Here is the latest on all things Texas sports betting. The Lone Star state has not yet legalized sports wagering, but we are starting to see the infancy of what could become legislation. Texas has the potential to be one of the more lucrative states when it comes to legal sports betting due to its enormous population. Below we will deliver consistent updates on sports wagering in the state of Texas.
State legislature is staunchly and vocally opposed to gambling in the state, which has caused multiple casinos to pop up just yards past the Texas border in states like Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Texas’ last attempt at legalizing sports betting was shot down in April 2021.
A 2019 estimate from Dallas Morning News says Texas is losing $2.5 billion in gambling revenue to its neighboring states. No doubt about it, Texas would immediately become one of the biggest sports betting markets in the country.
Follow along with TheLines for updates to legal sports betting in the Lone Star State.
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Texas Sports Betting Timeline, Legal Updates
- July 1, 2022: A bipartisan group of Texas legislatures were among those who recommended the Department of Justice crack down on offshore books.
- May 11, 2022: BetMGM strikes a deal to be the exclusive Sports Betting Partner with the Houston Astros– the first deal of its kind in the Lone Star State.
- April 2021: A bill (Texas HJR61) proposing Class III gambling– including sports betting– was struck down in a committee and was never voted on.
Texas Legal Sports Betting Hurdles
The state legislature of Texas is one of the most outwardly opposed governments in the U.S. to any form of gambling. The state is (and likely will always be) a Republican stronghold, most of whom are the biggest hurdles for any sort of bill to be passed.
The Texas House Committee only meets on odd-numbered years, meaning each failed attempt will have to wait two years to try again. The earliest legislators could hear arguments is 2023. As we’ve seen from other states, legalizing and launching sports betting is a long and arduous process. That means Texas is likely at least three years away from legal sports betting at any given time.
Legal sports betting is nowhere in sight for the Lone Star State.
Texas Mobile Sportsbooks (August, 2022)
There are currently no legal mobile sportsbooks in Texas.
Texas Physical Sportsbooks (August, 2022)
There are currently no legal retail sportsbooks in Texas. Casinos are also outlawed. The most popular gambling spot among Texans is the WinStar Casino and Resort just cross the Oklahoma border off i-35.
The only exception is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, which is run by native tribes.
Possible Texas Sportsbook Operators
- BetMGM — The first sportsbook to have a sports betting partnership in the state is a likely candidate.
- FanDuel Sportsbook — FanDuel is the largest operator in the US as of 2022 and already operates for DFS in the state.
- DraftKings Sportsbook — Like FD, DraftKings also runs DFS in Texas and is one of the largest operators in the U.S.
- Caesars Sportsbook — Generally considered the final of the “Big Four” sportsbooks, Caesars has launched in most new states.
- PointsBet — PB has been one of the most active sportsbooks, launching in nearly every newly-legal state like Ohio and Kansas.
Texas Sports Betting Odds
Not many states have as many actionable teams as the state of Texas. The Lone Star State has 11 major sports franchises (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)– tied for second-most in the country (behind California, tied with Florida). It’s also home to several major college teams like the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies.
You can find a breakdown of major betting markets that are relevant to Texas below:
- Metabet tile/or table using odds closest state or geolocate (Include collegiate)
TEXAS SPORTS BETTING FAQ
No, sports betting is not yet legal in Texas. There is no immediate push to legalize sports betting with a state legislature so adamantly against gambling and casinos. The latest attempt to legalize it failed in 2021. The soonest the state could hear arguments is 2023.
No, you cannot bet on sports online in Texas. When (or if) sports betting is legalized in the Lone Star State, mobile sports betting will almost certainly be allowed. But at this time and for the foreseeable future, mobile sports betting is not legal.
There are currently no sportsbook offers or bonuses in the state of Texas. When (or if) sports betting is legalized, check back with TheLines for dozens of signup offers and bonuses. You can find bonus offers and promo codes for other states here.
You cannot bet on sports as a visitor in Texas, as the state has not yet legalized sports betting. Louisiana and Arkansas are the closest states with legal sports betting, but only certain parishes allow sports betting in Louisiana. Otherwise, Texans will have to venture further out.
Even when (or if) Texas legalizes sports betting, expect there to be tight restrictions on betting on college teams. Texas is home to several large-scale college football and college basketball teams like the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, and Houston Cougars.
No, you cannot play online poker in the state of Texas. Although there are no laws criminalizing online poker, the state bans casinos and gambling and therefore does not host any online poker sites. Neighboring states offer plenty of casino options for Texans.
No, offshore books like Bovada are not legal in Texas. We do not recommend the use of offshore books as they are not regulated and therefore bettors are not protected. State representatives from Texas are leading a push to eliminate offshore betting.
There are currently no sportsbook promos in the state of Texas. Should sports betting be legalized, check back here for signup bonuses, promo codes, and new user offers at different sportsbooks. Check out promotions in other states at this time.
Yes, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Texas. FanDuel, DraftKings, UnderDog, and other DFS platforms are legal and operating in Texas since 2019. Pick ’em contests are also fair game in the Lone Star State. Texans can participate in DFS this upcoming NFL season.
Sports betting will not be legal in the state of Texas for the foreseeable future. Once it is legalized, launching is a long process, as seen in states like Ohio, where it can take multiple months or up to a year.
Texas DFS Legal Status
- FanDuel: FanDuel has been operational in Texas since 2018. However, their foothold in state could change at any time.
- DraftKings: DraftKings launched in Texas in 2019 after being banned in 2016.
- UnderDog Fantasy: UnderDogs is operational Texas.
No DFS platforms currently have partnerships with teams in Texas. While DFS was made explicitly legal in 2019, that grant could be revoked at any time.