Gambling in Texas

Sports wagering continues to be illegal in Texas, whether via "bricks and mortar" or online, but joint resolutions have been proposed during the 89th Legislative Session in both the Texas House and Senate to legalize sports betting.{{Cite web |title=89(R) HJR 137 - Introduced version - Bill Text |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/Search/DocViewer.aspx?DocId=89RHJR001371B&AllWords=sports+wagering&AnyWords=&ExactWords=&CustomWords=&DocType=B |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=capitol.texas.gov}}{{Cite web |title=89(R) SJR 16 - Introduced version - Bill Text |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/Search/DocViewer.aspx?DocId=89RSJR000161B&AllWords=sports+wagering&AnyWords=&ExactWords=&CustomWords=&DocType=B |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=capitol.texas.gov}} Legalized sports betting has not received favorable attention by members of legislation in the past, with the last presented bill during the 88th Legislative Session failing to pass the House vote.{{Cite web |title=Texas Legislature Online - 88(R) Bill Stages for HB 2843 |url=https://capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB2843 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=capitol.texas.gov}}

On February 2, 2025, State Senator Carol Alvarado introduced Senate Joint Resolution 16, a proposal to allow up to seven destination resort casinos in Texas and authorize retail sports betting at those locations. The resolution also includes provisions to establish a Texas Gaming Commission to oversee the new gaming industry. To be enacted, the resolution must receive two-thirds approval in both legislative chambers and then be approved by Texas voters in a statewide referendum.{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Dave |title=Sports Betting Is a Long Shot in Texas |url=https://www.bookmakersreview.com/industry/sports-betting-is-a-long-shot-in-texas/ |website=Bookmakers Review |date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=April 4, 2025}}

Image:Texas Lottery drawing.jpg's television studio]]

{{main|Texas Lottery}}

The Texas Lottery, begun in 1992,{{cite book|author=William Randy Bobbitt|title=Lottery Wars: Case Studies in Bible Belt Politics, 1986–2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bq47xduEaGwC&pg=PA43|year=2007|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-1738-5|page=43}} offers scratch-off and drawing games, including the multi-jurisdiction Mega Millions and Powerball games.

Image:Betcha Bingo.jpg]]

Non-profit organizations and other community groups may operate bingo games and sell pull-tabs (referred to as "Instant Bingo"), with a license from the Charitable Bingo Operations Division of the Texas Lottery Commission. Bingo sessions are limited to three per week, with a maximum prize value of $750 for a single game. Local referendums, required to allow bingo, have passed in 226 of the state's 254 counties. As of 2011, there were 1,227 organizations authorized to conduct bingo, and they awarded $533 million in prizes.{{cite web|title=Bingo for Beginners: An overview of Charitable Bingo in Texas|author=Texas Lottery Commission|date=April 20, 2012|url=http://www.txbingo.org/export/sites/bingo/About_Us/Bingo_For_Beginners/index.html|access-date=2013-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105042629/http://www.txbingo.org/export/sites/bingo/About_Us/Bingo_For_Beginners/index.html|archive-date=January 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Qualified organizations can hold up to two raffles per year with non-cash prizes. Prize value may not exceed $50,000 (or $250,000 if the prize is a house), unless the prize is donated to the organization.{{cite web|title=Charities & Nonprofits: Charitable Raffles|author=Attorney General of Texas|url=https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/raffle.shtml|date=December 9, 2010|access-date=2013-02-03|archive-date=2014-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101004230/https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/raffle.shtml|url-status=dead}}

The Legislature in 1971 exempted charities from the state's anti-lottery statute, but the act was struck down in 1973 by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which ruled that it violated the state constitution's requirement for a ban on lotteries.{{cite journal|title=Recent Developments — Constitutional Law — The Texas Legislature may not exempt churches or other nonprofit, charitable organizations from Texas's anti-lottery statute|journal=Houston Law Review|volume=10|pages=1185–1187|date=1972–1973|url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/hulr10&collection=journals&index=&id=1213|access-date=2013-02-03}} Voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing raffles in 1989,{{cite news|title=$400 million for prisons approved|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Bruce Hight|date=November 8, 1989|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAD89B35897AF17&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} and enabling legislation went into effect at the beginning of 1990.{{cite news|title=26 new state laws take effect|newspaper=Victoria Advocate|agency=AP|date=January 3, 1990|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JzdSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TjYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4920%2C341947}}

Image:Lone Star Park horse race.jpg]]

Parimutuel wagering is allowed at horse and greyhound tracks, overseen by the Texas Racing Commission.

