Texas Sports Betting – Is Sports Betting in Texas Legal? Best TX Sportsbooks 2023

While Texas sports betting still isn’t officially legal, this isn’t stopping citizens of Lone Star State from getting into sports betting. Offshore sportsbooks are available in Texas. If this is your first foray into virtual sports wagering, this article walks you through the top sports betting sites and more.

This article highlights the top ten online sportsbooks for Texans. Also, we unveil some elite sports promotions, take a deep dive into exactly what’s on offer at each of the sites, rank them, and show you how to sign up with ease.

The Best Texas Sports Betting Sites Ranked

Texas Sports Betting at a Glance

Sports betting options in Texas are currently all via offshore as domestic gambling in the state is yet to be legalized. This is unlikely to change in the near future as HB 1942 failed to receive consideration from the Senate during the 2023 Texas legislative session. Below is an overview of the current sports betting situation in the state.

• Legal Sports Betting: In-Person (no current options), Online/Mobile (through offshore sites only)
• Minimum Sports Betting Age in Texas: 18 (through offshore sites)
• Offline Betting in Person: No current options
• Online Sportsbooks: Through offshore sites only
• Live/In-Play Betting: Through offshore sites only
• College Sports Betting: Offshore sites only
• Horse racing: Inland (retail only) and Offshore
• Estimated Sports Betting Revenue: To be determined
• Permitted Sports Betting Operators: No current options
• Licensing Fee: To be determined
• Tax Rate: To be determined
• Tax Funded: To be determined

Latest News on Texas Sports Betting Legislation

Texas has always been on the lower end of the sports-betting-regulation spectrum. The sluggish pace likely stems from a combination of deep-rooted baptist culture and multiple constitutional hurdles that make it exceedingly difficult for a Senate or House member to push through a Texas sports betting bill.

Nevertheless, here is the latest Texas sports betting news stemming from the state:

• June 1, 2023: Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry shows support for legal sports betting in the state, opining that he believes citizens should have a say on the matter through votes.
• February 2023: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the bill, which passed the House, will not get consideration from the Senate.
• February 6, 2023: Sports betting bill HB 1942 is introduced at the Texas Legislature
• January 10, 2023: Senate Joint Resolution 17 is discussed in the 2023 legislative session. Democrat Sen. Carol Alvarado is pushing for legalized retail casino and sports wagering.
• November 16, 2022: Following the defeat of gambling legalization in California, a bill proposing the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling has been introduced in Texas to gauge public opinion on the issue.
• November 14, 2022: The SJR17 amendment to the Constitution of Texas will establish a Gaming Commission that will authorize and manage casino gaming at specific destination resorts. It also permits sports betting while necessitating occupational licenses in order to participate in casino gaming; moreover, it requires taxation on all authorized operations.
• November 8, 2022: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wins re-election, defeating Democrat Beto O’Rourke. According to reports, Abbott’s office said he would consider legalizing commercial casinos in Texas.
• July 1, 2022: In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, a bipartisan delegation of Texas legislators urged the DOJ to take action against offshore sportsbooks.
• June 16, 2022: U.S. Supreme Court rules Texas can’t ban tribe e-bingo. Industry analysts say that the ruling will likely lead to additional reforms in Texas’s stance on online gambling.
• May 9, 2022: The Houston Astros declared its partnership with BetMGM to boost fan experience in sports.
• April 20, 2022:  Democrat Beto O’Rourke said he is inclined toward supporting the bill to legalize sports betting in the state of Texas as a strategy to combat inflation and generate revenue for the state.
• February 22, 2022: According to Ben Fawkes, the vice president of digital content for the Vegas Stats and Information Network: “Texas sports betting could produce revenue numbers similar to New York once legalization occurs in the Lone Star State.”
• January 5, 2022: prominent sports betting attorney Daniel Wallach, after attending (NCLGS), states: “‘I really believe there’s an opportunity here to pass sports betting in 2023. If you present it to the voters in the right way, it’s gonna pass. It will pass.”
• November 18, 2021: Austin, Texas is the site of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS).
• November 9, 2021: The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Las Vegas Sanders Corp hires lobbyists to promote the good of legalized Texas sports betting.
• August 13, 2021: Caesars Entertainment decides to partner with Houston, Texas in a multi-year sports betting deal.
• July 14, 2021: Lawmakers, led by Dan Patrick, extinguish all efforts by gaming companies to legalize Texas online sports betting. The issue is tabled until at least 2023.
• March 13, 2021: Christopher Gerlacher of Gaming Today magazine said: “no matter how many sports betting bills are introduced, the bills will likely die in committee” due to unmovable obstacles inherent to local laws and traditions.
• February 26, 2021: In a public statement, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced that legal sports betting in Texas “won’t see the light of day.”
• February 7, 2021: The Sports Betting Alliance, comprised of five professional teams, is formed. The aim is to amend Texas’ constitution for sports betting.
• January 4, 2021: Texas state representative, Harold Dutton, introduces Bill 1121 to regulate Texas sports betting.
• November 12, 2020: Las Vegas Sanders Corp. hires lobbyists to push Texas to open casinos.
• February 19, 2019: Texas state representative, Eddie Lucio, introduces a bill to legalize sports betting in Texas.

