In Texas, gambling is illegal in almost all forms. But you’d never know it driving down Business 77 in Willacy County. It cuts through a rural area of the Rio Grande Valley, but bares a passing resemblance to Las Vegas. It’s a headache for law enforcement, but a remedy could be on the way. Texas Has Strict Gambling Laws The main reason Texas doesn’t have casinos is because casino gambling – all types of casino gambling – are illegal in the state of Texas. In fact, Texas has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country. For the most part, gambling is regulated by state law, so whether a particular instance of gambling activity is illegal depends on the law in your state. However, online gambling is illegal throughout the country under federal law. You can report online gambling to the FBI. Live gambling that violates state law should be reported to the.

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.

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.

Legal

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

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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

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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.

TX Sports Betting

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...

Sports Betting By State

  • Hold ’Em or Fold ’Em: Policing Texas Poker Rooms for Profit
    A blog post from the State Bar of Texas discussing how the recent police raids of poker clubs in Harris County may pave the way for other local governments to try and shut down gambling clubs.
  • Texas’ Membership-only Card Clubs Circumvent Gambling Laws
    A 2019 article from Reporting Texas discussing how private poker clubs continue to operate despite the state's gambling laws.
  • Texas AG declines opinion on legality of poker clubs: The clubs claim they're operating under a loophole in state law. Ken Paxton left it to the courts to decide
    A 2018 article from a local Houston news station discussing the Texas Attorney General's decision not to issue an opinion on the legality of poker rooms.
  • Are poker clubs legal in Texas? The answer is unclear
    A 2019 article from the Houston Chronicle discussing how poker clubs are seeming to operate in Texas due to a gray area of the law and recent attempts by Harris County to bring criminal charges against them. May require a subscription.
  • North Texas poker clubs gambling that state law, police won't make them fold
    A 2017 article from the Dallas News discussing the gray area in state law and how enforcement varies depending on the interpretation of local law enforcement across Texas. May require a subscription.