Class 1 horse tracks can be granted an unlimited number of racing days.{{cite web|title=Texas Racing Act, Sec. 6.02. Classification of Horse-Racing Tracks|publisher=Texas Racing Commission|url=http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/laws/act/act-6.php#6.02|access-date=2013-01-26|archive-date=2013-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614193428/http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/laws/act/act-6.php#6.02|url-status=dead}} Up to three are allowed, in the state's three largest metropolitan areas. They are: Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Retama Park in Selma, and Sam Houston Race Park in Houston.{{cite web|title=Racetracks|author=Texas Racing Commission|url=http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/racetracks/racetracks-index.php|access-date=2013-01-21}} Class 2 tracks can be granted a maximum of 60 racing days per year. Several class 2 tracks are under development, but none are currently operating. Class 3 licenses are issued to county or nonprofit fairs, and allow 16 racing days at most. The only current class 3 license is held by the Gillespie County Fair in Fredericksburg. Class 4 licenses, of which there are currently none, are issued to county fairs and allow 5 racing days.

The law allows for up to three greyhound tracks in the coastal counties of Cameron, Galveston, and Nueces.{{cite news|title= Panel urges cut in state's racetrack take|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author1=Bill Coulter|author2=Rich Burk|date=December 12, 1989|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7AF98B7B79A47&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}{{cite web|title=Texas Racing Act, Sec. 6.14. Racing Restricted to Designated Place|publisher=Texas Racing Commission|url=http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/laws/act/act-6.php#6.14|access-date=2013-01-26|archive-date=2013-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614193428/http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/laws/act/act-6.php#6.14|url-status=dead}} Two tracks, Gulf Coast Racing in Corpus Christi and Valley Race Park in Harlingen, are licensed but are not in operation.{{cite report|title=Agency Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2023-2027|publisher=Texas Racing Commission|page=16|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61f1f682f08bd15f1e6a2d9f/t/629910caa4b51d61cf7c5194/1654198476934/2022-06-01_Texas-Racing-Commission-Strategic-Plan%282023-2027%29.pdf|access-date=2023-04-30}} A third track, Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, closed in 2020.{{cite news|title=Gulf Greyhound Park shuts down after nearly three decades of betting|work=KHOU-TV|date=June 30, 2020|url=https://www.khou.com/article/entertainment/gulf-greyhound-park-shutting-down/285-f955196b-e93c-43de-880d-ff0a7124c1f0|access-date=2023-04-30}}{{cite news|title=Gulf Greyhound Park converts to a concert venue in La Marque|work=Houston Chronicle|date=March 21, 2022|author=Andrew Dansby|url=https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/music/la-marque-race-park-converting-to-concert-venue-17017868|access-date=2023-04-30}} From 2010 onward, with the greyhound industry on the decline, live racing was held primarily at Gulf Greyhound Park, with the other two tracks focusing on simulcast betting.{{cite news|title=Gulf Greyhound to be only track with live racing|newspaper=Galveston County Daily News|date=September 18, 2009|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:GDNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=12ACE944BABC25E8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}{{cite news|title=Commission looks to race tracks to recoup money |newspaper=Galveston County Daily News |author=Michael A. Smith |date=July 31, 2011 |url=http://df16.galvestondailynews.com/story/247742 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216024054/http://df16.galvestondailynews.com/story/247742 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=2013-01-26 }}

Texas first legalized parimutuel betting in 1933 as a way to raise revenue during the Great Depression.{{cite news|title=From the Vault: Betting on horse racing made illegal in Texas in 1937…again.|newspaper=San Antonio Express-News|author=Julie Domel|date=August 19, 2010|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/vault/2010/08/from-the-vault-betting-on-horse-racing-made-illegal-in-texas-in-1937-again/|access-date=2013-01-25}} Four major tracks operated in the state, until 1937, when betting was banned again at a special legislative session called by Governor James V. Allred.

