1. Is Sports Gambling Legal In Texas
2. Is Sports Gambling Legal In Texas
3. Is Offshore Gambling Legal In Texas

Texas lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has been passed or enacted. Despite the current legislation, Texans can access sports betting lines offered from offshore sportsbooks that operate legally to the United States.

Texas has recently presented two sports betting bills that seek to authorize legislation and provide a framework for domestic sports betting. While nothing has been enacted yet it looks like the Lone Star state is considering the possibilities.

Yet Texas lawmakers have shut down even the smallest discussions of gambling expansion. Take the horse racing industry, for example. After betting on the races became legal again in 1987, DFW. Gambling boats have operated at times out of Texas ports, taking passengers on one-day 'cruises to nowhere' in international waters, where there are no gambling laws. The casino cruise industry developed in other states in the early 1980s, but was a latecomer to Texas because of a state law prohibiting the docking of ships with gambling.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?

Only offshore sports betting is allowed in the state of Texas at this time. Offshore sportsbooks have been servicing the United States for nearly a decade and offer competitive betting lines for college, professional, and some international sporting leagues.

Texans have been taken advantage of prop bets, game lines, in-game bets, and other betting types offered by offshore sites for many years now. Until the state legalizes and offers domestic sports betting, offshore sites are sure to thrive.

Texas Gambling Bills

There are several TX sports betting bills before the committee but none that seem to be gaining enough traction to stick. Our bill tracker tool is a great resource for keeping up with pending bills that could have an effect on your state.

Legitimate Online Sportsbooks that Accept Texas Residents

The brands listed in our table below have been in the business for years and built up positive reputations upheld by industry analysts and bettors alike. You can browse through the sportsbooks for yourself by clicking on the links in the table.

If you are still looking for more information about the brands listed below, check out our USA sportsbook reviews page for an unbiased review of today's top industry professionals.

Is Bovada legal in Texas?

Yes, bettors in Texas can place bets online at Bovada Sportsbook without violating any domestic gambling laws. Bovada operates legally within the industry under the credentials of its parent company, Bodog. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit Texans from placing bets at Bovada.

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Texas Sports Betting Details

Below are Texas sports betting details. Since there are no state licensed services at this time the following facts are based on offshore sites and their services.

• Legal Sports Betting: Offshore
• Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21 years old
• Land-Based: No
• Online: Offshore
• Mobile: Offshore
• In-Play: Offshore
• Estimated Revenue: N/A
• Eligible Operators: N/A
• Commission: N/A
• Licensing Fee: N/A
• Tax Rate: N/A
• Tax-Funded: N/A

What You Can Bet On In Texas:

• Offshore sportsbooks offer betting lines on college, professional, and international sports. You can find the game lines on Longhorn football or bet on basketball games in the Philippines. The online sports betting options are so plentiful that they almost seem unlimited.

What You Can't Bet On In Texas:

• Texans are not allowed to place bets with illegal bookies operating within state lines. If caught you could face hefty fines or jail time depending on the severity of the operation.

Where Can I Bet On Sports In Texas?

As of now, Texans have one primary option and that is offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks have more betting lines and wagering options than most domestic sportsbooks operating in other states and offer more substantial perks, such as bonuses and seasonal promotions.

Is it Legal to Bet on the Super Bowl in Texas?

Absolutely. The key to legally placing your bet is to only do so at a state-regulated or offshore online sportsbook that is operating legally within the industry, such as the betting sites we've listed on this page.

Unless you are willing to travel to another state that has already launched state-based sports betting destinations, your best option is to place your bet at a reputable online sportsbook. We've created a page specifically focused on the best Super Bowl betting sites. This page covers the legalities, bet types and wagering options, and trusted sportsbooks that offer Super Bowl 54 betting lines and welcome bettors from Texas.

Biggest Sports Betting Cities in Texas

Sports Betting In Dallas, TX

Dallas holds 3 major professional franchises in the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). The Cowboys play in the NFC East and are among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl this season. The Mavericks won a championship several years back, but have since been towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

To be fair, the Western Conference is more difficult than the Eastern, but the Mavericks have not much of an impact as of late. They are not expected to reach the postseason this year. Residents can bet on their favorite Dallas teams through the licensed sportsbooks listed in this guide.

Sports Betting In Houston, TX

Houston has 3 major sports franchises in the Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Astros (MLB), and Houston Texans (NFL). The Rockets are the most successful out of all 3 teams, qualifying for the Playoffs in the Western Conference for the past few seasons. Some offseason changes put them in position to be one of the better teams again, so betting on them should be a solid option throughout the season.