This strict stance clashes with the Texas sports scene, which is chock full of distinguished teams with a die-hard following.

So, when will sports betting be legal in Texas? Right now, it’s hard to say with any certainty. If you are a resident of Lone Star State, we encourage you to locate your representative and contact them to express your support for legal Texas sports betting.

The Best Online Texas Sports Betting Sites List 2023

The following are, in our opinion, the best Texas sportsbooks for amateur bettors and high rollers alike. Each site is licensed by a renowned e-gaming organization and was vetted for compliance with security and safety best practices:

1. BetOnline -Best Texas sports betting site overall
2. Bovada – Great Texas sportsbook with live streaming
3. BetNow – Top Texas sports betting site for major contests
4. Everygame – Competitive odds across the board
5. BetUS – Best Texas sports betting site for crypto bonus
6. MyBookie – Many different promotions for Texas sports betting fans
7. BUSR – Top Texas sportsbook for horse racing
8. Sportsbetting.ag – Texas Sports Betting Site with Great Esports Coverage
9. Lucky Block – Good mix of international sports
10. Mega Dice – Quick and simple to sign up

Best Offshore Sports Betting Sites for Texas Residents

Until Texas’ congress formally passes legalized sports betting, Texans can turn to high-profile online sportsbooks. We break down the notable and rewarding offshore sportsbook venues and highlight remarkable sports bonuses.

1. BetOnline – Best Texas Sports Betting Site Overall

Anyone who has been around in the world of online betting will be familiar with the name BetOnline. This site and sportsbook is synonymous with high-quality betting markets, competitive welcome bonuses, and first-to-market types of bets on offer. It’s been around since the early 2000s and is one of the top 50 betting sites by wager volume.

Players who sign up today can grab a matched deposit with the BetOnline promo code. Once you have signed up, the rewards don’t stop, as Betonline has a ton of regular promotions and bonuses for existing customers, in the form of reloads, risk-free bets, odds boosters, and regular contests for example, their $20,000 NFL pick em contests.

The site has a wide range of sports to bet on. The most popular sports in the US are of course available, like football and basketball. With major league games in the  NFL and NBA, as well as NCAA matches on offer. You will also find esports markets here, where you can bet on the current champions Dallas Fuel in the Overwatch League or on other games like CS: GO and Valorant.

BetOnline is also one of the few sites where you can use cryptocurrency. They accept deposits and withdrawals from a wide range of crypto, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ripple. There are also many fiat payment options like credit/debit cards and wire transfers.

2. Bovada – Great Texas Sportsbook with Live Streaming

If you have any Texas online sports betting experience, then chances are you’ve heard of Bovada. Calvin Ayre established this sportsbook in the early 2010s and is currently one of the most recognizable betting brands in the US.

Bovada features an extensive catalog of traditional sports betting options. Whether you prefer major US leagues or would rather explore obscure Asian and African competitions, Bovada will spoil you for choice with a range of moneyline, three-way, spread, total, future, and prop bets.

The story is the same for esports, with Bovada serving early odds on a mix of popular video gaming competitions. Whether you prefer CS: GO, LoL, Valorant, Call of Duty, or Overwatch, there’s plenty of action at favorable odds.

The icing on the cake is the $750 welcome bonuses granted to first-time Bitcoin depositors. There are other Bovada promo codes that can be used. That’s one of the best crypto-exclusive introductory offers we’ve seen, so if you’re looking to fund your account using BTC, Bovada should be your top consideration.

3. BetNow – Top Texas Sports Betting Site for Major Contests

A top destination for horse racing enthusiasts in Texas, BetNow has a dedicated racebook that covers major racetracks from across the world. Back your favorite horse and place exactas, trifectas, superfectas, win, place, and show bets to win $30,000 potentially. Get in the Three Crowns fever and wager for real money at BetNow.

Now, if you prefer sports like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, BetNow has an impressive sportsbook to cater to your betting needs. You can explore props, moneylines, totals, and parlays. Futures on the gambling site are unrivaled, with exciting picks like predicting total points garnered by a team by the end of the regular season and selecting a team/conference to win the Super Bowl.