In 1960, gambler Virgil "Red" Berry was elected to the Texas House of Representatives on a pro-parimutuel platform.{{cite book|author=Henry E. Catto|title=Ambassadors at Sea: The High and Low Adventures of a Diplomat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jrS-Ccy5WYcC&pg=PA9|year=1998|publisher=University of Texas Press|isbn=978-0-292-71212-6|pages=9–10}} His efforts made little headway, and in protest, he proposed in 1969 to split the state in two, with horse betting legal in South Texas.{{cite news|title=The failures that made Texas|newspaper=Texas Monthly|author=Anne Dingus|date=October 1981|page=155|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WywEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA155}} Nonbinding statewide referendums to revive parimutuel betting were defeated in 1962,{{cite news|title=Connally faces run-off in Texas|newspaper=New York Times|author=Tom Wicker|date=May 7, 1962|id={{ProQuest|116071591}}}} {{subscription required}} 1968,{{cite news|title=Turf betting gets 'no' vote in Texas|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|agency=UPI|date=May 7, 1968|id={{ProQuest|155930253}}}} {{subscription required}} 1974,{{cite news|title=Briscoe, Patman win in primaries|newspaper=Washington Post|agency=AP|date=May 6, 1974|id={{ProQuest|146176724}}}} {{subscription required}} and 1978,{{cite news|title=A Texas-sized fight over betting|newspaper=Washington Post|author=Gerald Strine|date=June 4, 1978|id={{ProQuest|146850059}}}} {{subscription required}} with opposition led largely by Baptist churches.{{cite news|title=The Baptists' last stand |newspaper=D Magazine |location=Dallas, TX |date=April 1, 1978 |author=Norm Hitzges |url=http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/1978/04/01/THE_BAPTISTS_LAST_STAND.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216022311/http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/1978/04/01/THE_BAPTISTS_LAST_STAND.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=2013-01-28 }} A poll on the Republican primary ballot in 1982 found majority support for betting.{{cite news|title=Texas horsemen clamoring to follow Oklahoma back to betting window|newspaper=Daily Oklahoman|author=Denise Melinsky|date=October 3, 1982|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DLOB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED06F4560FDDC6C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Finally, in 1987, Texas voters approved a referendum legalizing parimutuel wagering again and creating the Texas Racing Commission, with a local election required in any county to allow a track.{{cite news|title=Texans approve race-track gambling|newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader|agency=AP|author=Michael Holmes|date=November 5, 1987|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LHLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB73A25C3C27F27&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Simulcast wagering at tracks was legalized in 1991.{{cite news|title=Lower tax on racing bets clears legislative finish line|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|author=John Gonzalez|date=June 12, 1991|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF8E18E5BE87C5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

Image:Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas.jpg]]

Each of Texas's three federally recognized tribes operates a casino. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, the Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo has the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso, and the Alabama–Coushatta Tribe has Naskila Gaming in Livingston. All three are Class II facilities, offering electronic bingo games that are similar to slot machines.{{cite news|title=US Supreme Court sides with El Paso's Tigua tribe in decades-long gambling fight with Texas |work=El Paso Matters|date=June 15, 2022|author=Robert Moore|url=https://elpasomatters.org/2022/06/15/u-s-supreme-court-sides-with-el-pasos-tigua-tribe-in-decades-long-gambling-fight-with-texas/|access-date=2023-04-30}} The latter two were the subject of extensive litigation over their legality.

In the 1980s, court decisions and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) established the rights of Indian tribes to operate any kind of gambling permitted elsewhere in the state. Taking advantage of the legality of bingo in Texas, the Tiguas opened their Speaking Rock high-stakes bingo hall in 1993.{{cite news|title=Tiguas open hall amid bigger dreams|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=James E. Garcia|date=November 24, 1993|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAD920AC2A3591A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Over the following year, its offerings expanded to include poker{{cite news|title=DA reviews tribe's poker games|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|agency=AP|date=June 8, 1994|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF8F97AB260648&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} and "Tigua 21", a non-banking variant of blackjack.{{cite news|title=Tigua tribe is banking on blackjack profits|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Suzanne Gamboa|date=September 3, 1994|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAD95EB6A0DDB6B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The Tiguas sought a compact with the state under the IGRA to allow casino-style, or "class 3" gaming, citing the state's acceptance of a lottery and parimutuel betting, but the state refused to negotiate.{{cite news|title=Casino plans excite Tiguas, El Paso|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=Maggie Rivas|date=November 15, 1993|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAD920AC2A3591A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Courts sided with Texas, ruling that the Restoration Act that gave federal recognition to the Tiguas and Alabama-Coushatta in 1987 specifically forbade gambling, and took precedence over the IGRA.{{cite journal|title= Death of the New Buffalo: The Fifth Circuit Slays Indian Gaming in Texas|author=Amy Head|journal=Texas Tech Law Review|year=2002–2003|volume=34|pages=377–423|url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/text34&div=21&id=&page=|url-access=subscription |via=HeinOnline|access-date=2013-01-29}}

