Frio County Attorney Joseph Sindon is warning the public about using social media accounts to run “waffles,” saying the illegal games may result in a Class A misdemeanor.
The warning comes after the games began appearing on social media, including locally owned accounts.
According to the Texas attorney general’s office, the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act (CREA) permits qualified organizations to hold up to four raffles per calendar year with certain specified restrictions.
Online raffles, commonly referred to as “waffles,” are illegal, according to the attorney general, because they are uncontrolled and may be gambling.
An unauthorized raffle is considered gambling under the Texas Penal Code and can carry criminal penalties, according to Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The law does not exclude those raffles that are held for medical benefits or assistance with extra-curricular activities.
“This law was made by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor,” Sindon said. “No local officials were involved in its creation.”
According to the Texas Penal Code, those charged and convicted of illegal gambling could face up to a $4,000 fine.