Regarding payment methods, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Person 2 Person, Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Cash are accepted. These are secure options, so you can rest assured your banking details are safe. Crypto banking is advised, as withdrawals using Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash are instant. BetNow promo code for the welcome bonus claims a $1,000 offer for new players.

4. Everygame – Competitive Odds Across the Board

Since its launch in 1996, Everygame has burgeoned into one of Texas’s biggest sports betting sites. Formerly Intertops, this platform is the world’s first online sportsbook. On visiting Everygame’s homepage, you get a quick idea of why the site is a top destination for Texan sports lovers. The interface is sleek, attractive, and intuitive, allowing easy navigation across all sections of the site.

When it comes to coverage of sports, Everygame has something for everyone. You’ll find betting markets for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and tennis. Also, there are moneyline and props odds for soccer games – from popular competitions like the English Premier League and Major League Soccer to more obscure ones like the Austrian Bundesliga and Norwegian Eliteserien.

Regarding payment options, credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, BitcoinCash, Litecoin, ecoPayz, Paysafe, eZeeWallet are available. And withdrawals are usually instant for crypto banking. Everygame promo codes can be used to claim a welcome bonus of up to $500 and more ongoing promotions.

5. BetUS – Best Texas Sports Betting Site for Crypto Bonus

BetUS is one of the oldest sportsbooks that accept wagers from Texas-based bettors. Launched in 1994, the betting provider offers a safe and legal betting experience backed by a Costa Rica gambling license.

As you might expect, BetUS caters to fans of all sports popular in the United States. Whether you’re a football, martial arts, tennis, golf, basketball, baseball, or ice hockey fan, you’ll find numerous lines and markets to choose from.

Conversely, if you’re more into esports betting, BetUS has you covered with a range of odds on League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, Counter-Strike, Dota, and even Tekken.

BetUS offers one of the most generous promotions out of all the top Texas sports betting sites online – one that effectively amounts to $2,500 in sports-exclusive bonuses using any of the BetUS promo codes.

What’s more, if you’re willing to make several cryptocurrency payments, you can claim upwards of $7,500 in additional bonus funds, paid out over several installments. When it comes to Texas sports betting bonuses, BetUS should definitely remain on your radar.

More on gambling in Texas…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Texas in our expert guides below:

• Texas Real Money Online Casinos
• San Antonio Online Casinos
• Dallas Online Casinos
• Houston Online Casinos
• Texas Online Poker
• Texas Online Gambling
• Texas Sports Betting Apps
• Texas Horse Racing

Comparing Texas Sports Betting Sites

Here are how the best Texas sportsbooks for sports betting match up against one another.

How We Rank the Best Offshore Sportsbooks in Texas

In the Lone Star State, where domestic sports betting remains limited, Texans turn to offshore options for their wagering needs. Navigating this landscape requires careful consideration, and we assess the best sportsbooks in Texas based on the following criteria:

• Security and Trust: Ensuring the safety of users’ data and funds is paramount. We thoroughly evaluate the licensing, security protocols, and overall reputation of sportsbooks to prioritize platforms with a proven track record.
• Odds and Markets: Diversity in betting options and competitive odds are key considerations. We rank platforms offering an extensive range of markets and consistently favorable odds to provide Texans with a comprehensive betting experience.
• Free Bets and Bonuses: Assessing the quality and fairness of bonuses and promotions is crucial in this competitive market. We scrutinize the value and terms of free bets, welcome bonuses, and ongoing promotions to determine the most enticing offers for Texas bettors.
• Live Betting and Streaming: Enhancing the user experience, we prioritize sites that offer dynamic live betting features and streaming services. A seamless live betting experience, coupled with robust streaming options, ensures an immersive and enjoyable wagering environment.
• Usability on Desktop & Mobile: With a focus on user convenience, we evaluate the user-friendliness, speed, and responsiveness of both desktop and mobile platforms. A seamless interface across devices is essential for an optimal betting experience in Texas.
• Key Features: Beyond the basics, we scrutinize unique features like cash-out options, in-play statistics, and customization. Sportsbooks offering innovative and convenient features that cater to the preferences of Texan bettors receive higher rankings.
• Customer Service: Quality customer support is a priority. We assess the responsiveness, efficiency, and availability of customer service channels to ensure Texans have a reliable support system in place as they navigate the offshore sports betting landscape in their state.

Discover Our Top Betting Guides

Who can Bet on Sports in Texas

Offshore sports betting sites like Sportsbetting.ag accept global players into their virtual lobby, including Texans. Each site may have different age requirements, but at the minimum, gamblers from the Banner State must be 18 years old.

