Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 8 Liner Ban topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves second reading to ban illegal '8‑liner' machines
Summary
Council held a public hearing and advanced an ordinance formally banning ‘8‑liner’ gambling machines from La Marque, aligning the city code with state penal provisions and setting penalties up to $2,000 per offense. Notices to local businesses will be issued if the ordinance is adopted.
The La Marque City Council opened a public hearing on Aug. 10 about Ordinance O‑2026‑0012 to amend the city code by defining and prohibiting ‘8‑liner’ coin‑operated amusement machines, declaring them a public nuisance and prescribing penalties up to $2,000 per offense. City legal staff said the change aligns the municipal code with existing state penal law that already bans these illegal lotteries.
During the hearing a resident asked whether letters would be sent to convenience stores and how the ordinance would apply to devices in private homes. City staff said, “If this is passed tonight, there will be letters…we'll make sure that letters go out by the end of the month.” Staff clarified that the ordinance is intended to ban operation across the city; enforcement and outreach steps will be coordinated with code enforcement and law enforcement.
The council approved the motion to proceed with the ordinance on its second reading and discussed steps for notification and code enforcement; staff will return with an implementation plan and timelines for outreach to businesses and enforcement procedures.
