Introduction to Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019
Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos with Class II competition-style machines. Texas also has six pari-mutual wagering facilities without slot machines
Neither minimum or maximum payout return limits exist for tribal casinos in Texas. No actual payout returns are publicly available.
This post continues the weekly series Online Resource: A State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambling enthusiasts to success. Each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or the federal district.
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Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Texas*
The minimum legal gambling age in Texas depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 21
- Bingo: 18 in churches, 21 in casinos, and less than 18 if accompanied by an adult
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18
The state government of Texas has long challenged the legality of tribal gaming in Texas, with some successes, resulting in a dynamic history from the late 1980s through 2017.
Texas has three federally-recognized American Indian tribes, including:
- Alabama-Coushatta Tribe
- Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
- Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
The Texas state government and tribes have, so far, been unable to negotiate a state-tribal compact. Therefore, Texas prohibits tribal casinos from having Class III Vegas-style electronic gaming machines
Subsequently, the tribal casinos in Texas only offer Class II bingo-style slot machines. These machines give the appearance of traditional slot machines, with spinning reels for entertainment purposes only. Players compete for prizes against other players throughout a casino’s gaming floor
There have been substantial lawsuits by the Texas state government to shut down tribal casinos offering Class II gaming, with some successes. Various court filings and rulings regarding the legality of tribal casinos in Texas have continued since the late 1980s to as recently as 2017
In brief, Texas has challenged the legality of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 based on the argument that the Restoration Act of 1987 took precedence. This Restoration Act gave federal recognition to the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribes, while also explicitly forbidding gambling
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws apply to various forms of gambling. This information is not intended to provide legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Texas
It is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Texas without a restriction on its date of manufacture.
Gaming Control Board in Texas
Texas does not have a state gaming commission as it prohibits non-tribal casinos. No tribal-state gaming compacts exist. However, it does have the Texas Lottery Commission providing gaming regulations for the Texas state lottery.
Casinos in Texas
There are two American Indian tribal casinos with Class II competition-style electronic gaming machines. Texas also offers one greyhound racetrack and five horse racetracks. However, these pari-mutuel wagering facilities do not provide gaming machines
The largest casino in Texas is Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, having over 3,300 gaming machines but no table games.
The second largest casino, and only other casino in
List of Casinos in Texas
There are no non-tribal commercial casinos in Texas.
List of Tribal Casinos in Texas
The two tribal casinos in Texas are:
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass located 143 miles southwest from San Antonio.
- Naskila Gaming in Livingston located 74 miles north-northeast from Houston.
Other Gambling Establishments
As an alternative to enjoying Texas slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Texas is:
- North: Oklahoma Slots
- East: Arkansas Slots, Louisiana Slots, and the Gulf of Mexico
- South: The country of Mexico
- North and West: New Mexico Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my state-specific blog for that neighboring state to Texas.
Payout Returns in Texas
No minimum or maximum payout returns are legally set for casinos in Texas. Furthermore, no actual payout return statistics are publicly available.
Our Texas Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Texas? If so, join our new Texas slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to freely join this closed Facebook Group.
There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in or near Texas. Come join us!
Summary of Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019
Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos. These tribal casinos offer Class II bingo machines where players compete for prizes against other players throughout a casino’s gaming floor.
Annual Progress in Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling
In the last year, the financially struggling Jacks or Better Casino gambling boat sailing out of Galveston to international waters closed.
2018 Archive: Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2018 – Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of 2 tribal casinos and a gambling boat sailing out of Galveston. The largest casino is at the Mexican border near San Antonio, with the second closer to Houston. Both casinos only offer electronic games of bingo, not traditional slots. Six racetracks have no gaming machines.
Related Articles from Professor Slots
- 11 Things You Need To Know About American Indian Tribal Casinos – Tribal gaming is involved, even sophisticated, in terms of legal, regulatory, political, and economic factors. It’s one of the least understood segments of the U.S. gaming industry. This summary article on American Indian tribal casinos helps slot machine casino gamblers better understand the tribal casinos they visit.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Online Resource: A State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series – This online resource for slot machine casino gamblers summaries a third year of 56 weekly posts for each U.S. state, territory, and the federal district. Slots players begin here to learn about the slots gaming industry in each U.S. gaming jurisdiction. This summary article links to 56 individual state-specific posts useful to slots players.
- Previous: Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019 – Tennessee slot machine casino gambling does not exist. There are no casinos nor any type of slot machines. There are no tribal casinos. Charitable fundraising events exist with approval from the General Assembly. Tennessee recently expanded its gaming options by legalizing fantasy sports betting. There is a state lottery.
- Next: U.S. Virgin Islands Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019 – U.S. Virgin Islands slot machine casino gambling consists of 7 casinos on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Most casinos closed for renovation or rebuilding after the damage caused by two Category-5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, in September 2017. Before making travel plans, check the status of any casinos.
