Senate Bill No. 517, introduced by Middleton and Hall, aims to amend the Texas Penal Code regarding gambling offenses and increase the associated criminal penalties. The bill introduces new definitions and clarifications, such as defining "device" to include various forms of electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivances. It also revises the definition of "gambling device" to encompass a broader range of games and contrivances that provide opportunities for players to win things of value, while removing previous exclusions for certain amusement devices. Additionally, the term "thing of value" is expanded to include property, money, and benefits like gift cards.

The bill significantly increases the severity of penalties for gambling offenses, changing the classification from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree for several sections of the Penal Code related to gambling. This change applies to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Furthermore, Section 47.02(e) of the Penal Code is repealed, indicating a shift in how certain gambling-related offenses are treated under Texas law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 47.01, Occupations Code 2001.416 (Penal Code 47, Occupations Code 2001)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 47.01, Penal Code 47.03, Penal Code 47.04, Penal Code 47.05, Penal Code 47.06, Penal Code 47.02 (Penal Code 47, Occupations Code 2001)
Engrossed: Penal Code 47.01, Penal Code 47.03, Penal Code 47.04, Penal Code 47.05, Penal Code 47.06, Penal Code 47.02 (Penal Code 47, Occupations Code 2001)