Online Sports Betting Texas
As of 2020, Texas online sports betting is not legally permitted. There have been bills introduced to legalize sports betting in Texas, but no law has been passed as of yet. The exception is daily fantasy. Texas lawmakers introduced a sports betting bill in 2019, but it didn’t go anywhere. Texas lawmakers have shown a hesitancy to support any kind of casino expansion legislation, but when they reconvene.
Texas has every opportunity to become a major playing in the US gambling
scene. Unfortunately, lawmakers here have implemented strict regulations over
both land-based and online sports gambling. Today, our team of experts is
explaining how you can find the best Texas sports betting sites
currently available.
Online and mobile sports betting in Texas will be legal. A maximum of five licenses will be sold. Each license will permit two online betting site skins. Gamblers will pay a 6.25% tax, similar to a sales tax. Texas will bust an online gambling operation – they just haven’t shown the willingness to cross seas to do it. In 2013, state police raided a $5 billion online sports betting operation in the North Texas area. The eighteen-member ring accepted both online. Yes, betting online in Texas is legal, however, there are still a few concerns in the grey area that require investigating. In early 2019, Texas Senator Eddie Lucio III proposed a bill to begin fully regulating.
We are also going to take a close look at what separates a good Texas sports
betting website from a bad one. Later on, we’ll be going over the current laws
and regulations of the internet gambling industry in this state. To make things
easier for new players, we’re listing five of our favorite Texas betting sites directly below.
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 | BetUS | 100% Up To $2,500 | Visit Site | |
#2 | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | ||
#3 | BetNow | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
#4 | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | ||
#5 | BetOnline Sports | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
What Should I Look for in Texas Sports Betting Sites?
Texas, like the majority of US states, have not yet regulated its online
sports betting market. Fortunately, there are still a number of incredible sites
operating here that provide odds on just about every major sport. There are a
few important features that every sports betting site should always offer.
It can seem a little confusing to try to find a good sports betting website
for the first time. Finding an amazing online sportsbook should be easy,
provided you know what to look for. Here are the four most important features to
look for in all sports betting sites in Texas.
Safe and Easy Payment Options
Safety is, without a doubt, the most important thing to look for in a TX
gambling website. A site may offer a massive list of incredible betting odds,
but if it doesn’t provide you with security, it’s not even worth checking out.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to determine whether or not an internet
sportsbook is safe to join.
One great way is to head over to our
casino and sportsbook reviews
page. Our experts have looked through hundreds of different online sports
betting sites over the years. We have come up with a unique system to rank and
review the Texas sports betting sites that operate. If there are any reports of
unusual fees or shady payment dealings, we will let you know about it in our
reviews.
Another simple way to find out more about a website’s payment system is to
simply check out the sites for yourself! At the top of this page are the five
sports betting sites in Texas that we highly recommend. You can head over to
these sites today and look into their cashier page. Reputable websites will
clearly list which payment options are available.
We highly recommend playing at sites that allow deposits to be made using
both credit and debit cards. Make sure that these deposits are credited into
your betting account instantly. It’s important to note that most
US betting sites
only allow payouts to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this turn you off!
Bitcoin payouts generally come with extremely low fees and are processed
within just a few days.
Take the time to find a website that will provide you with safe payment
options. Nothing is more important than your security while betting online in Texas!
Helpful Customer Support System
This ties into the safety aspect of online sportsbooks. We feel strongly that
the better an online betting site’s customer service, the better the website is
overall. Unfortunately, many people overlook how important a helpful customer
support system really is.
There’s a very good chance that the first website you join is perfect, and
you never need to use the customer support options. If, however, you need a
question answered during your betting experience, it’s important to know that
the site you play through will have your back. This is another feature you can
check out quickly and easily.
All of the top Texas sports betting sites will allow you to
scroll through them before you’ve even joined. You can head over to a number of
different websites and find exactly which help is available. Some websites today
provide a live chat feature that allows you to speak directly with a site
representative over text.
