Bingo, in Texas, is legally authorized under state law, distinguishing it as one of the few permissible forms of gambling.

Nevertheless, there are specific restrictions that must be adhered to. The organization of bingo games is restricted solely to charitable causes, and only authorized organizations are authorized to hold them.

The charitable bingo industry in Texas is flourishing, as players contribute more than $800 million each year towards legal bingo games. This significant sum allows charities to receive a generous amount of over $30 million annually from the proceeds of these bingo games.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide to the legal standing of bingo halls in Texas, along with details on their locations within the state. Moreover, it explores the deep affection Texans have for what they lovingly call “The Most Charitable Game in Texas.”

Are bingo halls legal in Texas?

Yes, they are. Texas legislators first authorized charitable bingo in 1981, and the following year licenses were issued for conducting bingo games. Later, voters approved a constitutional amendment that specifically legalized charitable bingo games.

Unless falling under the categories of “charitable bingo, charitable raffles, and state lotteries,” the operation of “lotteries and gift enterprises” is prohibited by the state’s constitution as stated in Article 3, Section 47.

Texas lawmakers have the authority to grant permission and establish regulations for bingo games, but their actions must be endorsed by voters in the relevant county, precinct, city, or town. Different organizations are eligible to host these games, as long as they obtain the required consent from voters.

The year 2001 saw the introduction of the Bingo Enabling Act, which aimed to bring more clarity to the rules governing bingo games and the authorized entities that can host them. This legislation also highlights the role of the Texas Lottery Commission in overseeing bingo operations in the state. The Commission’s Charitable Bingo Operations Division, in particular, is entrusted with the task of regulating all aspects of bingo activities, including the granting of licenses to organizations seeking to organize bingo events.

Who can host bingo games in Texas?

Before hosting charitable bingo games, the organizations listed in the constitution must obtain approval from local voters. These organizations include:

• Religious establishments such as churches, synagogues, and religious organizations serve as places of worship.
• Volunteer fire departments
• Nonprofit in nature, veterans organizations or fraternal organizations.
• Nonprofit organizations that offer support to medical research or treatment programs.

The Texas Lottery Commission has approved the inclusion of bingo games in 226 out of Texas’ 254 counties, as voted by the residents. Presently, there are more than 1,300 licensed organizations throughout the state that are authorized to host these games.

Where can you play bingo in Texas?

Texas is home to a diverse range of bingo halls, varying in size and design. There are a number of well-established venues that hold regular licenses, which are renewed every one or two years. Furthermore, organizations have the choice to obtain temporary licenses for hosting a limited number of bingo sessions dedicated solely to fundraising for charitable purposes.

In simpler terms, you could find yourself playing bingo in either a lively location like the Texas BingoPlex Fort Worth or a peaceful school gymnasium where the PTA has organized a temporary permit for a one-time bingo event.

Even in the rural areas of Texas, there is no shortage of bingo halls, allowing residents to easily access one regardless of their location. Additionally, major cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth are teeming with numerous bingo halls located throughout their surroundings.

Under the law, licensed organizations are bound by a restriction of organizing a maximum of three “bingo occasions” every week, with each event lasting a maximum of four hours. Consequently, numerous bingo halls usually operate during the late afternoon and early evening on specific days, notably Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It is important to note that there are bigger bingo halls that operate all week long. This is made possible by the existence of multiple organizations, each with their own license, hosting games at the same venue.

Big Tex Bingo in Houston operates every day, collaborating with seven unique charities. Each charity is allocated a specific day of the week to host the games on a rotating basis.

How do you play bingo for real money in Texas?

There are two main ways in which bingo games are predominantly played in Texas: the traditional method using paper cards or electronically through bingo computers.

When playing bingo, participants must mark numbers on their cards as they are announced. If they successfully complete a row, column, or diagonal, they need to shout “Bingo!” to claim their reward. In some bingo halls, players are required to purchase a specific dauber for marking their cards.

The electronic bingo games, like video slots or video poker, are presented on computer screens. Unlike traditional bingo, these games provide the convenience of automatic number marking as they are called, enabling players to unwind and watch their cards illuminate. Additionally, players can play numerous cards at once, with the possibility of playing up to 66 cards simultaneously.

While the majority of bingo games follow the classic format, there are also several different versions of bingo available. These variations may involve having multiple numbers per square or playing “speedball” games at a faster pace. The cost to participate and the prizes offered can vary between different locations and even within a single bingo event.

In Texas, individuals who are not yet 18 years old can join in bingo games if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Nevertheless, licensed organizations have the option to post notices that prohibit entry of individuals under 18 into their bingo halls.

How much can you win at Texas bingo halls?

The law explicitly states that the prize for any individual game of bingo cannot be valued at more than $750.

There are further restrictions that prohibit a player from winning more than $2,500 in multiple prizes within a single bingo event.

These limitations do not apply to pull-tab bingo games.

Pull-tabs at Texas bingo halls

Pull-tab bingo, also referred to as “pop-opens,” “break-opens,” “cherry bells,” “pickle cards,” or “instant bingo,” involves players utilizing paper tickets with conveniently detachable tabs.

Players in Texas bingo halls have the opportunity to reveal hidden symbols or numbers on pull-tabs, similar to scratch-off lottery tickets, by pulling back the tabs. These pull-tabs can be played in two different ways: as instant tickets or event tickets.

On the front side of the instant tickets, the winning combinations are shown, enabling players to promptly verify if the revealed combinations match the winning ones, confirming whether the ticket is a winner or not.

The recipient of event tickets is decided through a subsequent activity, which could be a draw, a spinning wheel, or a mini-bingo game. The event establishes the potential winning combinations, and participants verify if their tickets align with them.

Players in Texas bingo halls have the opportunity to win significant prizes with pull-tab games. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that any pull-tab tickets that are won must be redeemed during the same session or bingo event in which they were bought.

Can you play online bingo in Texas?

Online bingo games and all other forms of real money online gambling are prohibited in Texas.

However, there are some online casinos specifically designed for Texas players that offer bingo games along with their other offerings. One notable website is Chumba Casino, where players can enjoy a bingo game called Flambingo in addition to slots games.