And for those worried about the DFW FCA Poker Run, please note this line: Our Poker Run has never given out cash prizes, so we should be ok. I will note that the opinion itself doesn't explicitly state that non-cash prizes are legal, it just explicitly states cash prizes are illegal. Here's the complete opinion: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/op50abbott/ga-0385.htm
A concern I continue to have is that the Penal Code includes not only "money" but "other thing of value" in the section defining the offense of gambline. Caution is still advised as individual players may be guilty of a class C misdemeanor but the person(s) promoting the event may be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Bottom line, our chapter will still be having a driving event April 29. Planning is underway. Worst case scenario, we'll have a shooting contest at the end to make it a game of skill
What is this lil' plaque Grady gave us worth??? Can I get an appraisal??? "De' more I miss, de' meaner I get........."
A non-cash prize will also cause a violation of this law according to the last paragraph of Abbott's letter. I am curious as to the context that this question is raised by the Galveston DA. It seems to me that all lawmakers might make better use of their time by catching carjackers, sex offenders, and murderers than bothering a group of enthusiasts that are not causing any harm and are actually raising money for a good cause.
Technicality, just like no rules against throwing a beer can out a Testarossa by a Dallas cop. Oh wait, there is a law against that.