The Texans play in the AFC South and are one of the better teams within the division. The Astros qualified for the postseason and are currently challenging for a World Series Title. You can bet on all the Houston-area teams via licensed offshore sportsbooks.

Sports Betting In San Antonio, TX

San Antonio contains the best Texas-based NBA team in the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have been one of the best teams in the NBA’s Western Conference, losing only to the Golden State Warriors in the Playoffs.

Even with several Western teams making significant roster changes and additions, the Spurs are still projected to be one of the best teams—showcasing their depth and talent. You can find Spurs betting lines in any of our recommended sportsbooks.

Sports Betting In Austin, TX

Austin is the capital city of the Lone Star State and home to the University of Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns play in the Big 12 Conference and are one of the most prolific college football programs in the country. Fans of the Longhorns can bet on their games all season long through any of our provided sportsbooks.

Sports Betting In Arlington, TX

The Texas Rangers play out of Arlington, TX. The Rangers finished third in the American League West. They will likely alter their roster in the offseason and attempt to make a better finish in the next season. Bet on the Rangers throughout the regular season in our online betting destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting In Texas

Will I get arrested for betting on sports in Texas?

As long as you only bet online with a licensed offshore sportsbook you will have nothing to worry about. Placing a bet with an illegal bookie operating inside of texaas state lines could land you in some trouble.

Are mobile sports betting apps legal in Texas?

Only offshore sportsbooks can legally operate in Texas at this time. Our team of advanced gambling professionals has already vetted the sites listed above in the table. Those sites are the best online sportsbooks for Texas residents at this time. They offer a trusted service that is backed by a stellar reputation and other legal operating documents.

What teams can I bet on in Texas?

Offshore sportsbooks offer betting lines on just about any sport you can think of. You can find betting lines for college sports, professional leagues, international sports, and specific games.

What is the legal minimum sports betting age in Texas?

Texas residents must be at least 21 years of age to gamble online without the fear of prosecution.

Texas Legislative Resources

Texas Gambling Resources

If you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling addiction you can reach out to the Texas National Council on Problem Gambling to seek help. The TNCPG has been helping people overcome their addictions for over a decade and are here to help assist you on your road to recovery.

Texas News

• Legal Sports Betting Bill Schedule For June 10 – June 16

  Texas lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has...

• Don’t Mess With Texas Sports Betting Bills: HB1275, HJR61

  Texas lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has...

• Sportsbooks Release Odds on 2019 World Series, MLB Free Agents

  Texas lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has...

Legal gambling in Texas is limited to betting on horse and dog races, state-sanctioned lottery games, and charitable gaming.

The local Native American tribes operate two medium-sized casinos, but the government has been trying to eliminate this form of gambling from the state since 2002, shutting down one major casino and forcing the remaining two to limit the scope of their operations on several occasions.

Texas Gambling Law Summary

Gambling in Texas is defined as an “agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance,” and the Texas Attorney General’s Office made it clear in the early nineties that this also applies to internet games. Opinion no. DM-344 issued by then-Attorney General Dan Morales declares that local law enforcement officials are expected to go after individual players.

The same opinion states that people who engage in online gambling can’t argue that their activities fall under the exemption meant to facilitate private home games because gambling sites are available to the broader public. Placing an unlawful bet is considered a class C misdemeanor regardless of the gambling form.

Gambling in Texas is covered by Texas Penal Code PEN 47.01 et seq. and Texas Revised Civil Statutes CIV STAT 179e et seq. The minimum gambling age is 18.

Online Gambling in Texas

The current political climate makes it impossible for Texas to legalize internet gambling in the foreseeable future, and the state’s regulations prevent local iGaming enthusiasts from playing on offshore sites without risking prosecution.

According to Section 47 of the Texas code, participating in any form of illegal gambling is a misdemeanor. Gambling in your home is an exception to this rule, but it’s hard to say whether this exception extends to online play. Aside from the lottery-related regulations, Texas gambling-related statutes simply don’t mention online play, and the authorities have never tried prosecuting someone for playing at an offshore iGaming site.

