Title
Consider and take action on Ordinance 2026-17 adding Section 70-2 to the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City to prohibit gambling devices and gambling places within the City and to declare violations thereof a public nuisance - Second Reading (Mayor Long)
City Council approved the first reading, 7-0-0, on June 9, 2026.
Background:
Approval of this item will add Section 70-2 to Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances to prohibit gambling devices and gambling places within the City and provide enforcement and nuisance-abatement authority.
Article III, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution requires the prohibition of lotteries except as otherwise authorized by law. Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits gambling devices, gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, and other unlawful gambling activities. Texas courts have further clarified that certain electronic gaming devices commonly known as eight-liners and similar gaming machines constitute unlawful lotteries or gambling devices under Texas law.
The proposed ordinance:
- prohibits gambling devices and gambling places within the City;
- prohibits property owners and operators from knowingly allowing such activities on property under their control;
- preserves lawful amusement devices and activities authorized by Texas law;
- declares unlawful gambling devices and gambling places to be public nuisances; and
- authorizes civil, criminal, and nuisance-abatement remedies.
The ordinance does not prohibit lawful arcade games, claw machines, redemption games, amusement redemption machines, or other activities authorized by Texas law.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 2026-17
FUNDING
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
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