City Council will soon determine the future of 8-liner gaming machines in Beaumont. A public hearing and work session are scheduled for the May 19 Planning Commission meeting, just one day before the city council convenes on May 20. During this time, community members with an interest in the matter are welcome and encouraged to speak.
The Planning Commission will present a recommendation to city council regarding Article 6.10 of the city’s charter, which governs gaming sites and gaming machines. A final decision could be made at the May 20 meeting.
Director of Planning and Community Development Demi Engman said that around 200 letters were sent to registered owners and operators, notifying them of a city council discussion to be held May 6. She added that the city is currently preparing to send another round of letters inviting recipients to attend and/or speak at the May 19 meeting, scheduled for 3 p.m. in the council chambers.
A work session was held following the May 6 Beaumont city council meeting, where Engman and City Attorney Sharae Reed presented regulatory options and clarified potential changes to the city’s approach to gaming machine regulation.
According to Engman, there are currently 66 permitted gaming sites operating a total of 453 gaming machines in Beaumont.
A recent ruling in a years-long legal battle – Fort Worth v. Riley – found the machines to be unconstitutional. However, Reed noted that, when the city contacted the Texas Comptroller’s office, they were told that permits are still being issued.
“The state has not issued a mandated ban across the board, but this case does allow for cities to not allow them all together,” said Reed.
Beaumont originally adopted gaming regulations in 2014 and strengthened them in 2023, resulting in the current ordinance.
Council now faces several options: ban 8-liner machines entirely, as cities like Fort Worth, Clute and nearby Orange are doing; further strengthen existing regulations; or maintain the current framework.
Public concern over the issue is growing. Beaumont resident Loretta Low spoke with deep concern regarding Article 6.10 of the city’s code, specifically urging city leaders to “maintain, if not strengthen, the current restrictions on gaming machines in convenience stores.” She warned that loosening rules could lead to an influx of gaming sites in working-class neighborhoods, disproportionately affecting vulnerable residents.
“Studies and real-world examples have shown that these machines often target vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling financially,” she said. “Gaming addiction is a documented issue… this is not just a matter of personal responsibility; it is a systemic issue that preys on those least equipped to absorb the financial loss.”
Low also pointed to public safety concerns, noting that cities with widespread gaming machine placement have seen increases in crime, including theft and organized criminal activity.
“More gaming sites mean more cash flow through convenience stores at all hours, drawing the attention of criminal elements and placing both patrons and business owners at greater risk,” she stated. “We cannot afford to let short-term revenue gains dictate long-term community consequences.”
Sentiment among several outgoing council members strongly opposed game rooms.
“I will say that everybody that sits on this council now, and everybody that’s going to sit on this council, knows that nothing good happens at these establishments, they’re not good for the community. They prey on the weak and they’re just not safe sites, so I personally support banning them all,” said Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for Ward 1, Taylor Neild, who will soon vacate his seat for local attorney and newly elected Council Member Cory Crenshaw.
Outgoing councilmembers Mike Getz and Randy Feldschau also voiced disapproval of game rooms operating within the city.
At-Large Councilmember AJ Turner added that he would like to hear from Beaumont Police Chief Tim Ocnaschek regarding criminal activity linked to gaming establishments.