Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Online Sports Betting Texas: Current Status

Sports betting legal frameworks exist in over 30 states, but Texas is not one of them. Gambling laws here are strict, banning almost all forms of wagering outside the lottery, horse racing, and charitable bingo.

Attempts to legalize online sports betting have been made in the state legislature. For example, HB 1942 passed the House in 2023 but died in the Senate, blocked by conservative leadership. In 2025, lawmakers filed HJR 134 and HJR 137, both of which aim to put sports betting to a public vote. If successful, legal betting could start as early as 2027.

Until then, Texans have to travel to neighboring states like Louisiana or Arkansas for legal sportsbook access.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Texas?

No. Sports betting legal online does not exist in Texas. Licensed sportsbook operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are blocked from offering real-money bets in the state.

Even if you download an online sports betting app, geolocation software will prevent you from placing wagers while inside Texas. The only way to legally use these apps is to cross into a state where online sports betting USA markets are live.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Texas

Since online sports betting Texas is not legal, no official sportsbook apps operate here. However, Texans often turn to alternative platforms:

• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Apps like DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy allow lineup contests, though legality has been debated in Texas courts.
  
  
• Sweepstakes and Social Casinos: Sites like Fliff and Rebet offer simulated betting with sweepstakes structures, making them legal in the state.
  
  

Example: A Cowboys fan in Dallas wants to put $50 on an NFL betting parlay. Since no sportsbook apps are available, they might use a sweepstakes app instead, placing “coins” on the Cowboys to win and then redeeming potential sweepstakes prizes if successful. It’s not the same as regulated wagering, but it’s one of the few legal digital options Texans have.

Online Sports Betting How To in Texas (The Alternatives)

Until lawmakers make online sports betting legal, here’s how Texans can still participate in related activities:

1. Travel to Louisiana – Full online and retail sports betting launched in 2022.
   
   
2. Travel to Arkansas – Online betting and retail sportsbooks are legal statewide.
   
   
3. DFS Apps – Available in Texas, though technically unregulated.
   
   
4. Sweepstakes Sportsbooks – Provide simulated betting options, legally available.
   
   

This workaround system shows how limited the sports betting legal environment is compared to other states.

Texas Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Texas is one of the largest sports markets in the country, but its legal betting landscape is nonexistent. Compare that to:

• Louisiana: Online and retail sportsbooks live since 2022.
  
  
• Arkansas: Sports betting legal both online and at casinos.
  
  
• Oklahoma: Still illegal, similar to Texas.
  
  
• New Mexico: Limited to tribal casinos only.
  
  

If Texas were to legalize betting, it could instantly become one of the top markets in the country. But political hurdles keep it behind its neighbors.

Online Sports Betting Example: What It Would Look Like in Texas

Imagine it’s Super Bowl Sunday in Houston. If online sports betting Texas were legal, a fan could open DraftKings, deposit $100, and parlay the Cowboys to cover +3, CeeDee Lamb to score a touchdown, and the game total to go over 48.

Since Texas has not legalized online betting, that same fan would need to drive to Louisiana to place the exact same bet legally. The lack of local options highlights just how far behind Texas is compared to other sports gambling legal states.

Public Support for Online Sports Betting Legalization

Despite political resistance, public support in Texas is strong. Polls show that around 60% of Texans favor legalization of online sports betting. Professional sports teams like the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Astros have also backed legislation, partnering with sportsbook operators to push for change.

The challenge lies with conservative lawmakers who remain opposed to expanding gambling. Until leadership shifts, legislative efforts will likely stall, even with public demand.

Responsible Gambling and Risks

Because Texas has no regulated market, residents are sometimes tempted by offshore or unregulated sportsbooks. These platforms carry risks like slow payouts, no consumer protection, and potential legal penalties.

If Texas ever legalizes sports betting, expect a regulated system with licensed operators, tax revenue for the state, and responsible gambling resources built into apps.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Texas

The next realistic shot at legalization comes in 2025 or 2027. If lawmakers succeed in sending a constitutional amendment to the ballot, voters will decide whether online sports betting becomes legal.

Should it pass, Texas could quickly become one of the largest online sports betting USA markets, rivaling New York and New Jersey in total handle. Until then, Texans will need to rely on sweepstakes apps, DFS contests, or road trips to neighboring states.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Texas

Online sports betting Texas is not legal—yet. Despite growing public support and multiple legislative pushes, lawmakers have failed to approve retail or mobile sportsbooks. Alternatives like DFS and sweepstakes apps are available, but real NFL betting and sports betting must be done outside state lines.

With its massive fan base and pro sports presence, Texas could eventually become a top market. But without a law on the books, the Lone Star State remains one of the biggest untapped regions in the U.S.

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