Other sites will provide you with a direct phone line support option. Both of
these are fantastic. We generally recommend that you avoid sites offering only
email support, as it can sometimes take weeks to have your questions answered.
You may be surprised to find how many sports bettors join a website before
looking into its support options. Only join the sports betting sites in Texas that will offer help whenever you need it.
Solid Design and Functionality
Once you have found a few sites that provide safe payment options and a great
customer support system, take a look at their designs. Every online
sportsbook in Texas has a different design. The very best online sportsbooks in Texas
provide designs that make it extremely easy to find the sports you want to bet on.
It’s not easy to say that one design is better than another. Some online
sportsbooks, such as
MyBookie.ag, have sleek, modern designs that are fairly simplistic. Other sites
like
Sportsbetting.ag have slightly older designs but still provide a somewhat
complex user interface.
The most important thing is to find a design and interface that fits your
needs. If you prefer busy websites offering hundreds of different betting odds
on the homepage, find a site that offers it! You can look through a couple of
the Texas sports betting sites that we recommend at the top of this page to see
some of the best designs available today.
Make sure that the functionality of these sites is up to par as well. Good TX
internet sportsbooks should never crash or make it difficult to actually place
bets. Checking to see if parlay and trifecta bets are available is also a good
idea.
Odds on the Sports You Plan to Bet On
Of all the features here, this may seem the most obvious to check for. If the
site you decide to join doesn’t offer betting odds on the sport you want to bet
on, what’s the point? Take the time to check exactly which betting odds are
available.
Many of the sports betting sites in Texas will offer
different odds on different sports. Are you a hardcore football fan? Make sure
there are betting odds on every NFL and NCAA game of the season.
Don’t be concerned if you don’t know exactly which sport you want to bet on.
Good sportsbooks will provide their members with thousands of different odds on
a wide variety of different sporting events. Some sites even offer unique
betting options on things like politics and entertainment.
This is an extremely easy thing to look for. Almost all TX sports betting
sites clearly list which sports are available on their homepages. Check out a
few sites and make sure there are good odds on the different sports you want to
throw some money on.
Why Are Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas Becoming so Popular?
As we mentioned earlier, Texas has taken a hardline anti-gambling stance over
the years. Despite having one of the most passionate sports fan bases in the
country, officials here have shown no desire to open up the sports betting
market. It’s unfortunate, as this industry would likely bring the state millions
in additional revenue every year.
Even without regulation, TX sports betting sites are
continuing to grow more popular every year. We’ve talked to a number of bettors
and listed their reasons for making wagers online. Two reasons continue to come
up time and time again.
Safest Option Available Right Now
The US online sports betting industry is safer now than ever before. There
was a time when the only option for Texans to bet on sports was through an
illegal bookie. Today, there are a number of amazing websites that provide
players with completely secure payment options.
Fans of sports betting in Texas don’t need to track down a local bookmaker
anymore. The sites currently operating in Texas allow players to make bets from
anywhere with an internet connection. It’s without a doubt the safest and best
option available at the moment and is getting better every year.
Massive Range of Betting Options
Even the biggest sportsbooks in gambling hubs like Las Vegas can’t offer as
many betting options as the top Texas betting websites. There are simply
more options available over the internet. Texans are known to love their sports,
and the best online sportsbooks here provide thousands of amazing odds on
everything from the NFL to UFC.
As we just mentioned, many of these betting sites also allow members to bet
on random things like politics. The sheer amount of different betting options
will keep even the most hardcore bettors busy. There’s nothing more exciting
than throwing some money down on your favorite sports, and internet sportsbooks
here allow you to do this every single day of the year.
Are Texas Sports Betting Sites Actually Allowed Right Now?
The US has been liberalizing its stance towards sports betting for some time
now. Back in May of 2018, the Supreme Court ruled against PASPA. Now, every
state has the ability to set its own laws on sports gambling. Texas took its
time, and finally has some pending legislation to open up this huge market.