Despite the ruling, neither federal nor state authorities tried to close the casino,{{cite news|title=Attorney general to press Speaking Rock inquiry|newspaper=El Paso Times|author=Christina Pino-Marina|date=July 28, 1999|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F676F38F5D238DB&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} and the tribe expanded operations further by adding slot machines in 1996.{{cite news|title=Tribe's slot machines may be illegal|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|agency=AP|date=December 4, 1996|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF90C7A60F22B5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Republican Governor George W. Bush asked Attorney General Dan Morales in 1998 to take legal action, but Morales, a Democrat, said that responsibility laid with local and federal officials.{{cite news|title=Bush's action against Indian casino causes political tumult|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|author=Jay Root|date=May 26, 1998|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB042AEB30682C1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Morales was succeeded in 1999, however, by Republican John Cornyn, who proceeded with a federal lawsuit against the tribe.{{cite news|title=State sues to close Tigua tribe casino|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Ken Herman|date=September 28, 1999|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0E9C2424EA8DE3F5&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The suit was successful, and the Speaking Rock Casino closed its doors in February 2002.{{cite news|title=After years of legal battles, Tigua gambling ends|newspaper=El Paso Times|author=Dan J. Williams|date=February 12, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:EPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F6726BED03DC615&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

The Kickapoo casino opened in 1996, offering bingo, poker, its own blackjack variant, and electronic pull-tab dispensers designed to look and operate like slot machines.{{cite news|title=Kickapoo casino may spark legal battle|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=George Kuempel|date=August 24, 1996|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED3D6C852696F1C&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Bush questioned the legality of these "Lucky Tab II" machines at the same time as he was pushing for action against the Tigua casino, so the tribe filed a preemptive lawsuit,{{cite news|title=Kickapoo casino backers play their hand at Capitol|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Ken Herman|date=May 23, 1998|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EA074C233B272B0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} and won a ruling that they qualified as class 2 devices.{{cite court|litigants=Diamond Game Enterprises v. Reno|vol=230|reporter=F.3d|opinion=365|date=2000|court=D.C. Cir.|url=http://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/opinions.nsf/FF1F2ABAD741722485256F1800661603/$file/98-5516a.txt|access-date=2013-01-30}} The original facility, constructed of modular buildings, was replaced in October 2004 with a new {{convert|100000|sqft|adj=on}} casino and an arena.{{cite news|title=With a new casino, Kickapoos know firsthand the pleasure, perils of hitting it big|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Mike Ward|date=November 14, 2004|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:AASB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1065F47D4F940FB1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe had voted against gambling operations in 1994 on moral grounds,{{cite news|title=Indians defeat plan for casino on reservation|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=Dianna Hunt|date=June 16, 1994|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7B3802473E674&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} but it reversed that decision in 1999 after seeing the success of the Grand Casino Coushatta, run by a related tribe in Louisiana.{{cite news|title=Tribal Council ready to roll the dice|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=James Kimberly|date=April 23, 2000|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB4882158ED90D3&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The tribe opened its "Entertainment Center" in November 2001,{{cite news|title=Despite warnings from AG, Alabama-Coushatta opens casino-like center|newspaper=Beaumont Enterprise|author=Shane Graber|date=November 27, 2001|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BETC&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F0151ECD94AD4E1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} with slots, blackjack, and poker,{{cite news|title=As a court fight looms, gamblers fill the Alabama-Coushattas' new casino|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|author=Karen Brooks|date=December 5, 2001|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:FWTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F03BA75AAE52500&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} even as the Tiguas were appealing their loss in court.{{cite news|title=Tribe sues state over casino|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=George Kuempel|date=November 22, 2001|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F05479FB96E3B1E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Cornyn filed suit against the Alabama-Coushatta two months later, citing the Restoration Act.{{cite news|title=AG urges shutdown of casino|newspaper=Beaumont Enterprise|author=Shane Graber|date=January 8, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BETC&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F0F1BA820B1B39E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Courts sided with Cornyn, and the casino was closed in July 2002.{{cite news|title=Chairman vows to fight in Austin|newspaper=Beaumont Enterprise|author=Shane Graber|date=July 26, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BETC&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F50B0663AD5328A&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

