CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — New game room regulations are now in effect for Nueces County, according to a press release from the county.
Chief Deputy David Cook with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office said his office will have an active role in the new game room regulations.
“We’re not here to start immediately throwing people in jail for operating game rooms,” Cook said. "We’re going to give them an ample amount of time to make application, we’re going to conduct the inspections, we’re going to issue permits."
Game room operators have 30 days from January 3 to submit an application, including a $1,000 fee. The fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether the application is approved. Cook said it will help make game rooms safer and follow the law.
"Essentially if you make a payout with a value greater than $5, you’re violating state law for gambling," Cook said.
The new regulations went into effect Monday, and go as listed:
- Will only be able to operate 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) Sunday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- Will not be allowed to operate within 1,500 feet of a school, church, or neighborhood
- Will be required to have armed security
Corpus Christi Police Department assistant chief Todd Green said new requirements will make it easier for officers to hold game rooms accountable.
"Just being able to walk into a game room and say, ‘Hey, show me your permit to operate,’ and if they don’t have one, it’s very simple," Green said. "Then ok, you’re, you’re out of business, we’re closing you down."
After applying for a permit, game room operators have 90 days to complete the inspection process after first inspection. Green said some may still choose not to follow the new rules.
“It’s certainly a possibility, but they can’t say they haven’t been warned or they’re not aware of it," Green said. "This process has been going on for over a year now.”
If game rooms continue to operate without a valid permit, everyone who works there can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which could be one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Green said having a permit does not change gambling laws.
“Having a permit does not excuse you from engaging in illegal gambling and you can still be arrested and charged with multiple crimes,” Green said.
Through April 3, 2023, an exception will be made with submitted applications serving as conditional permits, according to the release.
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