In February of 2019, State Representative Eddie Lucio III
presented a bill that would allow for the regulation of sports betting. It
proposes a 6.25% tax rate on sports betting operators. Companies offering
betting odds here would need to pay an annual $250,000 fee.
There are still a number of steps that will need to be taken in order for
sports betting in Texas to become regulated. It needs to be approved by both the
House and Senate. If this happens, it will head to the Governor for final
approval. Many feel that within a few years, Texas sports betting sites will
finally be regulated.
At the moment, land-based sports betting is considered illegal here. The
State Constitution Statutes define a “bet” as, “an agreement to win or lose
something of value solely or partially by chance.”
(a) A person commits an offense if he:
(1) makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the
performance of a participant in a game or contest;
(2) makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or
election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
(3) plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with
cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.
It’s important to note that there are no laws here that specifically cover
the legality of online sports betting. Like most states, this
industry lies in somewhat of a legal gray area.
Will I Face Legal Trouble for Playing at Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas?
It’s extremely unlikely. Texas has a massive online sports betting market.
Our team has not come across a single case of anyone being prosecuted for online betting in Texas.
It’s very possible that the state government will begin regulating internet sports betting in the near future.
How Can I Stay Safe Gambling Through Sports Betting Sites in Texas?
There is no direct regulation over the sports betting sites in Texas. This
means that, in many ways, it’s up to you to protect yourself while betting
online in Texas. Fortunately, some of the very best online sportsbooks in the country are
available in this state.
Texas sports betting sites are generally very safe. It’s easy to have a
completely secure and lucrative experience while online betting in Texas. There are still a few
easy steps that you can take to ensure you stay completely safe while making
sports wagers over the internet.
Only Play Through Reputable Websites
The most important thing you should do is only play through websites that
have good reputations. Reputable websites will offer safe payment options, a
good customer support system, and a simple betting interface. Do a little
research and make sure that the Texas sports betting sites you are looking at
are safe and secure.
Never Bet More Money Than You Can Afford to Lose
Let us be the first to tell you that online sports betting is extremely fun.
It’s so fun, in fact, that some players accidentally wager more money than they
probably should. It’s always a good idea to track how much you are spending, and
never exceed your betting limits.
Wager on Sports You Understand
With thousands of different betting odds available every single day, it can
be extremely tempting to throw money down on a sport you know nothing about in
hopes of winning big. This can sometimes pay off, yet it’s recommended to stick
to sports you know about. This applies particularly to those new to
sports wagering.
Look Into the Details of Every Promotion Offer
If you’ve already checked out a few sports betting sites in Texas, there’s a
good chance you’ve come across a promotion. In case you’re unaware, these are
bonus offers that a website will offer. They can be a fantastic way to boost the
money you deposit into your account. Occasionally, they can make it difficult to
actually withdraw your money. Always read up on the details of every promotion,
because once you’ve utilized the offer, you’re stuck with the terms and
conditions.
Be Willing to Change Betting Sites, If Necessary
If you follow the steps that we listed above, you’ll probably find a number
of incredible Texas sports betting sites. If you decide that
you don’t enjoy the site you’ve joined, always be willing to change. The sites
that we recommend at the top of this page are fantastic. Check out each one
today.
FAQ on Online Sports Betting in Texas
What Feature Should I Look for in Texas Sports Betting Sites?
Texas sports fans have access to some of the very best internet sportsbooks
in the country. Before signing up to one of these Texas sports betting sites,
make sure that it offers safe payment options, a helpful customer support
system, a great design, and betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.
Why Are Sports Betting Sites in Texas Growing so Popular?
There are hundreds of reasons why online sports betting continues to grow
around the country. Many Texans claim that online sportsbooks are the safest
option available, and provide more betting options than even the very best
land-based sportsbooks in nearby states.
Are Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas Actually Lawful?
