houston?

Poker clubs have long been a staple in the Houston area. However, their legality has come into question in recent years.

Poker clubs first popped up in the city in the early 2000s. They were seen as a way for people to gamble without having to go to a casino.

The clubs quickly became popular, and there were soon dozens of them in the Houston area.

However, the legality of poker clubs has come into question in recent years. The Texas Legislature passed a law in 2017 that made it illegal for businesses to operate poker rooms.

PRO TIP:Playing poker in a private club in Houston is legal in certain circumstances. There must be no rake (house fee) taken from the pot, and all players must pay a fee for the privilege of playing, which is typically used to cover the cost of running the club. Additionally, no players may profit from running the club other than from their winnings at the table.

The law was aimed at stopping illegal gambling operations, but it also had the effect of making poker clubs illegal.

Despite the law, many poker clubs continue to operate in Houston. They are often located in strip malls or office buildings, and they typically only allow members to play.

This helps to keep them somewhat under the radar.

The legality of poker clubs is still up in the air, but they continue to operate in Houston. It is important to remember that if you do choose to play at one of these clubs, you are risking being charged with gambling illegally.