Совет Сан-Антонио предложил запретить в городе игровые автоматы «восьмилетки»

San Antonio Council Proposes Citywide Ban on Eight-Liner Gaming Machines September 9, 2026 News San Antonio Moves to Ban Eight-Liners Across the City A member of the San Antonio City Council has introduced a proposal to ban eight-liner gaming machines throughout the city. The councilwoman argues that these machines have evolved into hubs for illegal gambling activities, despite being allowed under a specific exemption in Texas law. Understanding Texas’s Unique Eight-Liner Law The request for this ban was officially submitted by District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo on September 4. Her proposal aims not only to prohibit the machines but also to enhance inspections and enforcement measures while raising public awareness about the illegal use of these devices. Texas stands out as one of the few states permitting eight-liners, under what is known as the “Fuzzy Animal Exception.” Originally, this exception was designed to permit amusement venues such as arcades and carnivals to offer small non-cash prizes to players. According to the law, eight-liner machines are allowed to dispense a prize valued at less than $5 or provide rewards up to ten times the amount wagered. Additionally, these machines must include a skill-based element. However, Councilwoman Castillo contends that some operators exploit this provision, operating the machines similarly to traditional slot machines. Authorities have raised concerns about tactics reportedly used to bypass cash gambling limits, including machine modifications and the distribution of cash equivalents like gift cards, vouchers, or redeemable credits at affiliated businesses. Growing Efforts to Regulate Eight-Liners in Texas Cities Legal challenges concerning these machines have reached Texas courts multiple times. In 2003, the Texas Supreme Court ruled against payouts equivalent to cash from eight-liners. In 2022, a state appeals court declared the machines to be illegal lotteries, but the Texas Supreme Court declined to hear the case in 2024. This decision has granted cities greater authority to impose their own regulations. Following these rulings, several cities across Texas have implemented local bans on eight-liners. Councilwoman Castillo seeks to bring San Antonio in line with these efforts. Recent law enforcement actions have added urgency to this initiative. In Bexar County, authorities investigated a suspected illegal gambling operation linked to eight-liners. This investigation led to two arrests in March and the seizure of approximately 50 machines along with cash stored in a safe. The proposal is supported by four other city councilmembers: Edward Mungia, Ric Galvan, Marina Alderete Gavito, and Marc Whyte. The measure will first be reviewed by the City Council’s Governance Committee before possibly advancing to staff evaluation and a full council vote. Context of Gambling Regulations in Texas This proposed crackdown occurs against the backdrop of Texas maintaining some of the strictest casino-style gambling laws in the United States. The state currently lacks commercial or tribal casinos featuring traditional slot machines and house-banked table games. At the same time, major gambling companies continue to advocate for expanded casino gaming in Texas. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue during the regular state legislative session scheduled for 2027.