Austin, TX Gambling & Gaming: Game Room Regulations (2026)

Chapter 4-13 defines a game room as any building, facility, or place open to the public that contains one or more operational amusement redemption machines, meaning recreational machines that pay out something of value other than a free replay (Sec. 4-13-1). Any owner, manager, or employee exercising control over the space must give a police officer immediate, unrestricted access during business hours to every area of the game room and to every operational machine (Sec. 4-13-2). A police officer may separately inspect the premises or any machine to check compliance with this chapter and with state law, and refusing that inspection is itself an offense (Sec.

4-13-3). Every entrance must carry a sign reading "GAME ROOM" in block letters at least one and one-half inches tall, legible from 25 feet away (Sec. 4-13-4). Windows must be transparent glass, and nobody may cover, block, or otherwise obscure the view through them (Sec. 4-13-5). Violating any requirement in the chapter is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, no culpable mental state is required for conviction, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense (Sec. 4-13-6).