Texas has not yet legalized most online gambling, but betting on horse racing at the race track and playing Daily Fantasy Sports are possible. Find the best offers we have selected for you.
Texas maintains a conservative stance on online gambling, with most forms still not legally permitted as of 2023. This overview explores the available options and their legal status.
| Gambling Vertical | Legal Status in Texas | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Betting | Not Legal | – |
| Online Casinos | Not Legal | – |
| Online Poker | Not Legal | – |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | Limited Legal Status | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Horse Racing Betting | Legal at Licensed Tracks | – |
| Lottery | Legal (Physical only) | – |
Texas continues to uphold strict gambling laws, with limited online gambling options. The state’s legal framework remains conservative, primarily allowing only physical gambling formats like the state lottery and horse racing betting at licensed venues. As of now, the prospects for legalizing broader online gambling forms, including sports betting and online casinos, appear slim. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about any legal changes in the state’s gambling regulations.
Sports Betting
As of now, sports betting remains illegal in Texas. Despite numerous legislative attempts and discussions, no concrete steps have been taken to legalize sports betting in the state. This includes both in-person and online sports betting. Texans looking to place sports bets must travel to states where it is legal.
Texas Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing stands as one of the few legal forms of gambling in Texas. The state allows both in-person and off-track betting on horse races. There are several well-known racetracks in Texas, including Lone Star Park and Sam Houston Race Park, where live racing events are held. Additionally, Texans can engage in pari-mutuel wagering at these locations.
Moreover, online horse race betting is also permitted in Texas. Residents can place bets on horse races through various licensed online platforms that offer pari-mutuel betting. This form of online gambling is regulated, providing a safe and legal avenue for horse racing fans. Despite the strict gambling laws in other areas, horse racing and betting continue to be a popular and legally accepted activity in Texas.
Texas Online Casinos, Best Sites & Offers
Texas awaits the legalization of real money online casinos, but until then, residents can enjoy social casinos like Funzpoints and Global Poker, offering a variety of games and tournaments. This preview discusses potential future operators like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings Casino, based on trends in nearby states.
There is nothing in the current state legislation that allows Texas online casino sites to be set up. This means that there is no way of finding a regulated place to play casino games in Texas.
It isn’t known whether this will eventually change. Several other American states have allowed operators to launch there, so we may get to see an online casino in Texas in the future. If this were the case, we would expect the same casinos that are present in other parts of the country to also obtain licenses in this state.
Texas Social Online Casinos
Texas residents can legally play at social casinos like Funzpoints and Global Poker. These platforms offer a mix of slot games and poker tournaments, catering to a wide range of players.
Real Money Casino Sites in Texas
If the right laws are ever put in place for an online casino in Texas, the big brands we already associate with casino betting are likely to be among those allowed to launch one. This way, Texans will be able to choose from some of the most reliable betting brands.
These sites have easy-to-use casinos where you will find excellent customer service if needed.
Based on the most recent regulatory developments and the betting market in the nearby Louisiana, Arizona etc. several large players are expected to line up with FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings being the obvious bets as the first movers.
Texas Casino Apps Expected in 2024:
- FanFuel Casino
- BetMGM Casino
- DraftKings Casino
Online Games
Regardless of the exact Texas online casinos to receive licenses, we know that they will contain some great games. The slots that have proved successful among American players to date include Diamond Hearts, Gorilla Kingdom, and Treasure of Troy.
There are also plenty of choices in the table games section, with craps, roulette, and poker sure to be among the online casino games in Texas if these sites are allowed to operate.
Online Casino Apps in Texas
If you prefer to go online using a mobile device for more freedom, you won’t have any problems using any online casino in Texas that get regulated here in the future. The top brands offer either desktop or mobile access, with their mobile apps working equally well on iOS or Android devices which would allow casino games in the Lone Star State. They are free to download, and you can switch between devices with no fuss whenever you want to.
Top TX Land-based Casinos
The state has several land casinos where you can look for your favorite games in an attractive setting.
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, Eagle Pass. Lots of entertainment events and plentiful slots games make this an exciting venue.
- Naskila Gaming, Livingston. There are close to 800 slots and two restaurants, but no hotel at the site.
- The Room, League City. Popular among poker players, this place offers regular tournament play.
Bonuses in Texas
A handsome bonus will give you a strong start at any Texas online casino and is the best way to sample it. The big brands also offer nice deals that are designed to make you feel good about starting to play their casino games in the Lone Star State with some extra funds in your account.
A no deposit bonus is the simplest, as you get bonus funds just for registering at a potential online casino in Texas. A welcome package with a deposit boost multiplies your first deposit. If you get free spins, you can play a chosen slot without using your own money as the stake.
When will online casinos become available in TX?
There are currently no indications as to when any online casino in Texas could start to operate, as new laws are needed for this to happen.
Is sports betting available in TX?
No, there is no legislation currently in place that would allow these sites to operate.
Are social casinos available in TX?
Yes, these sites don’t let you bet with real cash, meaning that they are fine to use even before any Texas online casino laws come into force.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in TX?
You can legally place bets in state casinos from the age of 21, although venues with no alcohol may allow in visitors from 18 and upwards. The fact that new legislation is needed to allow Texas online casino sites means that a specific age limit will most likely be set.
Tax When Gambling in TX?
If you enjoy a win of over $5,000 in the state, you may have to pay tax on it at a flat rate of 24%. However, everyone’s tax situation is different, so it is a good idea to get professional advice on it when filling out your annual IRS return.
Online Poker
Online poker, much like online casinos, is not legally permitted in Texas. Despite the state’s rich history with poker – Texas Hold’em, one of the most popular forms of poker, is named after the state – there are no provisions in Texas law that allow for the operation or participation in online poker. Residents who wish to engage in online poker must use offshore platforms, which are not regulated by Texas authorities and may pose risks.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
There is limited legal status for DFS, with platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel operating in a gray area.
Lottery
The Texas Lottery is a legal and widely popular form of gambling in the state. Established in 1992, it includes various games such as scratch-off tickets, in-state draw games like Lotto Texas, and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The lottery is state-operated, with proceeds often benefiting public education and other state programs.
In Texas, lottery tickets must be purchased in person from licensed retailers. There is no option to buy lottery tickets online in Texas, as the state law does not permit online lottery sales. This means that while Texans have a variety of lottery games at their disposal, all purchases must be made at physical locations like convenience stores, gas stations, and authorized lottery retailers.
The Texas Lottery is known for its large jackpots and the excitement it generates among its players. Regular updates on winning numbers and information on claim centers can be found on the official Texas Lottery website or through authorized retailers.
Taxas Online Gambling FAQs
Is any form of online gambling legal in Texas?
Limited legal status for DFS; other forms like sports betting in Texas, TX online casinos, and poker are not legal.
Can I participate in Daily Fantasy Sports in Texas?
Yes, with limited legal status, platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel operate.
Is online sports betting legal in Texas?
No, it is not currently legal.
Is Online Gambling Legal in TX?
While the most recent attempt to legalize sports betting in the state was based around an age limit of 21, the lottery is available to players aged 18 and over.
Where in TX can I get help with problem gambling?
Gambling can become addictive and if you are struggling to cope, you can find help from a variety of sources. Texas – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
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