Oh, there is one going on right now, non-profit, etc... I have a few squares on that one. The prize, as I hear it, is a cruise. The prize is THE ONLY reason I bought (plus, supporting education as this one does).

I hope to win.

We southerners are always thought of as rednecks. I can't wait to be seated in the Cruise's fancy dining room with a few nice looking couples, discussing around the table why everyone decided on the cruise. Just looking at them, with a straight face, and telling them, in no uncertain terms, how the 'cow picked us' is keeping me giddy with delight.

I sure hope I win.

And the cranky ol' sorehead out in the county, who demands we "do something about" this heinous offense, is why we take the whole matter to a Grand Jury to see how the citizens feel themselves.

That is a good idea....I often forget there is nothing preventing a misd. case from being presented to the grand jury....have done it on rare occassion.
That brings up another question on the 8 liner issue, would you present that to the GJ or just file them given the various responses to the issue in the different jurisdictions. If you don't present those cases to the grand jury, instead you just file them, why treat an illegal lottery any differently?
After all some of the 8 liners are placed in areas of non profit business and part of the proceeds go to a charitable organization. Or that's one excuse I have heard.

Messr. Hartman,

Having unofficially attempted to retire from the 8-liner business, I usually refrain from random comments on the issue, but your post inspires me to make sure of one important thing: If the Vatican itself bought a storefront in a small town in Texas, and started running 8-liners, it would still be a blatant violation of the law. They are not permissible as part of the charitable raffle and bingo enabling act. Additionally, something that all prosecutors, and grand juries even considering the last few posts, would be well advised to know, is that these instruments don't provide a fair and equitable to its players. Thus, while it may initially seem distasteful on the outside to pursue gambling charges against otherwise upstanding citizens associated with noble charitable organizations, everyone should know that there being no regulations, 8-liners don't payout guaranteed amounts of wins to the players. Ask around in areas where these devices have been, and see if anyone knows someone (not through hearsay! those are all urban legends!), who secured a large significant win of a valuable prize on an 8-liner!

The game itself is a ripoff. You bet 8 lines, you win on 1, the machine says you won even though you're out 6 bets. And again, no regulation means any disreputable operator can contrive the methods or lack thereof of wins.

Thanks, I return the soapbox to a more important venue.

David, thanks for the thoughts. That once again brings me to my point. Assume there are several casinos in the county and many or a majority of the residents frequent them, even though they are using the charitable excuse.....what do you do with them if one person complains?
Grand jury? Assuming that they are blatantly illegal(like the cash prize on the raffle).
File the case or take the facts to a grand jury?
Just curious if anyone sees any difference in the 2 situations. Assuming both sides know they are conducting an improper game.
Lastly, there are more important subjects to discuss, but I would venture to guess that this question will arise in the near future with all the BS being flung around the State. Maybe I'm wrong and Texas is ready for a revision of the gaming laws to allow cash prizes as well as machines.