Can you gamble online in Texas?
| Online casino | Not legal |
| Sports betting | Not legal |
| Horse racing online betting | Not legal |
| Poker | Only on land-based tribal lands |
DESPITE boasting one of the largest potential markets in the US with a population of almost 30 million, sports betting appears a long way from being legalized in the Lone Star State. There will be no movement until 2023 at the earliest, with the state legislature only meeting on a biennial basis.
While recent polls suggest there is not a groundswell of anti-gambling feeling in the state, there appears to be little appetite for wholesale changes in legislation. Gambling is very limited in Texas with the lottery, horse race betting and two land-based venues including the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle in Eagle Pass on the Mexican border – the only real casino offering a poker room as well as slots and electronic gaming.
There is also Naskila Gaming in Livingston which offers a range of slots and electronic gaming, but there are no online options for gamblers in the state. There are a number of websites based offshore which accept bets from anywhere in the US, but these sportsbooks operate outside of US jurisdiction and, as such, offer no guarantees they will pay out winning bets.
Texas Online Betting
No online or land-based sports betting is available in Texas and no changes to the gambling laws are expected anytime soon. A trip across the border to Louisiana appears to have become popular since its sister state legalized sports betting in November last year, with online betting also legal in the Pelican State.
TX Casinos
Online casinos are illegal in Texas with just two land-based venues offering gambling options – mainly slots and electronic gaming.
Texas poker and Card Rooms
There is no online poker legally available for Texans with one land-based venue, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle in Eagle Pass, offering poker rooms. There are also a number of independent poker clubs which operate in a legally gray area.
Texas Horse Racing Betting
There is live horse racing at four tracks in Texas with on-track betting facilities as well as simulcast betting from tracks across the US. All betting on horse racing must be done on-site.
Lottery in Texas
The state lottery is over 30 years old and offers a variety of different games, with ticket sales open to anyone aged 18 or over. There are currently no online ticket sales available.
Texas DFS
Some daily fantasy sports sites are available for Texas residents to sign up to but their legality is questionable.
TX Online Gambling FAQs
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).