In 2015, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued an opinion that the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribes could legally conduct gaming, contradicting the earlier court rulings.{{cite news|title=The Alabama-Coushatta casino is about to re-open|newspaper=Houston Press|author=Dianna Wray|date=November 11, 2015|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/news/the-alabama-coushatta-casino-is-about-to-re-open-7916675|access-date=2017-08-22}} This led to the Alabama-Coushatta reopening their casino, and the Tiguas converting their facility, which had been operating as a sweepstakes parlor, back into a casino.{{cite news|title=East Texas casino reopens with little fanfare|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=John MacCormack|date=June 7, 2016|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/East-Texas-casino-reopens-with-little-fanfare-7969249.php|access-date=2017-08-22}}{{cite news|title=State sues Alabama-Coushatta tribe again over gambling|newspaper=San Antonio Express-News|author=John MacCormack|date=August 16, 2016|url=http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/State-sues-Alabama-Coushatta-tribe-again-over-9146719.php|access-date=2017-08-22}} The state filed suit in 2017 to shut them down.{{cite news|title=State files new lawsuit to end Tigua gaming|newspaper=El Paso Times|author=Daniel Borunda|date=June 8, 2017|url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/2017/06/08/state-files-new-lawsuit-end-tigua-gaming/382721001/|access-date=2017-08-22}}{{cite news|title=American Indian tribe fights Texas to keep bingo center open|newspaper=Associated Press|author=Michael Graczyk|date=May 10, 2017|url=https://apnews.com/4cbdb2ab776a4617b55df80bde3fc2f3|access-date=2017-08-22}} Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the language of the Restoration Act allowed the tribes to offer bingo games free of state regulation, allowing the casinos to remain open.{{cite news|title=State of Texas drops lawsuit against Naskila Gaming|work=KTRE-TV|date=July 12, 2022|url=https://www.ktre.com/2022/07/12/state-texas-drops-lawsuit-against-naskila-gaming/|access-date=2023-04-30}}{{cite news|title=Legal fight between Tiguas and state of Texas over after case dismissed|work=KFOX-TV|date=September 28, 2022|url=https://kfoxtv.com/newsletter-daily/legal-fight-between-tiguas-and-state-of-texas-over-after-case-dismissed-ysleta-del-sur-pueblo-speaking-rock-gambling-bingo|access-date=2023-04-30}}{{cite journal|title=Ysleta del Sur Pueblo v. Texas|journal=Harvard Law Review|date=November 2022|volume=136|issue=1|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-136/ysleta-del-sur-pueblo/|access-date=2023-04-30}}

"Game rooms" throughout the state feature slot machine-like devices commonly called "eight-liners". The machines are legal if they offer only non-cash prizes valued at less than $5,{{cite news|title=8-liners can rake in big illegal profit|newspaper=Brazosport Facts|location=Clute, TX|author=Michael Freeman|date=March 18, 2012|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BZFB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13D98B561A51E270&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} but law enforcement officials say that illegal cash payouts are near universal.{{cite news|title=Light penalties, elusive owners mean police struggle with illegal gambling rooms|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Patrick George|date=September 28, 2012|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/light-penalties-elusive-owners-mean-police-struggl/nSPb4/|access-date=2013-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115102/http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/light-penalties-elusive-owners-mean-police-struggl/nSPb4/ |archive-date=2016-03-04}} Enforcement of existing laws regarding the machines has been inconsistent, and legislative efforts to ban them have failed.{{cite news|title=Cracking down is hard to do on eight-liners, lawmakers say|newspaper=Austin American-Statesman|author=Tim Eaton|date=September 11, 2012|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/cracking-down-is-hard-to-do-on-eight-liners-lawmak/nSLLh/|access-date=2013-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081430/http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/cracking-down-is-hard-to-do-on-eight-liners-lawmak/nSLLh/ |archive-date=2016-03-04}} In response to past frustrations, in April 2013 state and federal police launched Operation Bishop to crack-down on the illegal "eight-liner" operations in the Brownsville area.{{Cite web|title=Brownsville-area officials raid three illegal gambling operations|url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Brownsville-area-officials-raid-three-illegal-6894004.php|date=2016-03-16|author=Craig Hlavaty|publisher=Chron|access-date=2016-03-17}}

Eight-liners began to proliferate following passage of the 1993 "fuzzy animal law", which was intended to clarify that amusement games that award low-value prizes or tickets were legal.{{cite news|title=Bells, whistles... and sirens|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author1=Todd J. Gillman|author2=Tony Hartzel|date=December 12, 1993|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED3D3D2A2594F50&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

Image:Texas Treasure cruise ship.jpg

Gambling boats have operated at times out of Texas ports, taking passengers on one-day "cruises to nowhere" in international waters, where there are no gambling laws.

