Texas Gaming Commission
Legal gambling in Texas is limited to betting on horse and dog races, state-sanctioned lottery games, and charitable gaming. The local Native American tribes operate two medium-sized casinos, but the government has been trying to eliminate this form of gambling from the state since 2002, shutting down one major casino and forcing the remaining two. The Texas Gaming Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor who each serve a term of two years. Five members serve terms that expire February 15 of each odd numbered year and four members serve terms that expire February 15 of each even numbered year. The governor shall designate one member a presiding officer of the. Registered Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Operators; Recognized Testing Laboratories; Click here for Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs contact information. If you would like to file a complaint concerning charitable gaming activities in Virginia, call the OCRP complaint line at 804.371.0498. On October 7, 2020, Governor Abbott issued Executive Order GA-32 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens. Effective October 14, 2020, bingo halls may operate at 75% of their total listed occupancy, except that bingo halls located in 'areas with high hospitalizations' may operate up to only 50% of their total.
View Guide ContentsIntroductionOnline FundraisingUnified Registration Statement (URS)Charitable Solicitation DisclosuresCharitable Registration Audit RequirementsFundraising With ProfessionalsCommercial Co-Ventures and Cause MarketingUnlike raffles and bingo, there is NO exception to the gambling law in Texas for nonprofits to hold poker or casino night fundraising events. The gambling law, Chapter 47 of the Penal Code, applies to nonprofits and to for profits equally. ยง47 (Vernon 2003).
Charitable gaming refers to bingos, raffles, and a variety of other games of chance being conducted for charitable purposes. This guide contains information about charitable gaming in Texas.
Texas Bingo License
| Game Type: | Bingo |
| Agency: | Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000 Web: Home '> |
| Age Restrictions: | Participants must be at least 18 years old. Minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian are allowed to play bingo. |
| Fact Checked: | 1/10/18 |
Initial Registration
| Agency: | Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000 Web: Home '> |
| Form: | |
| Fact Checked: | 1/10/18 |
Registration Renewal
| Agency: | Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000 Web: Home '> |
| Fact Checked: | 1/10/18 |
Texas Raffle License
Not required
Charitable Gaming licensure is not required on the State level in Texas.
Texas does not issue permits for charitable raffles at the state level, however, charities must follow the relevant state laws when conducting a raffle. Charities can only host 2 raffle events per calendar year.
Texas Temporary Bingo License
| Game Type: | Bingo |
| Agency: | Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000 Web: Home '> |
| Fact Checked: | 1/10/18 |
Initial Registration
| Agency: | Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000 Web: Home '> |
| Form: | |
| Fact Checked: | 1/10/18 |
Texas Gaming Commission Phone Number In Austin
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Temporary licenses allow for a single bingo event, so there is no need to renew.
More information: Texas Lottery - Charitable Bingo Operations Division Phone: 512-344-5000Web:
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