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

Hutto Code of Ordinances § 8.08.002 provides that "No person shall operate a game room in the city without first obtaining a license," and that license issues only after the state occupation tax, the city's annual tag fee, and the inspection and license fee under Appendix A have all been paid. Section 8.08.004 sets the city occupation tax at $15.00 per amusement redemption machine, with a tag that must be visibly affixed to the machine and that expires every December 31, non-prorated. Section 8.08.006 limits operating hours to 9:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday, bars outdoor machines, requires an owner or manager on site at all times, and bans anyone under 18 from entering a game room with seven or more machines, backed by a required posted sign in 1.5-inch block letters legible from 25 feet. Doors must stay unlocked with no buzzer system during operating hours. Section 8.08.001 defines the regulated "amusement redemption machine" by reference to Texas Penal Code § 47.01(4)(b) while expressly excluding true gambling devices under Penal Code chapter 47, and § 8.08.017 confirms the article never authorizes any device that is illegal under state gambling law. A license issued under § 8.08.005 is non-transferable, tied to a single location, and expires automatically if the business or its machines are sold.