NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Texas for Hockey

Texas is the second-largest unlegalized sports betting state (29 million residents, behind California only) and represents the biggest untapped sports betting market in America. Despite years of legislative efforts and support from Texas professional sports teams (Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars), sports betting remains completely illegal in Texas as of December 2025.

However, there are promising signs: Governor Greg Abbott publicly voiced support for legal sports betting in 2025, saying he would work to bring legalization if the right legislation comes along. For hockey fans in Texas, there are currently NO legal ways to place traditional sports bets on NHL games. However, Daily Fantasy Sports are fully legal (since 2019), and social/sweepstakes sportsbooks operate legally.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Texas?

No. Sports betting is ILLEGAL in Texas. Texas has NOT legalized sports betting. No online or retail sportsbooks operate legally in Texas. You cannot legally bet on NHL games through any licensed sportsbook in the state.

What IS legal:

Daily Fantasy Sports (age 18+, fully legal since 2019 with HB 2806 passed 116-27, platforms include FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, PrizePicks, Texas was first state to classify DFS as "game of skill" not gambling). Social/Sweepstakes Sportsbooks (age 18+, platforms include Rebet, Onyx Odds, SportsMillions, Legendz, Sportzino, Fliff, fully legal under sweepstakes regulations, use virtual currency with no purchase required).

Age requirements:

• Sports betting (if legalized): Would likely be 21+
• DFS: 18+ (already legal)
• Social sportsbooks: 18+ (already legal)
• Regulatory framework: No sports betting regulator exists in Texas because sports betting is not legal. If legalized, a new regulatory agency would be created, likely under the Texas Lottery Commission.
• Constitutional barriers: Texas Constitution explicitly prohibits gaming expansion. Any legalization would require: Constitutional amendment, voter approval (or legislature may have a pathway without full ballot measure), and implementing legislation. This makes legalization more complex than in states without constitutional barriers.

Shurzy Tip: Texas is the Holy Grail for sportsbooks, 29 million residents, wealthy economy, Dallas Stars and tons of sports fans. Governor Abbott's 2025 support shift changes everything. If Texas legalizes, it instantly becomes one of America's top 3 markets alongside New York and New Jersey.

Failed Legalization Attempts (2020-2024)

2023 Attempts (Best Chance Yet)

Multiple bills advanced through committee:

Pair of sports betting bills passed House Committee on State Affairs (April 2023)

• Status: Stalled on May 12, 2023 with no subsequent progress
• Outcome: FAILED to reach House floor vote
• Context: Senate showed little support

2021-2022 Attempts

Pro sports teams' involvement (2021):

Coalition of Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, racing organizations

Rep. Dan Huberty sponsored pro-teams backed bill

• Proposed: $500,000 application fee, $50,000 retail license, 10% tax rate
• Status: FAILED to advance

2020-2021 attempts:

• HB 477 (Rep. Joe Deshotel): Casino bill that would include sports betting with 9 casino locations authorized
• Status: FAILED

Shurzy Take: Texas pro sports teams (Cowboys, Rangers, Mavs, Stars) backed legalization in 2021. That bill failed. 2023 bills passed committee but stalled. Every attempt failed until now because the Governor and Senate didn't push hard enough. Governor Abbott's 2025 support changes the game.

Governor Abbott's 2025 Shift: Game-Changer

Significant Development: Abbott Publicly Supports Legalization

In 2025, Governor Greg Abbott voiced explicit support for legal sports betting in Texas for the first time.

Abbott stated on a podcast:

• He recognizes Texans are "likely trying to bet on sports in some kind of fashion"
• If the right legislation comes along, he'd work to bring legal sports betting to Texas
• This represents a major shift from previous stances

What This Means

Abbott's support could be game-changing for Texas legalization:

• Governor backing removes a major political obstacle
• Pro-sports teams' organizations could gain momentum
• 2025 or 2027 legislative session could be the opening

Shurzy Tip: Governor Abbott's 2025 support shift is HUGE. Texas governors have enormous political power. Abbott saying he'd work to bring legal sports betting if the right bill comes along signals he won't veto it. That removes the biggest roadblock Texas faced. Watch 2025-2027 legislative sessions closely.

What Options DO Exist for Texas Residents?

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports – FULLY LEGAL

Daily Fantasy Sports are FULLY LEGAL in Texas (since 2019).

