Why those gas station machines could soon vanish in S.A. – MySA

Why those gas station machines could soon vanish in S.A.  MySA

Under Texas law, eight-liners and other machines marketed as skill games are not supposed to award cash prizes, and allowable prizes are limited to $5 or less. Operators have promoted versions said to involve skill, including games requiring players to memorize and repeat number sequences. Attorney General Ken Paxton ruled earlier this year that the claimed skill-game exception did not provide a loophole. Authorities say the machines nevertheless remain common at gas stations and corner stores, with reports of businesses allegedly paying winnings beyond what the law permits.

Last year, Bexar County deputies executed six search warrants, arrested 11 owners or employees, issued 32 citations and confiscated more than 280 motherboards. So far in 2026, the office reported three warrants, 140 motherboards seized, eight defendants charged and 13 citations. San Antonio police said detectives had located several operations and seized more than 200 machines this year; violations involving the devices are Class C misdemeanors. Councilwoman Teri Castillo’s request for a ban was signed by Marc Whyte, Marina Alderete Gavito, Ric Galvan and Edward Mungia.