I. Introduction
Are you looking for some gambling fun in Houston, Texas? Do you want to know if there are any casinos in the area? In this article, we will explore your options for gambling in Houston and the reasons why there are no casinos in Houston. Moreover, we will show you the best ways to scratch your gambling itch, while staying safe and avoiding scams. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the gambling options available in Houston, what alternatives you have, and how to enjoy them responsibly.
II. The Hunt for Casinos in Houston Texas: Exploring Your Options
Houston might not be known as a gambling destination like Las Vegas, but it still offers many gambling options. These include casinos, horse and greyhound racetracks, and poker rooms.
Casinos in Houston Texas
Unfortunately, there are no casinos in Houston Texas, which might come as a surprise to many. The closest casino is over 170 miles away in Louisiana. However, some cruise ships dock at Galveston, Texas, which offers casino gambling once they pass the state’s borders and get into international waters. If you are willing to take a one-day trip, there are options in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Thackerville, Oklahoma, which offer casinos and other amenities.
Racetracks
There are three racetracks that offer betting on horse and greyhound races, including the Sam Houston Race Park, Valley Race Park, and Gulf Greyhound Park. These tracks also feature restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options.
Card Rooms
There are also card rooms in Houston that offer poker games, including Post Oak Poker Club and Prime Social Poker Club. These clubs are entirely legal and operate by charging customers a membership fee, rather than a rake (a percentage of each pot). This way, they operate legally as “social clubs,” rather than gambling establishments.
III. Why There are No Casinos in Houston Texas: A Look at State and Local Laws
The absence of casinos in Houston Texas is not a coincidence. Texas law strictly prohibits casino gambling. Texas Penal Code Chapter 47, Section 942 states, “A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest. The law defines a bet as an agreement to win or lose something of value based solely or partially on chance.” Furthermore, the state law does not allow casino-style games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Interestingly, Texas has a state lottery and bingo halls, which are regulated by the Texas Lottery Commission. The lottery offers scratch-off tickets, games like Lotto Texas, and Mega Millions, among other games. Moreover, bingo in Texas has some unique rules in comparison to other states, such as the requirement that bingo halls must support a charitable organization.
The History and Reasoning Behind the Law
The history of gambling in Texas is a complex and varied one. The state law prohibiting gambling dates back to the Texas Penal Code of 1858, which banned all games of chance. During the 19th century, gambling became prevalent in the state due to the frontier spirit that attracted cowboys, ranchers, and outlaws who wanted to make quick money.
However, the state’s stance against gambling hardened in the 20th century after corruption and violence became more prevalent. In the 1930s, there were reports of organized crime infiltrating poker games in Texas, which led Governor James Allred to pass a bill prohibiting all forms of gambling. Since then, the state has consistently turned down legislation that would legalize casinos and other forms of gambling.
The Potential Impact of These Laws
While Texas criminalizes casino gambling, it hasn’t entirely shut down the possibility of other forms of wagering. Horses and greyhound racing, the state lottery, and charitable bingo are still legal. However, the laws against casino gambling have hurt the state’s potential revenue. Texans who want to gamble at casinos either go to neighboring states or offshore locations, which means the state loses out on valuable tax revenue.
IV. Houston Texas Casino Alternatives: The Best Ways to Scratch Your Gambling Itch
If you are craving for some casino-style gambling in Houston, there are some alternative options you can explore.
Bingo Halls
As discussed earlier, bingo is legal in Texas and offers a unique way to gamble for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. There are many bingo halls in Houston, and they offer a variety of games with different jackpots and prizes. Plus, bingo is an excellent way to support local charities since the halls must donate a portion of the profits to these organizations.
Sports Betting
Although there is no land-based sports betting in Texas, that could soon change since the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting in 2018. Many Texans are hopeful that this ban will be overturned soon, allowing online and land-based sports betting to become a reality.
Slot Machines
While casinos are not allowed to operate in Texas, “eight-liners” are prevalent in the state. These machines look like slot machines, but instead of cash payouts, they offer merchandise prizes valued at less than $5. This loophole allows these machines to operate legally despite the prohibition on casinos.
V. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Bringing Casinos to Houston Texas
While some Texans believe that expanding gambling in the state would boost the economy, others are concerned about the potential social ills that might accompany it.
Economic Benefits
One of the benefits of legalizing casinos in Texas is that the state would generate substantial tax revenue, which could be used to fund education, healthcare, and other public services. It would also create job opportunities for people in the gaming industry and related sectors, such as food and beverage, hotel and hospitality, and entertainment, among others.
Social Drawbacks
Some studies have found that gambling addiction can have severe consequences for individuals and their families, including financial ruin, relationship problems, and mental health issues. Therefore, some Texans are concerned that legalizing casinos could lead to an increase in problem gambling and other social ills like crime and addiction.
VI. Houston Texas and the Casino Debate: Where Do the Locals Stand?
The legal status quo of gambling in Houston is a contentious issue. While some Texans are in favor of legalizing casinos to generate extra revenue, others argue that gambling is dangerous, addictive, and poses harm to the society as a whole.
Opinions from Local Officials
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has expressed his opposition to expanding gambling in the state, reflecting public opinion in the city of Houston. Some local officials believe that more gambling opportunities could lead to more addiction, crime, and negative social consequences. However, some officials from neighboring counties have argued for the opposite, pointing to the economic benefits that could come with legalized casinos.
Opinions from Business Owners
Local business owners have varying opinions on the matter of legalized casinos. Some believe that it would bring in more tourists and drive the economy forward, while others are concerned about the potential negative impacts on local communities.
VII. Houston Texas: A Tourist’s Guide to Gambling in the Lone Star State
If you are visiting Houston and craving for some gambling action, there are still many options available to you, such as:
Cruises
As mentioned earlier, some cruises departing from Galveston, Texas, offer casino gambling once they pass the state’s borders and get into international waters. These cruises offer a variety of entertainment options, food and beverage, shopping, and more, providing a complete gambling and leisure experience.
Racetracks
The racetracks in Houston offer visitors a fun and exciting way to gamble and enjoy some live horse and greyhound racing events with fellow enthusiasts.
Lottery Retailers
There are many retailers across Houston that sell scratch-off tickets and other state lottery products. These retailers might be convenient if you are already out shopping or exploring the city.
VIII. Gambling in Houston Texas: How to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams
If you do decide to gamble in Houston, it is crucial to stay safe and protect yourself from scams and shady establishments. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Research and Plan Ahead
Before you head out to gamble, make sure you have a plan in mind and do some research into the options available. This will reduce the risk of falling prey to scams and help you make informed choices.
Stick to Legal Venues
To avoid getting into trouble with the law or risking your safety, stick to legal gambling venues, such as racetracks and charitable bingo halls. Be wary of any place that is unlicensed and sketchy. If a venue seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Whether you are playing the lottery, blackjack, or poker, set a budget for yourself, and do not exceed it. Gambling is meant to be fun and entertaining, so do not let it turn into a financial burden or a compulsive behavior.
IX. Conclusion
Despite there not being any casinos in Houston Texas, there are plenty of other gambling options available, including racetracks, card rooms, and bingo halls. If you prefer casino-style games, you might need to travel outside of the state to get your fix, but expanding your horizons and trying alternative gambling activities can be fun and exciting. Just remember to gamble responsibly, set a budget, and avoid shady places.