Available platforms:

FanDuel DFS (NHL contests), DraftKings DFS (NHL contests), PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, OwnersBox, DraftKings Pick6.

• Status: Explicitly legal under Texas law (HB 2806, 2019)
• Age: 18+
• Advantage: No legal ambiguity

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are fully legal in Texas, no gray area like other states. FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS have the deepest NHL contests. PrizePicks and Underdog are easier for beginners with over/under pick'em formats. This is your best current option for Stars wagering.

Option 2: Social/Sweepstakes Sportsbooks – FULLY LEGAL

Sweepstakes sportsbooks are FULLY LEGAL in Texas under sweepstakes law.

Available platforms:

Rebet Social Sportsbook, Onyx Odds, SportsMillions, Legendz, Sportzino, Fliff, ParlayPlay.

• How they work: Use virtual currency (free signup bonuses). Sign-up bonuses provide free coins. Can redeem prizes for real cash. No purchase required.
• Age: 18+
• Advantage: Fully legal, no ambiguity

Shurzy Tip: Social sportsbooks are legit legal alternatives for NHL wagering in Texas. Rebet, Onyx Odds, and SportsMillions all offer Stars betting with virtual currency. You can win real cash without legal ambiguity. It's not traditional betting, but it's legitimate and fully legal.

Option 3: Horse Racing – Limited

Pari-mutuel horse racing betting is legal in Texas.

Option 4: Texas Lottery – Legal

The Texas Lottery is legal (18+) but does NOT include sports betting.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Future Outlook for Texas Sports Betting

2025 Legislative Session

The Texas legislature convenes in January 2025 with pre-filed sports betting bills.

For passage to occur:

Bills must gain House support. The Senate must support (previous obstacle). Requires 2/3 majority of both chambers to pass constitutional amendment. Governor Abbott (now supportive) could aid passage. Goes to voter ballot (likely November 2025).

Timeline if 2025 bill passes:

• Pass legislature: May 2025
• Voter approval: November 2025
• Implementation: 2026
• Launch: 2026-2027

2027 Alternative Timeline

If 2025 efforts fail: Next legislative session 2027, could try again with more momentum.

Market Structure If Legalized

Based on past proposals:

Up to 12 online sports betting operators. Casinos and existing racetracks can offer retail sportsbooks. Professional sports teams could have licensing partnerships. Tax rate: 10-15% on adjusted gross revenue. Application fees: $50,000-$500,000 depending on proposal.

Expected Operators (If Legalized)

Major brands likely to enter Texas market:

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, ESPN BET.

Shurzy Tip: If Texas legalizes in 2025 with voter approval in November 2025, sportsbooks could launch by 2026-2027. Texas would instantly become one of America's top 3 markets. Expect 12+ operators, aggressive promotions, and sharp competitive odds. The Stars betting market alone would be massive.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Expert Tips for Texas Hockey Fans

1. Use DFS Now (Fully Legal): Daily Fantasy Sports are fully legal in Texas with FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, and PrizePicks. 18+ age requirement. NHL contests available. No legal ambiguity.
2. Use Social Sportsbooks Now (Fully Legal): Sweepstakes sportsbooks offer legal NHL wagering with Rebet, Onyx, SportsMillions, and Sportzino. 18+ age requirement. Virtual currency + cash redemption. Fully legal under sweepstakes law.
3. Monitor 2025 Legislative Session: Track potential sports betting bills. Watch for House and Senate bills. Governor Abbott's support is significant. Could see legalization progress in 2025.
4. Prepare for 2026+ Launch: If legalization passes in 2025, multiple sportsbooks likely launch 2026. Texas would become one of America's largest markets. Expected: 12+ operators, sharp odds, competitive promotions.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting

Even without legal sports betting, Texas residents can access problem gambling resources:

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Texas problem gambling support
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings available throughout Texas

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: Texas's Imminent Legalization

Governor Abbott publicly voiced support. Pro sports teams backing legalization (Cowboys, Rangers, Mavs, Stars). 2/3 majority requirement possible with political will. A Constitutional amendment could go to voters in November 2025.

Texas's sports betting legalization is no longer a matter of "if" but increasingly "when." With Governor support, pro sports backing, and strong market fundamentals (29 million residents, wealthy economy, Dallas Stars and passionate fans), 2025-2027 looks promising for bringing legal sports betting to the Lone Star State.

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