Texas has not officially regulated its sports betting industry. There is
pending legislation to begin regulating the sports gambling market, yet it may
be years before these laws are passed. No laws here specifically mention the
legality of making sports wagers online, and we have not come
across a single case of anyone facing legal trouble for making internet sports
bets here.
How Can I Stay Safe Betting Sports Online in Texas?
There are a few basic steps that everyone can take to ensure their betting
experience is nothing but fun. Play through reputable Texas sports betting
sites, never bet more money than you can afford to lose, stick to sports you
actually know about, understand the details of every promotion before you decide
to use them, and always be willing to change to a different online sportsbook if
necessary.
Conclusion
Texas is in a strange position. It has one of the biggest sporting fan bases
in the country yet doesn’t seem too eager to begin regulating its sports
gambling industry. The recent bill proposed by Eddie Lucio III may make some
changes here, yet some analysts feel it will be years before regulated sports
betting becomes a reality in Texas.
The good thing is that sports fans in this state have access to some truly
incredible online sportsbooks. Make sure to check out our list of Texas betting
sites that we recommend at the top of this page, and follow our gambling blog page for expert
tips on major sporting events taking place around the country. Good luck making
your bets!
They say everything is bigger in Texas and that saying certainly applies to the sports betting appetite of Texas residents. As the second largest State in the USA, with 29 million residents, it’s no wonder that Texas is considered a big market for sports betting in the United States.
Texas, like the majority of states in the US, does not allow sports betting within the State. This means if you’re a Texan who would like to bet on sports you will need to sign up an account to an offshore betting site that is licensed outside of the country.
On this page, I will outline the legality of betting on sports in Texas, as well as recommend my top rated offshore betting sites for Texas residents. I’ve also added some city specific pages, which you can find links to at the bottom of the page.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
I have a two part answer to this question. First, I should point out that it is not legal to run a sportsbook operation (accept bets) in the State of Texas. This is because Texas does not license or authorize any sports betting operations within the State. If you do find a sportsbook, online or offline, that claims to be licensed by and operated in Texas you can be confident that the site is illegal and you should not place bets through that operation.
Now on to the second part of this question. It is NOT illegal for Texas residents to place wagers through offshore betting sites. Offshore sportsbooks are licensed, authorized and regulated by a different jurisdiction, outside of Texas. By being regulated outside of Texas (and the USA) it is legal and safe for Texas residents to place wagers at these sites.
Best Sportsbooks for Texas Residents
Top 10 Online Betting Sites
Here are our two favorite offshore sportsbooks for Texas residents.
Both of these sites are very large and widely used across the United States. Bovada, our top rated site, actually only accepts American residents, which allows them to fully cater their offerings to the American public.
- Built for American bettors
- Wide variety of competitive betting lines
- Easy to navigate betting platform
- Accepts players worldwide
- Competitive betting lines
- Fast & easy deposits and withdrawals (including Bitcoin)
Offline Sports Betting in Texas
There is currently no offline sports betting allowed in Texas. If you do come across an offline bookie within the State you should know that they are operating illegally.
The only way to currently bet on sports in the State of Texas is through an offshore sportsbook like the ones I’ve outlined above.
Major Sports Teams in Texas
Texas is a sports hot bed with a huge variety of professional sports teams in the major cities. I’ve added a quick list of some of the major pro teams who call Texas home below. Click on the city name for more specific information about sports betting in that city.
- Austin FC
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- FC Dallas (MLS)
- Texas Rangers (MLB)
- None
- Houston Astros (MLB)
- Houston Dynamo (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
Horse Racing in Texas
It is legal to bet on horse races at the track in Texas. Below I’ve listed some of the major horse tracks currently operational within the State.
**You can also place wagers on races taking place at each of these tracks at either of the sportsbooks I recommend above.
Online Sports Betting Sites Texas
Major Tracks
Best Online Sports Betting
- Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie
- Sam Houston Race Park, Houston
- Retama Park, Selma