Texas online sportsbooks aren’t yet live, and recent developments in May of 2023 do not seem to give many people much hope that sports betting will be legalized anytime soon in the Longhorn State. It may be a while before the home of the Dallas Cowboys houses some of America’s top sports betting names.
Texas Top Betting Offers & Sportsbook Promos
NOTE: Sports betting in Texas is not currently legal. Several high-profile betting firms now have sponsor deals with Texas teams, however. Here is our prediction of which operators could launch first.
| Sportsbook Name | Welcome Bonus Expected | Sponsor deals (2023) |
| Fubo Sportsbook | n/a | Houston Dynamo |
| PointsBet | Risk-Free Bets up to $2,000 | Austin FC (MLS) |
| BetMGM | $1,000 Risk-Free Bets | Houston Astros |
| BetRivers | 100% Deposit Match | Frisco Fighters |
Claim a Sports Betting Bonus in Texas
Claim a Sports Betting Bonus in Texas
Legalization of Betting and Casino Gambling in Texas
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that theory is certainly applicable when it comes to the obstacles being placed in front of any attempts to bring legal and regulated gambling to the Lone Star State.
While those in the gambling industry are certain that Texas could provide the sort of financial windfall that would dwarf the majority of states already operating legalized gambling, so far, they haven’t been even able to get a toe in the door, let alone an entire foot.
However, there appears to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon when it comes to legal and regulated sports betting in Texas. A sports betting bill was introduced during the 2023 session of state government, and there is still a chance it passes, despite heavy opposition from Lt., Gov. Dan Patrick. But a major player in Texas politics has emerged as a key supporter of the legalization of gambling in the Lone Star State.
Perry A Supporter Of Sports Betting
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry is working with the lobby group seeking to bring legalized sports betting to the state. Governor from 2000-2015 and a member of the cabinet during the Trump Administration, Perry recorded a recently released pro-sports betting video for the Sports Betting Alliance, a lobby group that includes all of the state’s major pro sports franchises and several of the leading online sportsbook sites. Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, put the group together.
“Texas is built on the core principle of individual freedom, and we pride ourselves on being an economic powerhouse in the nation,” Perry said in the video. “Legalizing mobile sports betting in Texas will finally allow the state to protect consumers from illegal offshore betting sites while keeping the money generated from betting in Texas to benefit Texans.”
Perry emphasizes that the longer Texas sits on the sports betting sideline, the more they are losing out.
“Texas continues to fall behind,” Perry said. “Neighboring states are already cashing in on Texans’ bets.”
Texas Sports Online Gambling To Be On 2023 Agenda
Senator Carol Alvarado, a Democrat from Houston, intends to introduce SJR17, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the State Legislature to decide whether to legalize sports betting. The Texas Gaming Commission would be created to issue casino and sports betting licenses. Alvarado envisions four major casinos situated in Dallas and Houston, with smaller casinos set up in conjunction with horse and dog tracks and Indian gaming facilities.
A poll conducted in 2021 by the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas Tyler showed that 57% of Texans favor the legalization of gambling.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has suggested that he’s open to the idea of legalized casino gambling in the state.
Cuban Envisions Gambing Mecca
Shark Tank star and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also a proponent of legalized gambling in Texas. He envisions building a new home for the Mavericks that would be situated in the midst of a massive casino and resort.
“My goal, and we’d partner with Las Vegas Sands, is when we build a new arena, it’ll be in the middle of a resort and casino,” Cuban told the Dallas Morning News. “That’s the mission.”
Texas Betting Fast Facts:
- Legal Sports Betting in the Lone State Y/N: No
- Year Legalized: n/a
- Retail Sportsbooks?: No
- Online Sportsbooks legal in Texas?: No
- Mobile Sportsbooks?: No
- College Sports Betting allowed?: No
The Texas Legislature moves slowly in the Lone Star State and meets every other year. With no laws passed in 2022, gamblers will have to wait until 2023 to see if the Legislature makes any moves toward legalizing sports betting.
Texas legislators might start discussing a potential gambling expansion in January 2023 with the state Senator Carol Alvarado pushing to amend the state constitution to allow for the legalization of sports betting and Casino gambling. The resolution is mainly focused on legalizing Texas casinos and detailing where at what tax frames they would be allowed to operate. Sports betting is only mentioned at the end of Alvarado’s resolution, with very few details and no specifics on whether it will include retail, online, or both.
Texas runs its legislative sessions only in odd-numbered years; hence, if the measure fails in 2023, the legislators will not revisit the legislation until 2025. Fingers crossed.
The Texas Lottery would be the Lone Star State’s likely gaming commission for overseeing sportsbook regulation if and when Texas would legalize sports betting. The Texas Lottery Commission currently regulates state prize drawings and has promotional deals with the WWE.
Online Sports Betting in Texas
Texas may be the home of road gamblers and Hold’em Poker, but traditionally the state has been conservative in its approach to sports betting. There are no retail sportsbooks and attempts to pass any online sports betting laws have failed so far.
There have been several high-profile tie-ups between sports teams and betting companies in anticipation of legalized sports betting in Texas. In 2022, BetMGM were unveiled as exclusive betting partners for the Houston Astros baseball team. While there won’t be any special sportsbook deals for Texans, BetMGM will be running promotions for customers in neighboring Louisiana.
Meanwhile, Rush Street Interactive – the power behind BetRivers Sportsbook – have penned a sponsor deal with the Frisco Fighters indoor football team. It’s a way for BetRivers to introduce their brand into Texas in anticipation of any new igaming laws.
Betting Markets and Sports
Texas sportsbooks will go live with a full gamut of betting options and sports to gamble on. Choose straight moneyline bets or go for parlays and combine multiple legs in one. College sports betting may also be legalized.
- Football
- College football
- Basketball
- College basketball
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Soccer
- MMA
- Boxing
- Motorsports
- Golf
- Tennis
- E-Sports
Betting Types:
- Moneyline
- Futures
- Totals (over/under)
- Point spread
- Team props
- Player props
- Correct score
- 1st Quarter/2nd Quarter
- 1st Half/2nd Half
- In-play betting
Texas Sportsbook Deposits & Withdrawals
Once TX online sportsbooks launch, you’ll be able to make deposits using a range of US-friendly payment methods. Choose a debit card or e-Wallet, or apply for a special prepaid card direct from the sportsbook. Minimum deposits will be in the region of $10–20.
Payment methods expected to be offered to Texan bettors: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Play+ prepaid card, Online bank transfer, VIP Preferred (ACH/e-Check), In person at retail sportsbook
There are currently no retail sportsbooks in Texas. However, should any open, they may be able to accept deposits in person.
Texas Sports Betting Bonus Types
- Welcome bonus (deposit match, free bets, risk-free bets)
- Odds boost
- Profit boost
- Cash Out / Partial Cash Out
- Parlay boost
- Parlay insurance
- Refer-a-friend bonus
- Loyalty program
- Money back
Texas Online Sports Betting FAQ
No. Sports betting of any kind is illegal in Texas. There are no retail sportsbooks and online sports betting laws have not been passed.
It’s unlikely that sportsbooks will be legal in Texas before 2023. However, some major betting providers have sponsor deals with Texan sports teams.
Yes. Legal TX sportsbooks will offer a signup bonus for new customers. Simply open your account and make a deposit in order to claim free bets or a match bonus.