Texas Poker Venues Under Scrutiny for Alleged Involvement in 'Criminal Enterprise'
A number of West Texas poker establishments are confronting lawsuits claiming they are causing a "public disturbance" and engaging in "criminal activities organized as a group."
The complainant, lawyer Mark Lavery from Chicago, has a past of challenging questionable gambling industries. He has initiated multiple civil proceedings against several live poker venues in the region, including the SA Card House in San Antonio, as reported by The San Antonio Express-News.
owa, Texas hold’em was only legally playable at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, near the border with Mexico, until recently.
However, since 2016, numerous poker rooms have popped up across the state — in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Lubbock, and elsewhere. They lean on a doubtful area in Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code, which states it is a valid defense for prosecution if the person playing the game did so in a private location.
The card rooms argue that they are private clubs. They assert they don't profit from the game directly because they charge entry fees rather than taking a share from the pot.
They also claim they provide a safe and social environment for Texas residents to enjoy a popular hobby that would otherwise be forced underground. Many have received approval to operate from local authorities and pay their taxes.
'Suicide Threat'
Lavery has a different perspective on his lawsuit against the SA Card House, as reported by the Express-News.
"Uncontrolled gambling like this public nuisance leads to the harm of people with gambling problems filing for bankruptcy, destroying marriages, and even committing suicide," he alleges in the lawsuit.
“The public nuisance also harms loved ones, like the Plaintiff, who are survivors of suicide by loved ones or are impacted by the financial problems of loved ones exploited by criminal gambling like this one,” the plaintiff adds.
Lavery has been on a mission against gambling since his wife committed suicide in 2008, according to the Express-News.
Previously, he has targeted the daily fantasy sports industry and sports betting.
Enter the Wu
San Antonio authorities have not tried to shut down the card clubs in their city, although recent attempts to do so by authorities in Dallas are now embroiled in legal disputes. The matter is anticipated to be resolved by the Texas Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) has proposed a bill that would enable commercial poker clubs to remain open, given they are licensed and regulated by the counties in which they are located.
