New regulations concerning game rooms in Texas have been implemented, as announced in a press release issued by Nueces County on January 3.
During an interview with local news channel KIII, Chief Deputy David Cook of the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office announced that his department will be actively involved in enforcing the recently implemented regulations, which seek to legalize specific activities in the Corpus Christi region. Cook expressed his dedication to this initiative.
We do not aim to swiftly incarcerate individuals running game rooms. Instead, our objective is to offer them ample time to complete an application process, carry out rigorous inspections, and then grant the necessary permits.
The new mandates have gained support from both the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, as they are confident that these regulations will effectively combat illegal gambling.
Texas game rooms have four mandates
The Nueces County Commissioners Court has given its approval, and as a result, four mandates are now in effect.
- In Nueces County, game rooms are allowed to operate from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, game rooms are permitted to remain open from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.
- Operating within a 1,500-foot radius of schools, churches, or residential neighborhoods is strictly forbidden for game rooms.
- Game rooms in Nueces County will be required to have armed security present on-site during gaming hours.
- In order to be in compliance with the law, game rooms must acquire a permit from Nueces County.
The application fee is fixed at $1,000 and is non-refundable, even if the officials reject the application. Although the state officials originally intended to enforce new mandates in October 2022, they eventually rescheduled the date to January 2nd.
The mandates were unanimously approved by the Nueces County Commissioners Court on May 25, 2022. Alongside their decision, the county actively sought input from:
- Residents
- Game room operators
- Bingo hall owners
The county’s sheriff’s office has created a game room administrator role to effectively enforce and implement necessary regulations. This position will oversee permits and ensure that game rooms comply with the mandated guidelines.
Penalties for game room operators without a valid permit
Operators of game rooms must complete the inspection process within 90 days after the initial inspection, once they have applied for a permit. The deadline for active game rooms to submit their applications was on January 3, giving them 30 days. However, the office has decided to extend an exception until April 3, 2025. During this period, submitted applications will be considered as conditional permits.
Game rooms may face consequences if they fail to obtain a valid permit. Any staff members implicated may be prosecuted for a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a one-year prison sentence and a $4,000 fine.
Regardless of whether you have a permit, it is important to note that gambling laws are still applicable. Engaging in illegal gambling is unacceptable, and it can lead to arrest and charges for various crimes, even if you possess a permit.
The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for processing game room permits.
Texas gambling regulations remain the same
Even though game rooms in Nueces County have been legalized, they are still required to adhere to Texas gambling laws. Online gambling is still not allowed, but there are ongoing discussions regarding potential changes to the legislation.
Payouts exceeding $5 in cash or prizes are not allowed in game rooms within the county.
