| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the prizes awarded in certain pull-tab bingo games.
The introduction of a new form of bingo with higher possible jackpot prizes could increase
player attendance and participation in bingo establishments. However, there is no available data
to determine the impact this may have on prize fee collections or other bingo-related revenues or
on revenue associated with state lottery games.
HB 1186 would authorize another form of bingo to be played for prize money in Texas - "carryover pull-tab Bingo" Furthermore, while the current maximum prize value for a single game of bingo is capped at $750, the cap would be elevated to $10,000 for a carryover pull-tab bingo game.
Texas Action supports this bill which marginally promotes the principle of limited government to the extent that it allows a variety of bingo game to be played that is not currently allowed under the law. The fact that the state regulates charitable bingo at all is questionable. Rather than incrementally allowing expanded bingo in Texas, the state should get out of bingo regulation altogether. Still, this legislation is preferable to the status quo and we support its passage.