This excerpt from the Texas Penal Code establishes the legal framework for gambling regulations within the state by defining key terms and identifying prohibited activities. It classifies various offenses, such as making illegal bets, promoting gambling, and possessing specialized wagering equipment, while setting the severity of these crimes from Class C to Class A misdemeanors. The statutes also outline specific legal defenses, such as participating in games within a private residence where no party profits from the hosting of the event. Additionally, the text clarifies that state-authorized activities like the lottery, horse racing, and certain charitable contests are exempt from these criminal categories. Finally, the code ad ...