A new bill being proposed in Texas could threaten the existence of dozens of poker rooms and social clubs that have sprouted up throughout the southwestern state in recent years.
While collecting rake is illegal in Texas, the law does allow for gambling to occur in a "private place" where every player has a fair shot at winning and there is no economic benefit, allowing card rooms to act as social clubs and charge membership and seat fees instead of taking rake out of cash game pots.
House Bill 732, filed by Democratic Rep.