When creating a new account at your preferred Texas sportsbook, the registration is a short process, but make sure to read the terms and conditions for extra stipulations. In addition, each online site reserves the right to ask its members for proof of age upon registration to prevent minors from signing up.

Another reason for Texans to read the terms and conditions before signing up is to ensure that you’re not violating any rules. Ex-pat Texas residents should ensure that the country they are currently living in is allowed in their chosen sportsbook.

How to Bet on Sports in Texas

Texans turning to an offshore sportsbook can easily place an array of bets. We take you step by step on opening an account and getting into the lucrative sports action. The below steps apply to personal computers, Android devices, and iPhones and assume you are of legal age.

1. Find the Join or Registration Button

All offshore sportsbooks have a registration section. Texas sports bettors can easily find a join or registration button usually on the top of the screen. Before submitting your registration application, most sites require you to check the terms and conditions box.

2. Submit A Credit Card Authorization Form

All the sportsbooks touted in this article permit credit card deposits. Instead, credit card casinos require new members to fill out a credit card authorization form for the respective cashier’s approval.

3. Check for Sports Promotions

Online gamblers from Texas can use the offshore betting site’s sports bonuses to their winning advantage. Before submitting your bet slip, we recommend checking out the promotions area.

4. Brush Up on the Sports Betting Glossary and the Bet Slip

Offshore sportsbooks offer various sports betting options. For example, Texas sports bettors can place parlay, teaser, and straight bets on their bet slip.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Although it isn’t illegal for state residents to wager at the best offshore sportsbooks, Texas laws explicitly prohibit sports betting companies from operating within state lines. This restriction may change if the likes of Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban have their way, but until that happens, you can safely and legally bet with any of the overseas sportsbooks we recommend above.

Since The Lone Star State doesn’t issue sports betting licenses, the only sportsbooks you can legally bet with online are offshore ones – hence the reason why the likes of FanDuel (etc.) don’t feature in our top 10.

Offshore sites are absolutely fine though: they’ve been a go-to for American bettors for years. Our top recommendation for online sports betting in Texas is, of course, BetOnline. One day when Texas legal sports betting is something that people enjoy, then we’ll update our list!

So is sports betting legal in Texas? No. Sports betting is not legal at native sportsbooks just yet but entirely possible using offshore sportsbooks.

Land-Based Betting Within Texas

Currently, the earliest that Texas sports betting could become legal is in 2025. And, according to Las Vegas Sands’ senior vice president, Andy Abboud: “the legislative session has been a success… things are already looking up for the industry.” The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, America’s Team, is partnered with the WinStar World Casino.

January, 2023 Failed Attempt to Legalize Texas Sports Betting

The Texas’s state legislature convened to discuss the little matter of Texas sports betting legalization on January 10th, 2023. Texas’s state congress only meets two months out of the year. The Sports Betting Alliance was pushing for a bill to make the ballot in November 2023.

However, the bill failed to pass the Senate and was not given consideration. The earliest sports betting can become legal in the state is 2025.

According to ABC 13 in Houston, the Lone Star State generated approximately $5 billion in illegal sports bets last year.

When sports betting become legal in Texas, Texans won’t have to venture to neighboring states. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico border Texas, with legalized sports betting.

Supporters and Opponents of 2023’s Ballot for Legal Sports Betting in Texas

Organizations like Las Vegas Sands and the Sports Betting Alliance are fierce advocates for legalized sports betting in Texas. In addition, Texas’ professional sports teams continue lending their voice to the passage of a sports betting bill. But the long-time Texas Republican Congress continues to vote against organized sports betting in Texas.

Supporters

Las Vegas Sands and Sports Betting Alliance continue to lobby for Texas to pass a sanctioned bill finally. Phil Cox, a confidant of Texas Governor Greb Abbott, believes Abbott is opening up to legalizing sports betting. Abbott was staunchly opposed to this since becoming governor in 2015.

Opponents

For decades, Texas has been a Republican stronghold, and conservative lawmakers consistently voted against Texas sports betting. The current Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick, continues to lobby against the passage of legalized Texas sports betting.

Lt. Governors under the Texas constitution have special powers over the state senate. Thus, it can influence for or against organized sports betting in Texas.

Previous Sports Betting Bills in Texas

The battle for legalized Texas sports betting has been going on since at least 2018. There have been many determined and failed bills. We shine a light on the recent bills to make Texas sports betting legal.

2019

• HB 1275 is brought forward by Rep. Eddie Lucio to regulate sports betting in Texas. The Texas legislature votes against it.

