Hold'em Poker Tournaments Ruled Legal in Texas

The Poker Gazette: A recent attorney general opinion requested by a West Texas prosecutor says the popular 'Texas Hold 'Em' poker tournaments are legal as long as players don't risk money for a prize.

District Attorney John Smith asked Greg Abbott whether holding the tournaments in bars violates state anti-gambling laws.

Gambling is permitted in a private setting as long as every player has the same chance of winning and the house doesn't take a cut. The rules change for public places, where gambling is forbidden at sites that have on-premises alcohol licenses.

However, Abbott's opinion said public tournaments that either do not require a 'buy in' or in which the winner does not receive a prize - even if they are held in bars - don't technically constitute gambling.

In February, Smith said he asked for Abbott's opinion because several local business owners had asked about holding bet-free poker tournaments at bars."

Poker, Texas Holdem, No Limit Holdem, Limit Holdem