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Clute City Council postponed a vote on repealing the city’s ban on eight-liner machines, leaving its existing restriction unchanged. According to The Facts, council members want a better understanding of Texas legal requirements and regulations in other jurisdictions before revisiting the proposal.
The city’s ordinance, adopted in 2025, bans amusement redemption machines within city limits.
Local repeal would not override Texas gambling law
City Attorney Chris Duncan outlined a legal test for determining whether a machine qualifies as an illegal gambling device: payment to play, an element of chance and an opportunity to receive something of value.
Duncan said a skill component does not necessarily make a machine legal if chance also plays a role. He also discussed a Texas attorney general opinion on the issue, noting that it is not legally binding like a court ruling.
For businesses seeking to resume operating the machines, Duncan cautioned that repealing Clute’s restriction would not, by itself, make every machine or method of operation legal under Texas law.
Business owner reports lost sales
A business owner identified as Vijay told council members that business had suffered since the machines were shut down. Customers who came to play also bought beer, snacks and food, he said.
“Our businesses are mostly more than 50 percent less than last year,” Vijay said, according to The Facts.
Council members discussed whether to repeal the ordinance outright or establish operating restrictions and enforcement priorities. No change was approved.
Council could revisit repeal Thursday
The Facts reported that the council is expected to revisit the proposed repeal and could vote Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Clute Event Center, 100 Parkview Drive.
Whether the council will repeal the ban, retain it or adopt operating restrictions remains unresolved.
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Source: As reported by The Facts.
This article was created with the assistance of AI and is monitored by our editorial team.
