Poker Opening a cardroom in Texas. Need Feedback on promotions to offer

Hello everyone,

I am opening a cardroom in Texas. I know that when you see this you are going to think that it is illegal to play poker in the state of texas and that is actually not correct at all. Here is what the law says and i have talked to my lawyer to make sure all is well and he says that it is.

Sec. 47.02. GAMBLING. (a) A person commits an offense if he:
(1) makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest;
(2) makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
(3) plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
(2) no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
(3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.

I have made a business and it is ALL IN Sports and Games and it is a private social room. I can host it out of a hotel or basically anywhere because in order to come into play you must pay a fee to become a member of the group. Once that membership fee is paid then the person can come in and play in whatever buy in tournament or cash game with absolutely no rake being taken from the winnings. This is 100% legal and gives the people the opportunity to play poker in a country club style environment.

My question for my fellow cardschat people is what kind of promotions do you think would be awesome to offer the players to continue them to comeback. I want this to be a really good poker room where people are not having to drive to oklahoma to play poker. They can stay in the area and play all the time. I appreciate your feedback and any suggestions that you have,

Source.

 

First, if in Austin, invite the heavyweights in the area, those who go to 5-7 house games a week, and offer them reduced membership (ambassadors), and they will get others for you. Offer those who come initially, 3 months membership for the price of 2. 33% off.

Make sure you have adequate number of dealers and they know what they are doing.

Be sure to know how to decide a (floor) decision when asked, properly.

Have security for you guests in the room and leaving, bandits target the parking lot of known gaming establishments.

Prepare business cards, generic so those in attendance can refer others. Allow them to put their name on the card (an empty line), and give them a discount of $5 off their monthly membership per referral (up to a certain # of referrals a month, like 10).

good luck.