Texas § OC.2001.551 - UNLAWFUL BINGO

§ OC.2001.551. UNLAWFUL BINGO

UNLAWFUL BINGO; OFFENSE. (a) In this section, "bingo" or "game" means a specific game of chance, commonly known as bingo or lotto, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers or symbols on a card conforming to numbers or symbols selected at random, whether or not a person who participates as a player furnishes something of value for the opportunity to participate. (b) A person conducting, promoting, or administering bingo commits an offense if the person conducts, promotes, or administers bingo other than: (1) under a license issued under this chapter; (2) within the confines of a home for purposes of amusement or recreation when: (A) no player or other person furnishes anything of more than nominal value for the opportunity to participate; (B) participation in the game does not exceed 15 players; and (C) the prizes awarded or to be awarded are nominal; (3) on behalf of an organization of individuals 60 years of age or over, a senior citizens' association, a senior citizens' community center program operated or funded by a governmental entity, the patients in a hospital or nursing home, residents of a retirement home, or the patients in a Veteran's Administration medical center or a military hospital, solely for the purpose of amusement and recreation of its members, residents, or patients, when: (A) no player or other person furnishes anything of more than nominal value for the opportunity to participate; and (B) the prizes awarded or to be awarded are nominal; or (4) on behalf of a business conducting the game for promotional or advertising purposes if: (A) the game is conducted by or through a newspaper or a radio or television station; (B) participation in the game is open to the general public and is not limited to customers of the business; (C) playing materials are furnished without charge to a person on request; and (D) no player is required to furnish anything of value for the opportunity to participate. (c) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree. (d) This section applies to a political subdivision regardless of local option status. (e) A game exempted under Subsection (b)(2), (3), or (4) is not required to be licensed under this chapter. (f) A game exempted under Subsection (b)(4) is subject to the following restrictions: (1) a person licensed or required to be licensed under this chapter or having an interest in a license under this chapter may not be involved, directly or indirectly, in bingo, except that a licensed manufacturer or licensed distributor may sell or otherwise furnish bingo equipment or supplies for use in a game; (2) a person conducting bingo may purchase or otherwise obtain bingo equipment or supplies through a newspaper, a radio or television station, or an advertising agency and, unless otherwise authorized by the commission, only from a licensed manufacturer or licensed distributor; (3) a licensed manufacturer or licensed distributor may sell or otherwise furnish bingo equipment or supplies for use in a game only to or through a newspaper or a radio or television station or through an advertising agency acting on behalf of a person authorized to conduct the game; and (4) the commission by rule may require a person conducting or involved in conducting the game to: (A) notify the commission of: (i) the persons involved in conducting the game; (ii) the manner in which the game is to be conducted; and (iii) any other information required by the commission; and (B) keep records of all transactions connected with the game available for commission inspection. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.