Close your eyes and imagine the quintessential pioneer saloon. A jangly piano plays in the background, the bartender is slanging sarsaparillas and the tables are filled up with rope-swinging cowboys playing Texas Hold’em. Now ask yourself, what state is this saloon in? If you answered Texas, you would probably be wrong.

1. Online Sports Betting In Texas
2. Online Sports Betting Reviews
3. Online Sports Betting In Michigan
4. Online Wagering Texas
5. Can You Online Sports Bet In Texas

The Top 3 Real Money Texas Sportsbooks Online 1. MyBookie – Best Texas Sportsbook Option for Beginners. Proudly serving residents of Texas for almost a decade, MyBookie is a top pick.

1. As of 2020, Texas online sports betting is not legally permitted. There have been bills introduced to legalize sports betting in Texas, but no law has been passed as of yet. The exception is daily fantasy sports. There are daily fantasy sports services available in the state as they are not legally classified as Texas sports betting apps.
2. The favorite online sportsbook of North American bettors, BetOnline Sportsbook is one of the best online sports betting sites for Texas residents. The top features of BetOnline Sportsbook are live betting facilities, large bonuses, secure banking methods, and quick payouts.
3. A sportsbook can’t be opened in Texas unless sports betting is legalized so betting on sports online at a safe and secure sportsbook is a great option for betting in Texas without even leaving the comfort of your own home.

Texas saloons and cardrooms may be a part of the western pioneer ethos, but gambling in Texas has been heavily restricted since the territory became a state in 1876. The state’s modern legislative history with gambling is similarly restrictive and only two small land-based casinos operate to serve Texas’ massive population of almost 30 million people.

Gambling, in the form of cards or slots, is illegal in the state except for tribal lands and home games under certain circumstances. And even on tribal lands, the legality of the state’s two casinos is contested to this day.

To help you navigate Texas’ limited online betting and brick-and-mortar gambling options, this page details what is currently legal followed by some of the current policy discussions and potential legislation surrounding the various types of betting.

While the current state of Texas gambling law leaves little room for the gambling industry, there is some hope for gamblers in the Lone Star State.

Legal Texas Betting Sites

The one form of online betting that is tolerated in Texas is daily fantasy sports. We emphasize “tolerated” because even here the legal situation is uncertain. We’ll go into the legal ins and outs a bit later, but the primary places to play online in Texas today that are actually safe and headquartered in the US are:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel

Actual sports betting is still in all likelihood a long way off at this point, but DraftKings and FanDuel offer the next best thing to full-fledged sports betting in TX. The ability to draft your own teams, watch the game and get paid the same day is not all that far off from the real sports betting experience.

Online Sports Betting In Texas

Mobile sports betting, horse racing betting, casino sites and online poker are all prohibited in Texas right now and will most likely remain so for quite some time.

Texas Daily Fantasy Sports

The legality of daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Texas is less than clear. On a national level, DFS is legal due to a carveout in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) which was passed in 2006. The federal law prohibits the processing of payments related to online gambling but was purposely crafted not to include DFS.

Even though federal law allows for DFS, states still retain the right to prohibit fantasy sports at the state level if they choose. Not all states have jumped on the DFS bandwagon, and Texas is one of just a few states that has chosen not to pass legislation regulating fantasy sports.

While Texas has historically frowned on most types of gambling, it has yet to put any prohibitions on DFS into the legal code. This means DFS is neither legal nor illegal. It simply exists outside existing legislation.

However, a non-binding opinion issued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton delivered a big setback for Texans wishing to play DFS back in 2016.

Late in 2o15, state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, sought an opinion from the Texas AG on whether fantasy sports sites such as DraftKings.com and FanDuel.com were legal in Texas.

AG Paxton responded with a non-binding opinion that read:

Under section 47.02 of the Penal Code, a person commits an offense if he or she makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest. Because the outcome of games in daily fantasy sports leagues depends partially on chance, an individual’s payment of a fee to participate in such activities is a bet. Accordingly, a court would likely determine that participation in daily fantasy sports leagues is illegal gambling ‘under section 47.02 of the Penal Code.

Upon Paxton’s 2016 opinion, FanDuel voluntarily left the Texas betting market entirely while DraftKings decided to stay and fight. Two years later and with no action taken against DraftKings, FanDuel decided to reverse course and came back to Texas.

There have been a number of legislative attempts to firm up the legal footing of fantasy sports sites in Texas since AG Paxton’s 2016 opinion. So far, none have passed into law.

The legal uncertainty regarding Texas fantasy sports has prompted some lawmakers to file legislation clarifying where the state stands on the issue. HB 2303, for example, made it through a House vote in 2019 and would settle the matter by formally defining fantasy sports as contests of skill.