2021

• Texas State Representative, Harold Dutton, brings forward Bill 1121 to legalize Texas sports betting. This bill dies in the committee.

2022

• Advocates for sanctioned Texas sports betting miss the deadline to have a bill on the ballot.

2023

• HB 1942 was introduced at the Texas legislature, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the bill would not be considered at the Senate. The bill dies at the Senate.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Texas

Because sports betting isn’t currently legal, there is no tax on sports winnings from Texans. However, residents of the Banner State might have to pay taxes on gambling winnings from outside of Texas.

Payment Methods available at Texas Sports Betting Sites

It is incumbent on online sportsbooks to feature a plethora of deposit options. From credit cards, eWallets, and cryptocurrencies, the Basketball Insiders walks you through these user-friendly banking methods.

Crypto Betting Options

Bitcoin is arguably the premier cryptocurrency in the world. So popular is this blockchain technology that there is a burgeoning legion of Bitcoin sportsbooks. Bovada offers an exclusive $3,750 Bitcoin welcome package. BetOnline also provides Bitcoin to its members. Some sophisticated sportsbook sites also have Bitcoin Cash as a deposit option.

eWallet Betting Options

Prominent eWallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are common in online sportsbooks. Texans wanting to bet on offshore sites can quickly set up an eWallet. They are free to use as well. Sportsbooks might also offer exclusive banking promotions for using eWallets.

Traditional Payment Methods at Texas Betting Sites

Credit cards remain the standard-bearer for banking options. All the offshore sportsbooks mentioned here provide credit card deposits for Texans. Some of these sportsbook bastions might require their members to have an authorized credit card form. Visa and MasterCard are the normal credit options, but sites like BetOnline and BetNow provide American Express.

Read Our Sportsbook Payment Guides

Bonuses available at Texas Betting Sites

There’s no shortage of lucrative bonuses awaiting Texas sports bettors. From generous welcome packages to sports reload bonuses, we walk you through the mechanics of these betting prizes.

The Welcome Package

Next to no deposit bonuses, the welcome package is for new sportsbook members. After successfully registering, Texas sports bettors must make a deposit to initiate the starter prize. It is typical for the welcome promo to have a matching bonus, usually 100%, but it might also contain free spins.

Sites like Bovada might have multiple welcome prizes for sports, slot games, poker games, and table games. It is always wise to read the sportsbook’s terms and conditions to properly use the welcome starter before it expires.

Free Bets Rewards

Offshore sportsbooks usually have free bets promotions. Sportsbooks like BetUS offer matching bonuses and horse racing rebates to assist free bets. Please check the site’s promo section or the internet for them.

Rebate and Reload Bonuses

Typical online sites have daily promotions. This consists of a combination of rebate and reloads bonuses. Some days might offer a fixed matching deposit rate or a flexible one based on the user’s total deposit.

Elite sportsbooks like the ones mentioned in this article, normally have sports reload bonuses to provide extra sports betting incentives. BetOnline, for example, delivers a 25% sports reload bonus up to $250. The code for this prize is LIFEBONUS. Members here must deposit at least $50.

Offshore venues like BetNow, deliver a 10% weekly rebate for wagering on horse racing. The weekly rebate might also apply to slot and table games.

Crypto Boosters

More sites are turning to alternative currencies like Bitcoin for their banking portfolio. To encourage their members to use them, they might offer an exclusive crypto booster reward. Take for example BUSR’s crypto sports prize.

Members can enjoy a 100% matching bonus of up to $1,000 for sports betting. If you’re interested, the code for this is 100CRYPTO.

Grab The Best Promo Codes With Our Reviews

Popular Sports For Betting in Texas

Not only do the residents of Lone Star State have their pick of offshore sports bookies, but they have many sports to wager on. Our team does the legwork for Texans on the different professional and collegiate sports wagers awaiting them.

Stake Your Bet on NFL Games

NFL football permits Texas sports fans to place a myriad of bets. Online gamblers can place live bet slips, straight wagers, and parlays during football season.

Some sites have sports betting guides to facilitate and educate their members on staking their bets. However, we feel that BetOnline offers the most comprehensive professional and collegiate football experience. This world-class site allows for NFL future wagers, spread bets, and teasers.

The Lone Star State is home to some of the most storied football teams in the country. We list Texas’ current NFL teams.

• Dallas Cowboys – Labeled “America’s Team” and winners of five Super Bowls
• Houston Texans – Houston’s second pro football team that replaced the Houston Oilers, who are now the Tennessee Titans

Many Ways to Bet On Texas’ Pro NBA Teams

The NBA allows Texans to wager on their teams. Texas is also home to three professional NBA teams who have previously won championships. Again, we encourage Texans to turn to BetOnline to stake their bets on one or all three of the teams. This site accepts live bets, parlays, NBA futures, teasers, spreads, and straight bets.