The casino cruise industry developed in other states in the early 1980s, but was a latecomer to Texas because of a state law prohibiting the docking of ships with gambling equipment unless they first stopped at a foreign port of call.{{cite news|title=Gambling cruises hailed as new industry for Texas|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=Bruce Nichols|date=November 26, 1988|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED3D02A09456B51&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The first such operation in the state was Le Mistral, which began sailing out of Port Isabel in 1988, nominally to the Mexican village of Mezquital, though it typically did not approach within a mile of the port.{{cite news|title=State's lone cruise ship brings legal casino gambling|newspaper=Victoria Advocate|agency=AP|date=December 4, 1988|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0RdQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=V1YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6861%2C841063}} Le Mistral was closed by bankruptcy in 1992.{{cite news|title=Tide turns for casino-boat operators|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|author1=Collins Conner|author2=Beth Glenn|author3=Richard Verrier|date=June 22, 1998|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:SPTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB52F53B76FCBF6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

Galveston officials pushed for a repeal of the foreign port of call requirement,{{cite news|title=Casino cruise ship hopes 'not sunk yet'|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author1=Mark Toohey|author2=T. Gregory Gillan|date=May 10, 1989|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7AF0F970946A8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} succeeding in 1989.{{cite news|title=Passel of new laws to affect Texans|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=Clay Robison|date=August 27, 1989|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7AF8FE631AD74&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Two casino ships, the Pride of Mississippi and the Europa Jet, began operations out of the Port of Galveston later that year.{{cite news|title=Casino cruise ship takes first voyage|newspaper=Victoria Advocate|agency=AP|date=December 10, 1989|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ITZSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PzYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2690%2C2088421}}{{cite news|title=Casino cruise delayed|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|date=December 13, 1989|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7AF98DC5189A1&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The Europa Jet ran into financial problems and left for Mississippi in September 1990.{{cite news|title=Cruise line seeking 'three-mile law' on gambling|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=Kevin Moran|date=December 21, 1990|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7B07FCDD5B210&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}{{cite news|title=Galveston fights to keep gambling ship afloat|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=Bruce Nichols|date=April 28, 1991|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED5621A8ED42A3B&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} Another boat, the Sea Palace, began offering cruises out of the Port of Freeport in January 1991,{{cite news|title=Sea Palace setting sail from Freeport|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|date=January 27, 1991|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7B09801417102&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} but both it and the Pride closed for business in April, after federal prosecutors said they would enforce a 1948 law requiring gambling ships to visit a foreign port or sail for at least 24 hours.{{cite news|title=Galveston's gambling ship plans scuttled|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=Bruce Nichols|date=March 8, 1992|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED3D2251E137C65&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}{{cite news|title=Casino's investors are left high and dry|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=John Toth|date=April 19, 1991|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED7B0CB1825C8B6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

Casino cruises returned to Galveston in November 1993 with the Star of Texas,{{cite news|title=Bet on these new Galveston sailings|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|author=Kathryn Straach|date=November 21, 1993|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DMNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ED3D3CAA4E354FC&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} which gained the blessing of the U.S. attorney's office by devoting less than half of its space to casinos, and emphasizing non-gaming activities.{{cite news|title=Star of Texas opens: lots of family fun, three pools (and gambling)|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|author=Robert Johnson|date=November 3, 1993|url=http://global.factiva.com/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&an=j000000020011031dpb300sku&cat=a&ep=ASE}} {{subscription required|via=Factiva}} The business failed in November 1994, and the ship was moved to Miami.{{cite news|title=Cruise line owes Galveston money|newspaper=Victoria Advocate|agency=AP|date=December 9, 1994|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_-VHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qoAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2283%2C5205312}}{{cite news|title=Galveston board OKs return of offshore gambling casino|newspaper=Amarillo Globe-News|agency=AP|date=October 27, 1999|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/102799/tex_LD0618.002.shtml|access-date=2013-01-24}}

