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What Texans Need to Know Before Gambling Rolling the Dice on Sports Betting in Texas Could Cost You More Than You Think
Gambling has become one of our country’s most popular forms of entertainment. Many people will take vacations to Las Vegas to visit casinos to play slots, blackjack, and other games. Maybe you’ve even visited one of the five Texas gambling facilities located on Native American tribal lands. Back in the day, gambling was confined to these locations, but in recent years, it’s started to bleed into our home lives. If you watch Sportscenter on ESPN or any nationally televised sporting event, you’ll likely see an advertisement or two for DraftKings, FanDuel, or another online sports betting application. The offers may seem tempting, but you’ll quickly hit a wall if you try downloading one. Most forms of gambling are illegal in Texas. Engaging in any form of betting, like placing wagers on the outcome of a game or contest, is against the law. While there are some exceptions, they are few and far between. Native American casinos and in-person betting on regulated horse or greyhound racing are a couple of examples of legal gambling. However, sports betting, whether online or in person, is strictly prohibited. While many sports betting applications require location tracking to prevent people from making illegal bets, not all have this feature. And some people may try to take it even further by using a virtual private network (VPN) to make it appear like they’re in a legal state. Online sports betting is just one example of an illegal gambling activity under state law. Betting on games played with cards or dice, having or using slot machines or other gambling devices, playing online poker or slots for money, and even enjoying a friendly poker game among friends may be illegal depending on the circumstances. Any time you make a bet, participate in bookmaking, or own/operate a gambling establishment, you could land yourself in legal trouble. The penalties for illegal gambling can vary depending on the offense. If you’re convicted of gambling, you’ll face a Class
C misdemeanor, which comes with a maximum fine of $500. However, if the prosecution incorporates Title 11 of the Texas Penal Code, things become much more serious. This means they’re trying to say you knowingly engaged in organized criminal activity. If convicted, you could receive a fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in a state correctional facility. Promoting gambling activity by knowingly running or making money from a gambling business, doing bookmaking, or taking care of anything valuable connected to a bet is a Class A misdemeanor. It can lead to a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. As online sports betting and other forms of gambling continue to increase in popularity across the country, many Texans may wonder if it will ever become legal here. It’s possible but unlikely. In 2023, the House approved a sports betting measure, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stopped it from going further. However, Gov. Greg Abbott stated this past February that he has no problem with online sports betting and supports legalization. At the time of this writing, two bills are currently in play that could legalize and regulate sports betting and casino gambling. House Joint Resolution 134 and Senate Joint Resolution 82 are set to appear on the ballot this November for Texans to vote on.
If you’re facing illegal gambling charges, you need to hire an experienced and
knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. My team is ready and standing by to provide representation and build a defense that can significantly impact your outcome.
—Stephen Hamilton
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Make a Splash! Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming.
Water Fun for the Whole Family
Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. Any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore! Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will
As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years! A Safe Choice or a Legal Mistake?
The Legal Risk of Sleeping It off in a Vehicle
Imagine this scenario: You’re going out to catch up with a few friends at your favorite bar or restaurant. You drive there by yourself, meet everyone, and start enjoying yourself. Everyone is drinking, so you put a few back. You stand up to go to the bathroom and realize you’ve had more than expected. You know you’ve drunk too much to drive home, so you decide to just sleep it off in your car. While this might sound like the responsible decision, you may be opening yourself up to a DWI. Texas law states that an individual has committed a DWI if they are “intoxicated
to explain this one away, but doing so is not as easy as you think. You could even state something that hurts your case, so it’s better to stay quiet and contact your attorney when possible if you find yourself in this situation. Since the law provides no true definition of “operating a motor vehicle,” many behaviors could lead to a DWI if you try to sleep off your intoxication. Sleeping in the driver’s seat with your seatbelt on may make it appear like you intended to drive somewhere or recently finished driving. Starting your car to turn on the air conditioning, heat, or even the radio could also be considered “operating” the vehicle. You can use strategies and precautions to avoid this situation. For starters, you should always have a plan B if you expect to drink when going to a
destination. Either ride with a sober driver or be prepared to call a rideshare. If you really have no option and have to sleep in your vehicle, make it obvious that you never intended to drive. Lie down in the backseat with the engine and all lights turned off. Keep your keys away from the ignition and off your body, ideally placing them in the trunk or somewhere outside the vehicle. If you receive a DWI charge under any circumstances, you must obtain legal representation. Otherwise, it could turn your life upside down.