“Regardless of how any of us feel about fantasy sports, no one should be subject to arrest and prosecution because they played a game,” said HB 2303 sponsor Representative Joe Moody.

Representative Moody added, “this narrowly written bill will protect good people from being senselessly branded as criminals by clarifying that fantasy sports are always legal in Texas.”

It should be noted that no state, including Texas, has taken action against DFS players. These legislative debates, legal battles and policy discussions all have more consequences for DFS operators rather than their customer bases.

Texas Sports Betting

Sports betting is currently outlawed in the Lone Star State. If the heated legislative debate around fantasy sports is any indication of the state’s willingness to take on sports betting, then it could be a while for legalized sports betting operations to come on-line in Texas.

Texas and every other state gained the ability to legalize sports betting within their borders in 2018 after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), but state legislators seem completely unenthused at the prospect.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to the legalizing sports betting (and most forms of gambling for that matter) in Texas are widespread moral qualms.

Take the General Baptist Convention of Texas, for example. The group represents nearly 3 million Texans and actively lobbies in Austin. Not only do they oppose legalized sports gambling, they would repeal the state lottery if given the opportunity.

Politically speaking, there seems to be more opposition to sports betting than allies of it. The Texas GOP, which has historically dominated the political scene in the state for decades, has made it perfectly clear that its members “oppose the expansion of legalized gambling.”

As a big fan of states’ rights, Attorney General Ken Paxton gave sports bettors a glimpse of hope when the Supreme court overturned PASPA when he said this:

“By ending (the federal ban), states can rightfully decide whether they want regulated sports betting or not.”

These hopes have since been squashed as Paxton has taken numerous steps to establish Texas as a state that does not want regulated sports betting.

There are allies of gambling in the Lone Star State and the consistency of recent legislative efforts towards this goal are evidence of such. According to the American Sports Betting Coalition, Texas stands to gain a $1.7 billion industry should it legalize and regulate sports betting.

Rep. Eddie Lucio III is one of the more consistent advocates for progressive gambling laws in Texas. His most recent attempt, H 1275, would have authorized brick-and-mortar, online, and mobile sports betting operations.

By late February 2019, H 1275 was bound for Texas’ gambling legislation graveyard better known as the House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures. Even so, any attempt at all to legalize sports betting in Texas should be considered progress in this historically anti-gambling state.

Online Casinos and Poker in Texas

The limited forms of legal online betting in Texas do not include online poker and casino games. The states prohibition of gambling can be found in Title 10 Chapter 47 of the Texas penal code. According to the law, it is a Class C misdemeanor to partake in any form of betting which is defined as, “an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance.”

Exceptions to the above gambling definition above include home games that occur in a private location and that do not profit from the game. Playing online offshore gambling sites, on the other hand, would be a violation of the Title 10 Chapter 47. This could in theory result in a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 dollars, but the state has yet to charge anyone for merely playing online.

Texas takes a more severe stance on the “promotion of gambling” and has made it a Class A misdemeanor to do so. Promotion being, operating a gambling location that profits from the game, bookmaking, or selling unlicensed lottery tickets. Doing any of these activities could result in up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.

The chances of online poker and casino games being legalized in Texas over the near term are slim to none. With the opposition to more widespread forms of online gambling in Texas being so fierce, it is unlikely we will see changes on this front anytime soon.

Many politicians in the state have expressed both political and personal distain for even the idea of a full-fledged online casino in Texas. If you want to visit an online casino in a state that allows them, you will have to physically visit that state as geolocation technology will prohibit gamblers from outside those states. If you find yourself at an online gambling site in Texas, the site is operating outside of regulatory oversight and you could find yourself without recourse if the site goes belly up.

Online Sports Betting Reviews

Texas Horse Racing Betting

Horse and greyhound racing betting is permitted at seven different tracks throughout the state. Off-track betting (OTB) is illegal in the state and as such there are no facilities outside the states racetracks to place bets on the races.

Texas racetracks have seen significant downturns in attendance since the turn of the century amid increasing competition for entertainment dollars. Additionally, lawmakers have so far refused to allow racetracks to take wagers online or transition to “racinos” by adding slots and table games.

Online Racing Betting

Online horse racing betting is prohibited in Texas due in part to a 2011 amendment to the Texas Racing Act. The amendment targeted Texans looking to bet on national horse racing events such as the Kentucky Derby, as well as local races and prohibited sites such as BetAmerica and TwinSpires from taking bets in Texas.

