Game Room License (for Houston/non-Harris Co. location)
License allows for the use of a building, facility or other space in the operation as a game room located in the City of Houston and other than Harris County. A game room is:
- a location that contains 6 or more amusement redemption machines, or
- any room or place where persons are permitted to play any game of dominoes, cards, etc. in which payment may be received as a result.
Game rooms must allow for unrestricted access to, and inspection by, law enforcement officers to ensure the facility and games therein comply with related regulations.
Applicant must pass a national criminal background check prior to the approval of the license.
An inspection is required to be done by Houston Police Department on each annual application.
Renewal is required provided game room is still in operation.
- Game room application
- Current Certificate of Occupancy
- Copy of the assumed name registration for the business (if applicable) from the County Clerk
- Copy of a valid driver's license
- National criminal background check
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
- Once the application has been filed, ARA will direct the applicant to a designated facility for fingerprinting and the background check.
- If all information is acceptable, the license can be issued upon payment of the annual fee.
Prior to license issuance, the applicant must pass a national criminal background check, and the facility must pass inspection.
An inspection is required on each annual application.
Upon approval of background check, ARA will submit the application to Houston Police Department's DRT officers for onsite inspection. Once the location has been approved by DRT officers and meets all other criteria, ARA will notify applicant to pick-up their Game Room permit.
A renewal notice will be mailed for each applicable annual permit at least 30 days prior to the account expiration date. If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request an application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.
- Game room application
- Current Certificate of Occupancy
- Copy of the assumed name registration for the business (if applicable) from the County Clerk
- Copy of a valid driver's license
- National criminal background check
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
- Once the application has been filed, ARA will direct the applicant to a designated facility for fingerprinting and the background check.
- If all information is acceptable, the license can be issued upon payment of the annual fee.
Prior to license issuance, the applicant must pass a national criminal background check, and the facility must pass inspection.