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Dickinson council bans electronic '8‑liner' gambling devices, revokes existing permits
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting gambling devices (targeting '8‑liner' machines) citing recent appellate rulings; staff said existing permits would be revoked immediately and reported 47 licensed machines were on the books.
Council voted to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the city code to prohibit gambling devices, an action staff framed as removing blight and conforming to court rulings on the constitutionality of certain electronic gaming machines.
A council member reviewed relevant case law, saying the Fort Worth appellate court found "8‑liner" machines to be unconstitutional under Article 3, Chapter 47 of the Texas Constitution and that the Texas Supreme Court denied review, making the ruling final. The city attorney explained the ordinance targets gambling‑device versions of electronic bingo and similar devices but does not affect traditional pinball machines.
Council discussed implementation details and asked about refunds for previously issued permits; the attorney noted the per‑machine license fee is nominal and that prior licenses may have been issued for devices the city is now prohibited from licensing. Staff reported there were 47 machines currently licensed, and the ordinance passed on a voice vote.
