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The sponsor of the Poker Gaming Act of 2009, also known as Texas House Bill 222, officially suspended debate and voting on the bill. State Representative Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio), allowed the bill to die on the House floor rather than have it vetoed by Texas Governor and aspiring US Republican Presidential candidate Rick Perry.

Rep. Menendez first introduced HB 222 in November of last year in an effort to declare poker a game of skill in Texas. The bill would have allowed for raked poker games to be established by the state’s Native American tribes, as well as charitable foundations, bars and business that currently allow for legalized gambling such as horse and dog tracks.Under current Texas law, poker (including the popular Texas Holdem version of the game) is legal to play. However, the person or persons that run the game are not allowed to take a rake (a portion of the pot to cover their expenses) or charge admission. Also, all the money in the game must be distributed among the players.

Although Rep. Menendez or any other member of the House can re-introduce similar legislation in next year’s session, Gov. Perry has announced that he will veto any such bill that comes across his desk. Advocates for safe, legal games in Texas are looking at the next election in November 2010 to see if they can find candidates that will be willing to consider the issue.