The Basketball Insiders picks up the dribble for you by highlighting Texas’ pro basketball teams.

• Houston Rockets – Winners of two consecutive NBA championships in the mid-1990s with Hakeem Olajuwon
• San Antonio Spurs – Have won five NBA titles with Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and David Robinson
• Dallas Mavericks – Also has won an NBA championship

For more tips, see our NBA betting guide. Texas sports fans can invest in sports bets with basketball leagues in Argentina and Australia at BetOnline. Texans can also gamble on the NBA Draft.

Hit A Homerun with Texas MLB

Two Major League Baseball teams proudly call Texas home and MLB allows the state’s residents to gamble on them. We also encourage Texans to stick with BetOnline for professional baseball wagers. Texas sports betting extends to International baseball leagues like Japan.

Like the other pro sports, the residents of Texas can choose from live bets, spreads, teasers, parlays, futures, and the standard straight bet when it comes to MLB betting.

We quickly walk you through Lone Star State’s beloved MLB clubs.

• Houston Astros – Winners of the 2017 World Series
• Texas Rangers – Formerly owned by President George Bush. This franchise has yet to win a World Series

Score a Hatty with NHL Bookies

One NHL team has the full attention of Texas sports betting. If you haven’t chosen BetOnline for your sportsbook destination, we encourage you to do so. In addition, avid Texans can place future hockey wagers, straight bets, spreads, teasers, and parlays on the European hockey leagues.

You can quickly peruse our NHL betting guide for more info. Here is a quick mention of Texas’ sole hockey team.

• Dallas Stars – Won the Stanley Cup in the 1998-99 season and three Western Conference championships

Go Mad with Texas NCAA Basketball

The Lone Star State is home to more than two dozen NCAA I colleges. As a result, avid Texas sports fans can wager on many-storied NCAA basketball programs. In between choosing NCAA futures, straight bets, live bets, parlays, spread bets, and teasers, you can check out our college basketball guide here.

During college basketball season, additional contents include March Madness tournaments like at BetOnline and Bovada. The Basketball Insiders has tips for March Madness odds and lines and the definitive strategy guide to how to gamble on March Madness in the NCAA tournament.

We also recommend BetOnline due to its extensive NCAA women’s options. Texas residents can fill out live bets, parlays, spreads, and teasers like the men. and futures.

Here is a quick rundown on some of the top Texas college basketball teams eligible for offshore betting.

• Baylor University – Winners of the 2021 NCAA tournament
• University of Houston – Produced NBA Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler
• Sam Houston State – The Bearkats play out of Huntsville, Texas
• Texas A&M – The Aggies have 10 NCAA tournaments to their credit
• University of Texas – The Longhorns rank 17th all-time in men’s college basketball victories
• TCU – The Horned Frogs have nine NCAA tournament appearances
• Texas State University – Members of the Sun Belt Conference
• Texas Tech University – The Red Raiders have made 19 NCAA tournament appearances

Score A Touchdown with Texas NCAA Football Wagering

It’s no shocker that Texans love college football and barbecue. All of the established sportsbooks listed in this article offer an avenue to bet on Texas college football. However, we feel that BetOnline remains the top choice for Texans to place their bets.

All of the standard betting options already mentioned, including futures, are available for Texans at BetOnline. During college football season, dedicated Texas fans can stake bets on these teams:

• Baylor – The Lady Bears went undefeated to capture the 2012 women’s NCAA college basketball championship
• University of Houston – Ronald Hughey currently coaches the Lady Cougars
• Sam Houston State – The Lady Bearkats are currently coached by Ravon Justice
• Texas A&M – The Lady Aggies have 15 NCAA tournaments to their credit
• University of Texas – A fabled college program out of Austin, Texas
• TCU – The college that produced Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes
• Texas State University – The Lady Longhorns remain perennial powerhouses in college women’s basketball
• Texas Tech University – The Lady Red Raiders developed WNBA Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes

Land A Hole in One with Golf Betting

There is no shortage of professional and amateur sports for Texas sports betting. Golf is another lucrative arena for Texas citizens to gamble on. BetOnline offers marvelous golf betting options, including three-ball bets.

BetOnline currently has the Valero PGA Texas Open for Texas sports betting. It features up-to-the-minute odds of the remaining contests.

The Basketball Insiders spotlight Texas’s top golf tournaments available at offshore sportsbooks.

