is not taking a rake, the game is legal.

Meaning anyone can run a legal game at their hours as long as they are not taking a cut of the pot.

I have several friends that run games without a rake but ask that you tip the house for food, dealers, etc and that makes it legal.

With that being said, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of illegal clubs all throughout Texas that do take a rake (And sometimes a rather huge one).

The police know where they are and in some cases even provide security. they are pretty much left alone as long as they arent serving alcolol to minors, or dealing in drugs or other illegal activities

I used to play in a regular illegal 10-20 game with 2 lawyers, a detective, a constable and even a local judge.

Doug