Game Room Regulations
On November 12, 2019, Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved the regulations of operations of game rooms in Tarrant County. Subsequently, Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved the first amendment to the Tarrant County Game Room Regulations on February 11, 2020, Commissioners Court Order 132104.
Tarrant County Game Room Regulations
Overview
Under Chapter 234, Texas Local Government Code, Tarrant County has the authority to regulate game room operations in Tarrant County to promote the public health, safety and welfare of the county. After public comments, testimony and learning of other information, Tarrant County has developed reasonable and uniform proposed regulations of Game Rooms, in order to promote the public health, safety and welfare and to prohibit business activities which might enable or serve as a front for, criminal activities, including, but not limited to, organized crime, gambling and tax evasion.
Beginning April 1, 2020, all establishments with six (6) or more “amusement redemption machines” or “electronic, electromechanical or mechanical contrivances that, for consideration, afford a player the opportunity to obtain a prize or thing of value, the award of which is determined solely or partially by chance, regardless of whether the contrivance is designed, made or adopted solely for bona fide amusement purposes” must be permitted.
Permit and Enforcement Administration
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is the Commissioners Court designated Game Room Permit Administrator. Please contact the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Game Room Permit Office at
Game Room Permit Office
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office
Criminal Investigations Division
200 Taylor Street, 7th Floor
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
Phone: 817-884-1305
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please bring completed application with ALL requested paperwork to the above address. The application must be completed with all supporting information. The Game Room Permit Fee of $1,000 must be included and can be paid by cashier’s check Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Game Room Supporting Documentation Checklist
Tarrant County Fire Marshal Contact Information
Tarrant County Fire Marshal
2750 Premier Street
Fort Worth, TX 76111
Phone: 817-831-2007
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
firemarshal@tarrantcountytx.gov
Tarrant County has partnered with cities across the County to permit and enforce the County’s regulations. If your establishment is located in the following cities, please contact the agencies below for permitting and enforcement.
City of Everman
Everman Police Department
817-293-2923
City of Forest Hill
Forest Hill Economic Development
817-568-3009
City of Fort Worth
Development Services
817-392-8030
Accessibility Notice: Due to the complexity of the preceding documents, these documents are scanned images. If you require assistance in accessing the information, please contact the Game Room Clerk at 817-884-3369.