while operating a motor vehicle in a public place.” This might sound
straightforward at first glance, but Texas law does not define “operating,” which means it’s up to the courts to interpret its meaning. You may think you’d be able
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But That Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty You’ve Been Arrested for DWI
HAPPY TCDG CLIENTS “If I could give 10 stars I would! This group not only did their best to get the best outcome for me, but they treated me like a friend as well. It’s very easy to get in contact with them if you have any questions, which was the best part. TCDG are very attentive, very friendly; personally, I believe they deserve the Best In Texas plaque! If you’ve ever found yourself in a pickle, this family is the way you want to go!” -Caitlin
Some people fall under the assumption that they should just plead guilty when arrested and charged with a DWI, especially if they were drinking and driving at the time. However, that’s not the best approach to your case. Keep in mind that the prosecution has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which means other factors may come into play that could get your case dismissed. Our team has helped countless individuals avoid a conviction while getting their case dismissed.
Here are a few of the most common reasons DWI cases get dismissed. No Reasonable Suspicion for the Initial Traffic Stop Law enforcement must have a reason to pull you over; they can’t just say they thought you might be drinking and driving. By pulling you over and arresting you for a DWI without a reasonable basis, law enforcement is effectively violating your rights. A knowledgeable criminal law attorney can examine the details of your case to determine if law enforcement was justified when they pulled you over. Failing to Administer a Breath or Field Sobriety Test Properly Some may believe Breathalyzers are foolproof, but that’s not true. If you have a medical condition like diabetes or GERD (acid reflux), your test results could be skewed. Devices can also malfunction, providing incorrect results. Law enforcement also has to follow specific guidelines when administering these tests. If they do something wrong or differently, it could lead to invalid results. Moreover, law enforcement must read you your rights; if they don’t, anything you say should not be admissible in court. While these errors might not dismiss your entire case, they can dismiss specific evidence. Law Enforcement Acting Inappropriately During the Traffic Stop While we’d love for law enforcement officers to act responsibly and in the public’s best interest at all times, it doesn’t always happen. An officer may claim you acted belligerent, but video evidence can prove otherwise, leading to questions about probable cause to arrest you. If you want to protect your rights proactively, consider investing in a dashcam because it can provide great video evidence to help dismiss your case.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round
steak, cut into 1/4-inch- thick slices
• Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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The Legal Risks of Gambling in Texas
New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun Why Sobering Up in Your Car Is the Wrong Move Common Reasons Why DWI Cases Get Dismissed Teriyaki Beef Skewers
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How Burnout Can Signal Depression
The Hidden Health Risks of Burnout Canary in the Coal Mine?
Career-driven people, overworked employees, and working people from all walks of life can experience alienation, extreme exhaustion, loss of meaning, and reduced performance, all hallmarks of burnout.
diagnose burnout. Items include, “I feel emotionally drained by my work.” The symptoms of burnout can serve as the canary in the coal mine — an early warning that overload, overwork, or stress may be on the verge of harming your health. Consider an extended break from work to ease the strain. If your ennui deepens into low self- esteem, guilt, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, a vacation or long weekend isn’t likely to help. Clinical depression or anxiety requires different treatment by a therapist or mental health professional. The bottom line: If you’re feeling burned out, it’s time to put on the brakes, check out for a while, and tune in more closely to your overall well-being!
The term was coined in the 1970s to denote the exhaustion often
experienced by people in the helping professions. Burnout is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, the professionals’ guide to diagnostic standards. However, the World Health Organization recognizes it as a factor in people’s health. Some doctors use the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a scale measuring a person’s level of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy, to
Does your job or housework leave you feeling burnt out? If so, you aren’t alone. Burnout is a common affliction in our technological age. An estimated 48% of employees and 53% of managers claim they’re burned out, according to a 2022 Microsoft survey of 20,000 workers, and stress levels have worsened since then.
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