Two new gambling boat ventures began in the Brownsville area in the fall of 1999: Casino Del Mar on the Island Dawn, sailing out of Port Isabel; and Casino Padre on the Entertainer, out of South Padre Island.{{cite news |title=Casino ship has long history |newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times |author=Andrea Jares |date=May 26, 2000 |url=http://www.caller2.com/2000/may/26/today/business/891.html |access-date=2013-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050107024034/http://www.caller2.com/2000/may/26/today/business/891.html |archive-date=2005-01-07 }}{{cite report|title=Form 10-QSB|publisher=Surebet Casinos|date=September 30, 2001|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1110654/000094935301500384/f10qst-093001.txt}} Casino Del Mar failed in January 2000, but then moved to Port Aransas under new management as the Texas Treasure. Casino Padre ceased operations in November 2000.

In 2001, three casino boats were launched along the upper Texas coast. The Talisman, out of Galveston, set off in April, but lasted only a month.{{cite news|title=Galveston casino ship stops service after month|newspaper=Amarillo Globe-News|agency=AP|date=May 17, 2001|url=http://amarillo.com/stories/051701/bus_houstongalleria.shtml|access-date=2013-01-24}} The Surfside Princess began excursions from Freeport in June, but in October was seized by its owner for failure to pay charter fees.{{cite news|title=Casino firm struggling against tide|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|author=Steve Olafson|date=October 15, 2001|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:HCBF&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EF3B4D196A43E66&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} The operators of the Port Aransas boat expanded to Freeport in November with the Texas Treasure II.{{cite news|title=Freeport 's newest casino boat sets sail|newspaper=Brazosport Facts|location=Clute, TX|author=Carlos Armintor|date=November 26, 2001|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BZFB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10293D59DF58F1BD&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} It lasted until February 2002, when it was moved to Port Aransas on a temporary basis to substitute for the under-repair Texas Treasure;{{cite news|title=Texas Treasure cashes in its chips|newspaper=Brazosport Facts|location=Clute, TX|author=Carlos Armintor|date=February 5, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BZFB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10293A4FD18EC07D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} instead of returning to Freeport, it was then moved to Palm Beach, Florida.{{cite news|title=Cruising choices expand|newspaper=Palm Beach Daily News|author=Stephanie Murphy|date=June 23, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:PBDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F465A38F32ACAAB&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}}

The first Texas Treasure moved to Palm Beach in October 2002, replacing its sister ship;{{cite news|title=Larger gaming cruise arrives|newspaper=Palm Beach Post|author=Thomas R. Collins|date=October 10, 2002|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:PBPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F6D3CD200B5478D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} for lack of business, it returned to Port Aransas a year later.{{cite news|title=Gambling ship taking its dice elsewhere|newspaper=Palm Beach Post|author=Thomas R. Collins|date=February 6, 2003|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:PBPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F9228F5218E57C6&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D6884C8DA6CD5B5}} {{subscription required|via=NewsBank}} It continued sailing until May 2008, when it closed for routine maintenance; after a legal dispute between its operator and its owner, it never returned to service.{{cite news|title=Ex-casino ship reported in India|newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times|author=Fanny S. Chirinos|date=April 22, 2009|url=http://www.caller.com/news/2009/apr/22/ex-casino-ship-reported-in-india/|access-date=2013-01-24}}

A new gambling boat, the Aransas Queen Casino, began sailing out of Corpus Christi in May 2015.{{cite news|title=Aransas Queen Casino sailing after early delay|newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times|author=Matt Woolbright|date=May 15, 2015|url=http://www.caller.com/news/local-news/aransas-queen-casino-sailing-after-early-delay_98042371|access-date=2015-05-16}} It moved to Galveston in April 2017 and became the Jacks or Better Casino.{{cite news|title=Casino boat launches in Galveston, hiring more workers|newspaper=The Daily News|location=Galveston, TX|author=Valerie Wells|date=April 14, 2017|url=http://www.galvnews.com/news/article_3ae0c847-934c-5716-811e-eface238ac8d.html|access-date=2017-08-22}} {{subscription required}} The boat moved to Georgia in 2018.{{cite news|title=Casino boat faces long odds|work=Savannah Morning News|date=October 16, 2018|url=https://www.savannahnow.com/opinion/20181016/editorial-casino-boat-faces-long-odds|access-date=2021-04-14}}

• Gambling in the United States
• History of vice in Texas
• Instant Racing
• Law of Texas

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Category:Texas law