Texas racetracks have experienced a significant decline since the year 2000. The state’s remaining tracks struggle to keep up attendance or provide significant purses for racing teams. State lawmakers compounded the problem in 2011 by amending the Texas Racing Act to prohibit advance deposit wagering (taking bets online).

Determined to challenge the effects of the Racing Act amendment, TwinSpires.com continued taking wagers from Texans up until 2013. They claimed the amendment amounted to an overstepping of state legislative power as a result of the U.S. Government’s Commerce Clause powers. The suit was ultimately dismissed.

The last bill that attempted to legalize online horse racing came in 2017 via HB 3926. The bill would have drastically changed the online race betting environment allowing Texans to place bets on national and state races. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it out of the House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures.

Texas Gambling FAQs

Yes. For now, FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in the Lone Star State.

Yes, The Texas Lottery is the government-operated lottery available to Texans. Lottery tickets must be purchased at licensed retailers and state laws and regulations forbid the sale of tickets by mail, phone, or internet.

There are two tribal Casinos in Texas. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, TX and the Naskila Gaming Casino in Livingston, TX.

Texas does not allow for online betting on national horse racing events. Further, there are no off-track betting facilities (OTBs) in the state.

Yes, Texas currently allows for certain charity events that are licensed and subject to regulatory oversight.

Games taking place in a private setting in which the house does not profit from the game are allowed in Texas. Attorney General Paxton also stated that this limited exception to the states general prohibition on gambling extends to traditional home fantasy sports leagues as well.

Despite its free-wheeling, Wild West, anything-goes reputation, Texas is not particularly gambling-friendly.

The state offers domestic brick-and-mortar casino gambling through a single tribal venue, non-banked poker gambling, pari-mutuel horse racing betting, a lottery, and charitable gaming amusements (bingo, raffles). As such, regarding Texas online gambling, there are no domestic state-licensed options available to TX residents.

This guide primarily focuses on TX gambling laws governing domestic gaming options, domestic online gambling options, and licensed Texas online gambling platforms. With our guide, you don’t have to go it alone in the Lone Star State!

Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas?

Yes. However, domestic online gambling is not permitted due to lack of state legislation authorizing its operation. This means state-based unlicensed and unauthorized gambling sites are in violation of local gambling laws.

That said, Texas gambling laws do not forbid the access TX players have to licensed offshore online gambling sites. In addition, the Federal government makes no prohibitions against their use. This allows reputable international gambling sites to cater to TX players at 18 and up, legally and safely.

Top-Rated Gambling Sites For Texas Players

The table below is made up of the best USA online gambling sites which accept TX residents.

Each of these brands is legitimately licensed and regulated, offering specializations in casino gambling, online poker, sports betting, online bingo, online horse betting, and more.

Since everything’s bigger in Texas, you should play only with the biggest real-money betting sites on the Internet. You’ve got to stay true to your roots, after all!

Other Texas Gambling Pages

Which Forms Of Gambling Are Legal In Texas?

While Texas may be more restrictive than one might think, there are still numerous gambling types for residents to take advantage of. The following domestic gambling options are all legal under Texas law:

• Texas Lottery
• Casino gambling through tribal-owned venue (Class II)
• Pari-mutuel horse betting and greyhound betting
• Keno
• Poker
• Charitable gaming (bingo, raffles)
• Online gambling through licensed offshore sites

Are There Brick-And-Mortar Casinos In Texas?

Yes, but only one: the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel. This venue is the premier casino gambling establishment in the state. It is located in Eagle Pass, Texas, and is operated the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

The Lucky Eagle functions as a limited Class II casino with slot-like VLTs (video lottery terminals), a massive bingo hall, and tournament poker entertainment. There are no Class III or commercial casinos in TX.

Can I Play Online Casino Games In Texas?

Yes, as long as you use a reputable offshore gambling site like those listed here. Texas does not offer traditional casino action within state borders, but you can play online slots, online blackjack, online roulette, online video poker, and other casino games when you gamble with the top international sites.

You can visit our dedicate Texas online casinos primer for more information about all your options.

Can I Bet On Sports Online In Texas?

Domestically, there are no sports betting options in the state, whether via brick-and-mortar casinos or via online mobile betting portals.

However, if the sportsbook you choose is licensed and regulated outside of US and TX jurisdiction – as are all the legal Texas sports betting sites we suggest on this page – then you are free to legally place real-money sports bets with any such operator.

Can I Play Online Poker In Texas?

Absolutely, yes. Texas legal online poker is available to all TX players aged 18 and up so long as they play with sites operating outside of the United States. These operators offer the full gamut of live poker tournament game types, including Texas Hold ‘Em (duh!), Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo.

