Texas Governor breaks law by making a bet with Alabama governor on football
The reporting about this completely missed that the Texas governor's bet is plainly illegal under Texas law. The law states that a bet is "an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance" (with some exceptions). It doesn't matter that he's betting an item rather than money.
However, Texas is one of the few states where jail is not possible for gambling. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine, as per my table of state-by-state penalties for gambling. Alabama is one of the rarer states that doesn't prohibit gambling at all.
Discuss.
And even in states which have legalized online gambling, it's legal only if you play at one of the approved operators.
California governors and mayors typically make bets with their counterparts over championship games.
I know that this forum and other Internet forums are famous for nitpicking...
But get real.
The reality is you can have a poker game on Thursday nights in your home and you're not going to get busted.
Lighten up guys. Big brother ain't watching that closely.
The governor could pardon himself.Quote: MichaelBluejayThe Texas and Alabama governors made a bet on a college football game, with the payout being either BBQ or beer.
The reporting about this completely missed that the Texas governor's bet is plainly illegal under Texas law. The law states that a bet is "an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance" (with some exceptions). It doesn't matter that he's betting an item rather than money.
However, Texas is one of the few states where jail is not possible for gambling. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine, as per my table of state-by-state penalties for gambling. Alabama is one of the rarer states that doesn't prohibit gambling at all.
Discuss.
link to original post
Yeah, all on my site that I linked to. I'm guessing you didn't click through to read what I referred to.Quote: ChumpChangeI'm assuming there's a short list of states that have legalized online gambling, such as NJ & PA and a couple others.
Yeah, all on my site that I linked to. I'm guessing you didn't click through to read what I referred to.Quote: rxwineUnless you’re running a regular illegal gambling business, I thought most states don’t bother with personal betting offenses?
I think you've missed the point. The point is, the governor of a state blatantly and publicly broke his own state law. How can his citizens be expected to follow state law when he doesn't?Quote: AlanMendelsonI know that this forum and other Internet forums are famous for nitpicking... But get real. The reality is you can have a poker game on Thursday nights in your home and you're not going to get busted. Lighten up guys. Big brother ain't watching that closely. link to original post
Quote: MichaelBluejayYeah, all on my site that I linked to. I'm guessing you didn't click through to read what I referred to.Quote: ChumpChangeI'm assuming there's a short list of states that have legalized online gambling, such as NJ & PA and a couple others.
Yeah, all on my site that I linked to. I'm guessing you didn't click through to read what I referred to.Quote: rxwineUnless you’re running a regular illegal gambling business, I thought most states don’t bother with personal betting offenses?
I think you've missed the point. The point is, the governor of a state blatantly and publicly broke his own state law. How can his citizens be expected to follow state law when he doesn't?Quote: AlanMendelsonI know that this forum and other Internet forums are famous for nitpicking... But get real. The reality is you can have a poker game on Thursday nights in your home and you're not going to get busted. Lighten up guys. Big brother ain't watching that closely. link to original post
link to original post
If you insist on being pedantic about it, then you need to say, “please click through my site before discussing”.
All you requested was “Discuss.”
Okay then, for those who need it spelled out, lots more info is available on my site about U.S. gambling laws in general and state-by-state penalties.Quote: rxwineIf you insist on being pedantic about it, then you need to say, “please click through my site before discussing”.
All you requested was “Discuss.”
link to original post
Quote: MichaelBluejayThe Texas and Alabama governors made a bet on a college football game, with the payout being either BBQ or beer.
The reporting about this completely missed that the Texas governor's bet is plainly illegal under Texas law. The law states that a bet is "an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance" (with some exceptions). It doesn't matter that he's betting an item rather than money.
Maybe that is because the reporting understands the spirit of the law is about a bookie accepting bets and not a friendly wager.
Send them an email.
I'd love to read the response.
Send an email to the LA County District Attorney's office. They have a spokesman who will respond.
