A report from The San Antonio Express News revealed that Mark Lavery , a Chicago-based lawyer, has taken aim at card rooms and challenged what he believes to be their illegal operations. He is primarily pursuing properties in his locality, including the Card House located in San Antonio. This is part of a wider trend throughout the state.
Card Room’s Illegal Status: Dealing Away
Lavery claims that card rooms rely on gray area legislation, which doesn’t allow them to be considered legitimate businesses, but it does not stop them. This is unless Lavery wins his lawsuit.
Lavery claims that the lawyer is challenging Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code. This chapter allows for some interpretation when these types games are being played in “private spaces”. But, what was once an exemption for games between friends at home is quickly becoming an excuse to open card rooms in Lubbock and Texas, Austin, Houston, San Antoni, and other locations across the state.
Card rooms are also smart about how they do business. They don’t charge rakes, which could be much more lucrative, but can also make them in trouble with authorities. They ask for an entry fee and then let the players decide. However, not all people agree. The state has also benefited from such card rooms.
A previously black market is now open to the light. The clubs are eager to pay taxes to avoid being shut down by authorities.
Gambling has more bad than good.
Lavery insists that these establishments are a source of great harm and that they have far more negative effects than any positive. Unregulated gambling could cause serious problems such as gambling disorder, breakup of relationships or even suicide.
Loved ones are also affected by the public nuisance, such as Plaintiff. They are victims of suicide or have to deal with financial issues of loved ones who have been exploited by criminal gambling.
Mark Lavery
Lavery has always been firm in his opposition to gambling. Texas is a state that is reluctant to legalize gambling. The Chicagolawyer has taken on many forms of gambling entertainment including fantasy sports betting and sports betting. Recent lobbying efforts by Las Vegas companies to construct a casino resort in the Lone Star State has been rebuffed.
