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

The ordinance defines AMUSEMENT REDEMPTION MACHINE as an electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical device that awards non-cash merchandise prizes by chance or a mix of skill and chance, referencing Tex. 01(4)(b), while carving out true skill-and-strength machines like claw, crane, basketball, and bowling games. GAMBLING DEVICE is defined broadly to include electronic versions of bingo, keno, blackjack, roulette, video poker, or similar games that award and track credits by chance. A GAME ROOM is simply any building, facility, or place where either kind of machine is present.

Section 23-22(b) makes it an offense to maintain, display, or keep any such machine for patron operation, and separately bars operating a game room anywhere within city limits, stating flatly that game rooms are not permitted in any zoning district. The section holds corporations and associations criminally liable for an employee's or agent's violations committed within the scope of employment, and the municipal court can issue search warrants to aid enforcement. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and beyond criminal fines the city can pursue nuisance abatement, injunctive relief, administrative adjudication, and revocation of any license or permit, plus recovery of the city's remediation costs from anyone found guilty.

The ordinance took effect November 1, 2024, replacing the prior regime that had located sexually-oriented-business and related offenses in the same part of the code.