• Valero Texas Open – Dates back 100 years to 1922. It is played near San Antonio, Texas

Gallop to Victory with Online Horse Racing

The onus is on online sportsbooks to feature horse racing options. Most of our esteemed sportsbooks in this article provide Texas the luxury of horse racing. We believe that Bovada delivers the most comprehensive horse racing book with world-class arenas.

We also recommend Bovada because of its extensive horse racing glossary. The Basketball Insiders also has a virtual horse racing betting guide for your viewing. If you are a Texan interested in placing bets at your local race track, perhaps you can pick up some pointers here.

Here’s a quick run-through of Texas’ storied and rewarding horse racing tracks.

• Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie – Offers two live horse racing events every year
• Manor Downs – Ceased operations in 2010
• Retama Park – A class 1 pari-muted racetrack located in Selma, Texas
• Sam Houston – Hosts both the Thoroughbred and American Quarter horse races

For more major horse racing venues like the Kentucky Derby, Bovada typically offers unique horse racing content.

Win Big With Soccer Betting in Texas

Ranked as the most sports-crazy state in the US, there is no questioning the frenzy of betting on soccer in Texas. Home to some of the most reputable offshore sportsbooks, you can get in on the online soccer action at BetOnline, where there are free bets to claim on the soccer prop and live betting markets, a huge variety of options to wager on, and industry-impressive odds to boot.

We recommend BetOnline Sportsbook to get the most recent betting odds & lines for soccer futures. Not Forgetting the sizable sign-up bonuses you get to start betting on your favorite soccer tournaments.

Learn how to win big wagering on soccer games in this soccer betting guide. In Texas, you’ll be able to bet on teams like FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Austin FC, Houston Dash,  and also the Soccer Bowl.

Further European soccer betting options for players in Texas include a host of lines for:

• Champions League
• La Liga
• Premier League
• Serie A
• Bundesliga
• Ligue 1
• International fixtures and tournaments such as the World Cup, and much more.

Enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports is another significant aspect of Texas sports betting. Texans can use prominent DFS companies like FanDuel to wager on fantasy lineups every day. The Texas state legislature differentiates DFS from organized sports betting on the premise of DFS being a skilled game.

• FanDuel – A prominent retail sports betting force in Texas
• DraftKings – Highly popular throughout the Lone Star State
• Money Knife Fight – Allows quick wagers on popular pro Texas sports
• PrizePicks – A solid option to gamble on Daily Fantasy Sports

Live Betting with Texas Sports Betting Sites

Texas sports fans can pick several sports betting sites mentioned here for a rewarding live betting experience. Because these sites are offshore, Texans aren’t violating state law. Once more, we highly recommend BetOnline as your primary live betting destination.

Learn More About Betting With BBI Guides

Bets that are Illegal in Texas

Organized betting on sports teams and horse racing is illegal in Texas land-based casinos. There is currently an exception for Daily Fantasy Sports. Texans can gamble in neighboring states like Arkansas, where sports betting is legal, or you can try offshore sportsbooks.

How Texas Sports Betting Stacks Up to Bordering States

While the earliest that Texas sports betting can happen is in 2025, Texans aren’t out of options. Sports betting is a surging industry with more states moving to legalize it. Arkansas sportsbooks and horse racing offer plenty of sports betting options as do Louisiana sportsbooks. Texans can also drive to New Mexico sportsbooks.

Arkansas

The sports betting scene in Arkansas is more in favor of sports betting than in Texas. There are currently three casinos in the state of Arkansas where gamblers can place wagers, both online and in person. Additionally, After revised regulations were approved by the Arkansas Racing Commission, mobile sports betting is currently legal in the state.

Louisiana

Unlike Texas, all types of sports betting are now legitimate in Louisiana, thanks to recent legislation. The 28th of January 2022 marked the official launch of mobile sports betting in Louisiana, which had previously only been available at retail outlets. Legislation authorizing sports betting was passed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards in June 2021, with the debut of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.

New Mexico

Like Texas, even though the state of New Mexico has not formally proposed legislation to legalize sports betting, many industry experts feel that this will likely occur in the nearest future, given the popularity of sports betting.

Oklahoma

Neighboring Oklahoma provides residents of Lone Star State with plenty of legal sports betting. Despite having more than 140 tribal casinos, sports betting is still prohibited in Oklahoma. We don’t expect to see much progress on the legal front in Oklahoma any time soon. However, sports betting enthusiasts are bullish about the future of betting in the state.

Land-Based Betting in Texas

Unfortunately, the ban on Texas online sports betting services extends to land-based operations. As of mid-2021, there are no physical betting shops anywhere in Texas – at least not legal ones.