Additionally, these highly regarded poker sites offer cash table play, Sit ‘N’ Go poker events, and major online poker tournaments with thousands of players vying for massive final table payouts that can reach well into six figures!

Can I Play Online Bingo In Texas?

Online Sports Betting In Michigan

Sure can, pard! Bingo, while legal in TX, is limited due to its charitable gaming and Class II casino status. That means you’ll only get small payouts and limited retail access to actual Texas bingo halls.

However, all the international gambling sites we recommend here offer plenty of Texas online bingo action 24/7, and you won’t even have to worry about getting a big red blotch on your nice new shirt. Polka dots and cowboys definitely don’t mix!

What Is The Minimum Legal Texas Gambling Age?

In Texas, most amusements are available to those aged 18 and up (except at the Kickapoo casino in Eagle Pass, where the venue restricts access to those aged 21-plus). However, there just aren’t that many amusements to choose from.

Fortunately, you can play any real-money gambling game and participate in literally every real-money betting market possible when you play with a legitimate US-facing gambling site that operates overseas.

When you gamble online in TX, the world is your oyster. And no, we’re not talkin’ prairie oysters, here, either!

Do Offshore Texas Gambling Sites Offer Players Bonuses?

Bonuses are an integral part of licensed offshore gambling sites. These bonuses give Texas online gamblers additional funds to play with at no extra cost, simply for making deposits into their betting accounts.

Bonuses are limited to their respective betting markets, however. This means that even if a site offers all types of gambling under one roof, you will need to select the specific bonus for your preferred pastime (i.e. casino bonuses, sportsbook bonuses, poker bonuses, etc.).

You can also score refer-a-friend bonuses, mobile sports betting risk-free bets, live betting risk-free bets, select no-deposit gambling bonuses (when offered), and more. For those depositing with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enhanced bonus free-play limits are usually offered for all of the above.

Will Texas Legalize Online Gambling In The Future?

There have been multiple efforts to legalize domestic online poker gambling in the Lone Star state. Bills were introduced in 2013 that would have pushed domestic online poker through, but these were killed in committee.

Sports betting legalization is also being discussed in the Texas state legislature, though there has been little progress on this front since the 2018 overturn of PASPA.

In 2020, HJR 61 was put before the state congress in an effort to get sports betting on the November ballot, but it didn’t make the cut, and the future is reportedly dire given the outcomes of the state elections.

Online Wagering Texas

Other than these efforts, few domestic online gambling expansions bills have been introduced to the Texas legislature. Therefore, residents can utilize licensed offshore gambling sites to enjoy legal online gambling.

Texas Online Gambling FAQs

What games can I find at legal online Texas casinos?

Various licensed offshore TX online casinos host electronic slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc.), video poker, bingo, keno, and specialty games.

The number of different online slots are staggering, and dozens of dedicated table games and video poker selections mean you’ll never run out of fun ways to win real money when gambling online in Texas.

What features do online poker sites offer to Texas poker players?

Licensed offshore online poker rooms offer robust features such as anonymous table play, multi-table play, zone poker, Sit ‘N’ Go poker, and all kinds of pot-limit and no-limit online poker tournaments.

You can play the most classic poker game variants like Texas Holdem, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo, and you have access to all kinds of tools, like poker guides, poker strategy charts, poker hand calculators, and more.

Everything is at your fingertips, but be careful not to tip your hand!

What sports can I bet on at Texas online sportsbooks?

Licensed offshore TX online sportsbooks offer various wagering options and betting lines on numerous major league, minor league, college, and niche sports.

Domestic and international leagues, teams, games, and events are all fully represented, including robust lines and in-game bets on every prominent Texas club.

With these legal online sports betting sites, TX bettors can wager on specific events, futures, prop bets, spreads, totals, straight money lines, and so much more, 24/7/365. You can even bet on politics, entertainment odds, eSports, and virtual sports (or sports sims) when your favorite leagues are in the offseason!

What bingo games can I find online in Texas?

Licensed offshore TX online bingo sites often host a variety of bingo games. You’ll be able to play real-money bingo across multiple themed titles, and you can enjoy 30-ball bingo games, 60-ball bingo games, 75-ball bingo games, or even 90-ball bingo games around the clock.

But the options are not limited to these few variations. Every licensed online bingo site is different and can host side games or bingo chat games to accompany their main bingo game selections.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) legal in Texas?

This is a gray area, as according to the Texas Attorney General, participating in DFS entertainment is illegal in TX. However, there are no concrete laws stating this, and both FanDuel and DraftKings are actively accepting Texas residents.

Can You Online Sports Bet In Texas

To date, no charges have been brought against any DFS operators or individual players using DFS sites, though you must proceed with caution.