{"data":{"id":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-2001.551","jurisdiction":"us-tx","citation":"Tex. Occupations Code § 2001.551","heading":"UNLAWFUL BINGO; OFFENSE.","body":"(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.\n(b) A person conducting, promoting, or administering bingo commits an offense if the person conducts, promotes, or administers bingo other than:\n(1) under a license issued under this chapter;\n(2) within the confines of a home for purposes of amusement or recreation when:\n(A) no player or other person furnishes anything of more than nominal value for the opportunity to participate;\n(B) participation in the game does not exceed 15 players; and\n(C) the prizes awarded or to be awarded are nominal;\n(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:\n(A) no player or other person furnishes anything of more than nominal value for the opportunity to participate; and\n(B) the prizes awarded or to be awarded are nominal; or\n(4) on behalf of a business conducting the game for promotional or advertising purposes if:\n(A) the game is conducted by or through a newspaper or a radio or television station;\n(B) participation in the game is open to the general public and is not limited to customers of the business;\n(C) playing materials are furnished without charge to a person on request; and\n(D) no player is required to furnish anything of value for the opportunity to participate.\n(c) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree.\n(d) This section applies to a political subdivision regardless of local option status.\n(e) A game exempted under Subsection (b)(2), (3), or (4) is not required to be licensed under this chapter.\n(f) A game exempted under Subsection (b)(4) is subject to the following restrictions:\n(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;\n(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;\n(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\n(4) the commission by rule may require a person conducting or involved in conducting the game to:\n(A) notify the commission of:\n(i) the persons involved in conducting the game;\n(ii) the manner in which the game is to be conducted; and\n(iii) any other information required by the commission; and\n(B) keep records of all transactions connected with the game available for commission inspection.\nActs 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.","path":["OCCUPATIONS CODE","TITLE 13. SPORTS, AMUSEMENTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT","SUBTITLE A. GAMING","CHAPTER 2001. BINGO","SUBCHAPTER L. ENFORCEMENT"],"source_url":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.2001.htm#2001.551","current_through":"89th 2nd Called Legislative Session, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T01:47:31Z","sha256":"6a5c9b37f332642d40dca85ee0be510a179a3b44ecee8090dcbb20e7ebbde56e","source_id":"us-tx","stale":false,"prev":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-2001.515","next":"us-tx/tex.-occupations-code-2001.552"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}