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Lynn County tightens game-room permit rules, sets $1,000 application fee and $750 monthly renewal
Summary
The Lynn County Commissioners approved revisions to the county's game-room permit application, restricting locations to US HWY 380 or HWY 87, banning placement near residences, schools and churches, requiring fire‑marshal inspection, windows that cannot be blacked out, and imposing a $1,000 application fee plus $750 monthly renewal.
The Lynn County Commissioners Court approved a set of revisions to the county’s game‑room permit application on March 23, 2026.
Judge Mike Braddock described the package of changes, which the court approved after a motion by Commissioner Larry Durham and a second from Commissioner John Hawthorne. The court’s vote was unanimous.
Under the adopted rules, county staff may issue a game‑room permit only for facilities located directly on US Highway 380 or Highway 87; permit holders may not locate game rooms in residential areas, churches, schools or similar locations. The application requires a fire‑marshal inspection and proof of a Certificate of Occupancy before a permit will be issued. Buildings must have two four‑foot windows on different sides that cannot be blacked out. Applicants must file an Assumed Name Certificate/DBA with the County Clerk if applicable and must submit a lease agreement when the premises are leased. The order prohibits membership‑only access: "ANYONE can enter the facility at any time; this includes the Police Department and Sheriff's Office," the court record states.
The court also adopted a $1,000 application fee and a $750 monthly renewal fee for the permit. The motion to adopt the revisions passed unanimously.
County officials said the standards are intended to limit locations and impose safety and transparency requirements for commercial game rooms. The court did not indicate an effective date beyond adopting the changes at the March 23 meeting.