Texas Casinos

Casino-style gambling is entirely illegal in Texas outside of Indian reservations. Even worse, local authorities are doing everything in their power to shut down tribal gaming too. In 2016, they successfully forced the Speaking Rock Casino in El Paso to go out of business. Despite this toxic legal environment, two Indian casinos continue to offer their services to local gambling enthusiasts. The larger venue – the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino – is located in Eagle Pass and operates over 3,000 slots. The second casino – the Naskila Entertainment Center – is located in Livingston and offers around 300 games. Playing casino games over the internet is prohibited.

Texas Poker

Even though Texas Hold ’em is named after the Lone Star State, playing poker or any other card games for money is just as illegal there as playing slots or other luck-based casino games. The local poker scene centers around the tribal casinos and illegal poker rooms operating out of bars and strip joints. There aren’t any state-sanctioned online poker sites operating in Texas at the moment, and playing on offshore sites constitutes a violation of the local anti-gambling regulations.

Texas Sports Betting

Sports betting is illegal in Texas, and the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that struck down the PASPA federal ban isn’t going to change that anytime soon. Online betting is illegal under the same provisions that prohibit playing poker or casino games over the internet. On a brighter note, on-track betting on horse and dog races are allowed, and all eight racing facilities offer simulcast wagering.

Texas Daily Fantasy Sports

The largest DFS sites – FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo DFS – offer their services to Texas residents, but the future looks bleak for local enthusiasts of such contests. Before 2016, DFS companies maintained that they operate on the Texas market legally because their contests are based on skill as opposed to luck.

In January 2016, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reviewed the legality of DFS in response to a request from Rep. Myra Crownover and concluded that engaging in such contests constitutes illegal betting. As a result, FanDuel decided to withdraw from the local market, only to reopen its platform to Texans in 2018. Following its return, FanDuel received a letter from one of the state’s assistant attorney generals, which notified the company that the state does not permit it to offer fantasy sports gambling to its residents. Neither the officials nor the DFS companies are willing to back down. The issue of DFS in Texas will most likely be settled by a court, which is expected to side with the authorities.

Texas Lotteries

The Texas Lottery offers local draw games, multi-state lotto (Mega Millions and Powerball), scratch games, and all-or-nothing. The lottery isn’t allowed to sell any tickets over the internet, and its website serves for information purposes only. Consequently, Texans looking to participate in any of the available games need to visit one of the land-based retail shops.

Texas Bingo

Bingo is considered legal as long as it’s a charity game. Operating a commercial parlor or an online bingo service is illegal, which means that Texans don’t have access to any state-sanctioned bingo sites. Playing on an offshore platform constitutes unlawful betting and is treated in the same way as playing on offshore poker networks or casino sites.

Texas Online Gambling FAQ

What types of gambling are available in TX?

Land-based gambling in Texas is reasonably popular, and the state doesn’t have any restrictive gambling-related laws in place. Local gambling enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby in a tribal casino or at the racetrack. Like most US states, Texas operates its own lottery, which is also available over the internet. Social gambling and charitable gambling are allowed, but the state doesn’t have any regulated online gambling sites.

What laws cover online gambling in Texas?

The rules and regulations that have to do with gambling, in general, are listed in Section 47 of the Texas code. Online play is never mentioned in the passages referring to casino-style games and sports betting activities, so it’s tough to determine whether those general regulations apply to offshore sites’ customers or not.

Is real money online gambling legal in Texas?

Determining the current legal status of online gambling via offshore services is very hard. As mentioned above, the authorities have never tried prosecuting internet gamblers, so it’s impossible to say whether they’d be able to get a conviction or not.

Which offshore gambling sites accept Texas residents?

Is Sports Gambling Legal In Texas

Most offshore sites are glad to accept Texas-based players.

What are the most popular banking options supported by Texas -facing sites?

Credit and debit card deposits are probably the best and most convenient option with most sites, as they tend to be quick and relatively reliable as long as your card has been cleared for international transactions. When it comes to withdrawals, most sites prefer to stick to bank wire transfers. However, in some cases, it might be possible to cash out via a check by courier, especially if you want to withdraw a considerable amount of money.

Does Texas offer any intrastate online gambling?

Texas doesn’t have any regulated sites similar to the casinos and poker rooms that have been made available to Nevada and New Jersey residents over the past few years. However, Texas lottery tickets can be purchased online.

Is it likely for Texas to regulate online gambling?

Is Sports Gambling Legal In Texas

No. Texas regulations have recently been adjusted to allow for online lottery ticket sales, and nothing seems to indicate that the local lawmakers are planning to take it any further.

Is Offshore Gambling Legal In Texas