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Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Yes, betting on sports is legal in Texas.

Are There Any Regulated Sportsbooks in Texas?

No, however there are trusted offshore sportsbooks serving Texas.

What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?

Since regulated betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings are unavailable for Texans using offshore sportsbooks such as BetOnline and Bovada are recommended as both have 20+ year track records and accept players from Texas.

Martin Green
Senior Editor and Player Advocate

Trusted sports betting apps for players in Texas

100% Free Play Welcome Bonus up to $1,000
Bonus Code Details
Bonus Percentage:
100%
Bonus Value:
Up to $1,000
Min Deposit:
$50
Rollover:
10x
Expiration:
BetAnySports
463
Established
2001
Active Customers
23,146
150% Free Play Welcome Bonus up to $250
Promo Code
150% Free Play Welcome Bonus up to $250
Bonus Code Details
Bonus Percentage:
150%
Bonus Value:
Up to $250
Min Deposit:
$20
Rollover:
15x
Expiration:

How to Bet on Sports in Texas

  1. 1 Pick Your Sportsbooks
    Choose an offshore sportsbook you prefer, such as BetOnline. Register by clicking “Join” and complete the simple form.
  2. 2 Claim a Bonus
    Select from available promotions and deposit match offers. It’s recommended to use crypto if available since generally speaking welcome bonuses are larger if using crypto.
  3. 3 Deposit Funds
    Find the cashier, pick your payment method—credit cards, wire transfers, or crypto—and confirm your deposit.
  4. 4 Place a Bet
    Pick your sport—NFL, NBA, NHL, or more—and add bets to your slip. Enter your stake, then confirm your wager.

Texas Sports Betting Updates

Texas is set to become the nation’s biggest sports betting market, if lawmakers can manage to pass any sports betting bills, but it’s hard to say when major operators may get the green light. The timeline below shows the history of sports betting and other forms of gambling in the Lone Star State:
January 2024

Joint Resolution 16 is filed, aiming to legalize retail sports betting and casino gambling, but political hurdles make it a long shot this session.

November 2024

Lawmakers, sports figures, and advocates weigh in on the potential to legalize sports betting in 2025. Texas’ recent election results add another Republican to the state Senate, which could hinder future sports betting legislation. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has asked the Texas Senate to intervene and halt online lottery sales, a move that impacts the online gambling industry.

August 2024

Texas forms a new committee to explore the potential of legalizing casino games and expanding current gambling opportunities, as advocates prepare for the 2025 legislative session.

July 2024

Amid Texas’s legal gambling controversy, the Dallas Cowboys are breaking new ground by partnering with Las Vegas-based Aristocrat Gaming, marking a significant step for major league teams in promoting sports betting.

April 2024

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas plans a new casino resort on tribal land, despite ongoing debates about statewide gambling expansion.

December 2023

Efforts to pass a constitutional amendment on sports betting stall, pushing any initiatives to 2025. Despite progress in the House, HJR 102 faces strong opposition in the Senate and from Lieutenant Governor Patrick, signaling a major blow to proponents of Texas sports betting regulation.

2024

The Texas legislature plans to discuss SJR-17 and other sports betting proposals, reflecting the increasing interest in revenue from sports betting and its potential economic benefits.

May 2023

The Texas House of Representatives approves legislation to legalize betting on specific events via a constitutional amendment but fails to earn Senate support. Separately, SB 1820 aims to prohibit online lottery sales while further complicating options for sports betting in Texas.

April 2023

HB 1942 and HJR 102 move to the House Committee, however, it’s unlikely that the Senate will pass either. The state’s professional teams voice their support for the approval of sports betting, emphasizing the potential for responsible gaming and economic growth.

March 2023

Despite having four sports betting bills for consideration, lawmakers continue to stall on their discussion. Lawmakers grapple with concerns over licensing, taxation, and regulation in the online sports betting market.

August 2022

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance starts working to push for sports betting in the state in 2023. Their main focus is to show the importance of legalized sports betting in Texas.

February 2023

Three additional bills — HJR 97, SB 715 and HB 1942 — are introduced to regulate gambling within the state. Notably, major teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros remain key advocates for change.

January 2023

Senate Joint Resolution 17 (SJR-17) is introduced, proposing the creation of a Texas Gaming Commission, an authoritative body to oversee licensed sportsbooks and other gambling operations.

June 2022

A Supreme Court ruling stops Texas from banning tribal-run e-bingo.

July 2022

Congress members from opposing groups urge the Department of Justice to address concerns over offshore sports betting operators. These platforms dominate the online sports betting apps market in Texas.

2019

A bill to legalize sports betting is introduced in the Texas legislature but does not advance. This reflects the state’s historically conservative stance on gambling.

2021

Preliminary discussions begin in the Texas legislature about the possibility of legalizing sports betting, in response to increasing interest and potential revenue benefits.

May 2022

BetMGM partners with the Houston Astros, marking one of the first high-profile sportsbook deals in Texas. This partnership reflects the growing alignment between major operators and major league teams in the state.

2017

Texas lawmakers begin to explore the implications of the nationwide trend towards sports betting legalization, with initial discussions focusing on potential regulatory frameworks.

2015

Major sports teams in Texas start to express interest in sports betting, recognizing its potential impact on fan engagement and revenue.

2012

The Texas Lottery Commission begins exploring options to expand gambling offerings in the state, including the potential for sports betting.

2010

Texas experiences a surge in illegal sports betting activities, mirroring a national trend, despite the state’s restrictive gambling laws.

2000s

Despite no legal forms of gambling beyond the state lottery and pari-mutuel horse racing, there is a growing interest in sports betting among Texas residents.

1990s

The Texas legislature debates various gambling expansion proposals, including casinos and allowing betting at horse racing tracks, but retail sportsbooks remain off the table.

1980s

The state of Texas maintains a strict anti-gambling stance, with no significant movement towards legalizing sports betting or other forms of gambling.

1970s

Texas introduces the state lottery, marking the state’s first foray into legal gambling, but no further gambling expansions, including sports betting, are considered at this time.

What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?

If you’re an avid sports bettor or just starting out, finding the best Texas sports betting sites has never been easier.

We’ve put together in-depth reviews of the top 7 online sports betting apps and sites for the Lone Star State. These platforms stand out for their fast payouts, top-notch customer service, and generous sports betting bonuses. Each site is an industry expert favorite, offering seamless mobile wagering through web apps that perform exceptionally across the board.

MyBookie
243
MyBookie is a great choice for bettors looking for a hassle-free experience and an impressive selection of betting markets, both with American sports as well as international events. The site works seamlessly across mobile devices and is one of the more polished sites serving U.S. bettors.
Signup Bonus:
100% Free Play Welcome Bonus up to $1,000
Key Features:
  • Robust live betting platform
BetAnySports
463
BetAnySports is popular with bettors for their -105 reduced juice lines, offering savings behind every wager placed. BetAnySports offers competitive odds across various markets, including moneylines, futures and props, covering a wide range of sports.
Signup Bonus:
150% Free Play Welcome Bonus up to $250
Key Features:
  • Best reduced juice lines at -105
  • Quick and reliable payouts
Heritage Sports
256
Heritage Sports is among the best offshore betting sites, known for its wide range of betting options and VIP service. It offers a comprehensive live betting platform with hundreds of daily bets, making real-time betting easy and exciting. Heritage Sports caters to both mainstream and niche sports markets, appealing to a variety of players.
Signup Bonus:
20% Cash Welcome Bonus up to $500
Key Features:
  • Competitive reduced juice odds at -108
  • Comprehensive live betting options