SB 517 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to gambling criminal offenses and a defense to prosecution for a gambling offense; increasing criminal penalties.

SB 517 amends Texas Penal Code sections defining gambling offenses and penalties. It clarifies that most electronic or mechanical gaming devices (like video poker or slot machines) qualify as gambling devices, removing an exemption for low-value prize machines (e.g., those offering prizes under $5 or 10 times the play cost). The bill upgrades penalties for violating these laws from Class A misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. This directly affects operators of gaming machines, including casinos, arcades, and businesses using electronic games, by expanding the scope of prohibited devices and increasing criminal consequences.

Issues: ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2024

Committee Review

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

May 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Dec 2, 2024 Last action May 8, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 7 edits · May 8, 2025

MODERATE

This bill amends the Texas Penal Code to update definitions of gambling devices, increase criminal penalties for certain offenses, and repeal a defense provision that allowed amusement devices to be used without prosecution. The changes clarify what constitutes a gambling device, expand the scope of prohibited activities, and strengthen enforcement by removing legal defenses for certain gambling-related conduct.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of prohibited gambling activities by updating definitions to include new device types and removing a defense that previously allowed certain amusement devices to be used without criminal liability.

DEFINITION

Updated definition of 'Device' to explicitly include electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivances, machines, or apparatus.

Added new definition for 'Eight-liner' as an electronic device capable of simulating traditional mechanical slot machines.

Modified 'Gambling device' definition to clarify what constitutes a gambling device and what is excluded from the definition.

Updated 'Thing of value' definition to include gift cards and other representations of value redeemable for property, money, rights, or benefits.

ENFORCEMENT

Increased criminal penalties for certain gambling offenses from Class A misdemeanor to felony of the third degree.

Repealed the defense provision that allowed prosecution to be avoided when using certain amusement devices with limited prizes.

TIMELINE

Established September 1, 2025 as the effective date for the Act's provisions.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 8, 2025

Introduced

Received from the Senate

lower

May 8, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed

upper

Apr 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Committee report printed and distributed

upper

Apr 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported favorably as substituted

upper

Apr 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

Vote taken in committee

upper

Mar 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Left pending in committee

upper

Mar 31, 2025

Upper · Passed

Testimony taken in committee

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Committee

Referred to State Affairs

upper

Feb 3, 2025

Introduced

Read first time

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor