No form of sports betting apart from on-track horse racing is legal in Texas with the state strict on gambling.
There are exceptions to the strict laws in the Lone Star State, which include parimutuel horse racing markets to bet on at a racetrack. You can also gamble on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games online and through mobile betting apps in Texas as their paid contests are allowed. You must be 21 to get into a tribal casino in this state, but online casino gaming is illegal. There are no bonuses and offers for Texas online betting, but lots of pro sports teams to follow.
Betting Sites in Texas
With no Texas online betting permitted by state law, the Texas betting alternative is playing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games. You pick a fantasy team on your favorite sport and then enter them in leagues and competitions where there is prize money. Options include:
- FanDuel provide access to their DFS platforms to play fantasy sports games, but not their sportsbook or racebook.
- DraftKings is a similar story with Daily Fantasy games open to you, but not their general sports betting.
Best Apps in Texas
The only mobile Texas betting apps you can use are Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms. So-called paid contests where you give fees to enter your fantasy teams are permitted on:
- DraftKings has a huge range of Daily Fantasy Sports games for pro, college, and even eSports.
- FanDuel provides DFS games on all popular US sports, soccer, tennis, and golf.
Top Land-Based Sportsbooks in Texas
There are only three tribal land-based casinos for wagering in Texas. These don’t have sportsbooks, so your only sports betting choices are on-track and simulcast horse racing bets at major racetracks including:
- Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, which hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2004.
- Sam Houston Race Park in Houston for thoroughbred, American quarter horse, and Arabian racing.
- Retama Park in Selma, where there are thoroughbred and American quarter horse racing events.
What is the Legal Betting Age in Texas?
Other than buying lottery tickets, state legislation states that you must be at least 21 years old for legal betting in Texas on casino cruises, tribal casinos, and horse racing. The few land-based casino outfits in the Lone Star State sell alcohol, and liquor laws don’t allow anyone younger on the premises.
Tax When Betting in Texas?
There are no taxes imposed on winnings made from Texas online betting because this isn’t legal or regulated. However, federal law requires you to declare any profits made from gambling as this is subject to income tax. A 6.25% rate has been proposed in the Lone Star State.
Betting Bonuses in Texas
You cannot currently obtain welcome bonuses for betting in Texas. This is because online sportsbooks aren’t licensed or regulated by the state government at this time. If the situation and law changes, then sign-up offers should become available to Texans if you want to place wagers on your favorite sports.
Top Three Offers in Texas
Sports betting offers for wagering in Texas aren’t open to you sadly, this is because internet gambling is illegal in the Lone Star State. So, unless laws and regulations for the industry change, there won’t be any betting offers like Parlay insurance available to you.
Professional Teams in Texas
The NFL has the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, with Dallas Stars in the NHL. There’s also the NBA trio, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. In addition, there are MLS franchises, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo. The MLB also boasts the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
FAQ
Can You Legally Bet Online in Texas?
No, Texas online betting is against the law now. The Lone Star State has a well-earned reputation for being strict when it comes to gambling of any kind.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Texas?
The only locations where you can do sports betting in Texas is on-track at major horse racing venues which offer live parimutuel wagers and simulcast markets.
Will Texas Legalize Sports Betting?
It remains to be seen if sports wagering in Texas becomes legalized. Proposals have been put to the state government, so that’s a step forward.