Texas Poker Players Support Taxation if it Means Legalisation
27th March, 2009
Playing poker for money in the US can lead to a player being taken to court should they get caught.
However the last few months have seen verdict after verdict go in favour of the US poker community, with many judges ruling that poker is a game of skill and not one of luck.
Currently in Texas, it is legal for people to play poker for fun or for money, but if the house takes a cut or rake of the spending it becomes illegal.
This may soon be changed if a proposed bill passes. In the bill put forward by Senator Jose Menendez, poker licenses may be granted to reputable establishment for a house rake to be taken on all poker games hosted. The bill also states that the ‘house takings’ would then be taxed, generating more money for the state.
Poker players in Texas have reportedly rallied behind the bill on Wednesday, when Vernon Harrison represented the Texas Card Players Association.
Mr Harrison stated that the association and its 500 members supported the bill, and were happy for the state to tax them, if it meant they would have a safe place to play poker legally.
By Rommon