If you’re looking to place wagers at a physical sportsbook, consider traveling across to a nearby state with regulated sports betting, such as New Mexico and Arkansas.

One surprising but welcome exception is social betting. Section 47 of the state’s Penal Code imposes no sanctions for betting with friends, as long as there is a “legitimate social relationship” between participants. There’s also no limit imposed on the maximum stake.

Keep in mind that bookmakers operating from within Texas state lines violate regional laws, so if you hear of a local organization accepting wagers, please remain cautious.

Offshore Texas Sports Betting

Because Texas laws don’t outright prohibit offshore sites, you won’t be prosecuted for registering and wagering with a sportsbook located outside the US. As long as you choose a reputable bookmaker licensed in a respected jurisdiction, you can bet safely with any of the top Texas sports betting sites we recommend above.

Nevertheless, when signing up and depositing with an overseas provider, it’s important to perform your due diligence and keep a few best practices in mind:

If you’re looking for safe and reliable Texas sports betting sites, check out the sportsbooks we feature on this page, all of which offer a huge range of markets, generous promos and fast payouts.

More on Texas Gambling

There is a lot of passion and support for legalized Texas sports betting. The next move is to ensure that a ballot is put up to vote in Texas’s state legislature in 2023. Meanwhile, residents of the Banner State can indulge in legalized sports betting play in Texas. We’ve put together some recommendations.

• Online gambling in Texas
• Texas online casinos
• San Antonio casinos
• Dallas casinos
• Houston casinos

Texas Legislative Resources

For residents of Texas interested in finding out more information on current legislation to do with sports betting and gambling in the state or would like to contact local and state representatives to express their opinions or concerns on the subject they can use the links below.

• Texas.gov
• Texas Legislatture Online.gov

Texas Gambling Resources

If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, then we encourage you to get in contact with the NCPG Texas which can be contacted by phone, chat, or text and can provide advice as well as local information and treatment services in your area.

• NCPG Problem Gambling Resources in Texas

The Best Online Texas Sports Betting Site

When it comes to regulations in sports betting and gambling in Texas, the state is among the most conservative US jurisdictions. Luckily, state laws don’t criminalize betting with offshore sports sites, so you can open an account with any of our recommended bookies, make a safe deposit, and start betting legally today.

If you’re looking to start sports betting in Texas, then Betonline is an excellent choice. The variety of sports and markets on offer is superb, they are consistently the best site for value, offer a wide range of payment options, and have a ton of bonuses and promotions including a 50% sports welcome bonus of up to $1,000.

FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in Texas?

It’s not illegal to bet online with international bookmakers, but there are currently no sportsbooks allowed to operate within the state – and this is unlikely to change for several years. An exception is the Jacks or Better Casino cruise ship, which sails out into the Gulf of Mexico to offer legal sports betting close to Texas.

Are sports betting apps legal in Texas?

The only sports betting apps you can access in Texas are those offered by the top offshore bookmakers and the ones provided by US-based Daily Fantasy Sports operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Even local racetracks are restricted from accepting wagers through mobile apps.

If sports betting is illegal in Texas, how can I bet online?

You can start almost immediately by registering a free account with one of the top offshore sportsbooks we endorse on this page. Each provider featured herein holds a gambling license from a reputable jurisdiction and is open to security audits conducted by independent parties. We recommend starting with BetOnline although any site from our top 10 are worthy options.

Why is online sports betting illegal in Texas?

Online sports betting is currently illegal in Texas due to constitutional provisions. However, Texas state legislators are making efforts aimed at legalizing online sports betting in the state. But in the meantime, you can legally bet on sports at any one of our reviewed offshore sports betting sites far up this page.We encourage you to try out Bovada, BetOnline, BetUS, and Everygame.

How old do I have to be to bet online in Texas?

You have to be over 21 years or over to gamble legally in Texas.Offshore sportsbooks require all users to be 18 or over.

When will Texas legalize sports betting?

The schedule is a function of several factors, including societal attitudes, voter activity, the proportion of Republicans to Democrats in the Senate and House, and lobbying activities. It’s currently impossible to give a definitive timeline or even an approximate one. Nevertheless, based on current trajectories, we predict that sports betting in Texas will remain illegal until at least 2025.

How can I keep up with Texas sports betting news?

Keeping up with Texas sports betting news helps you make better-informed wagers and improve your win rate. Looking for betting picks on the Mavericks, Spurs, or Rockets? Check the BBI homepage during the NBA season for picks on every game of the year. If you’re looking for the latest news on Texas sports betting legislation, our latest news timeline at the top of the page is always on the pulse, capturing everything that happens in the TX sports betting arena.