NEWSLETTER
If you have been paying attention in the sports world, sports betting has taken off across the United States. The top sportsbooks are gaining new users in legal and regulated states. What about betting in Texas? Can you bet on sports in Texas? Here’s what you need to know about Texas online sports betting.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
Currently, there is no legal sports betting in Texas. That doesn’t mean sports betting legislation isn’t possible soon. The Texas legislative sessions meet every two years and have been heavily discussing the possibility of multiple Texas sports betting bills being passed in the future. The last push to legalize sports betting in the state of Texas failed back in 2021.
Latest Texas Betting News and Betting Updates
A sports betting bill was introduced to the Texas legislature back in February of 2023. The sports betting legalization bill had backing from professional sports teams. The bill would require a statewide vote in November if approved.
This could be good news for bettors looking to get into mobile sports betting on the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and more popular teams in the game.
On April 4, 2023, two Texas sports betting bills were able to advance through the House Committee on State Affairs. The House Committee on Calendars is the next step as sports bettors hope for good news about sports gambling in Texas. No word on if there would be restrictions to the sports betting market such as betting on college sports.
There is still much work to do for sports betting legislation in the state but it looks like sports betting in the Lone Star state is moving in a good direction. Texas may join the other handful of states with legal gambling within the next year or two. A wave of sportsbook options is waiting for the go-ahead.
Keep up with the latest Texas sports betting updates and news so you are ready when legal sports betting comes to the state. if you are new to sports betting, take the time to research the best online sports betting sites in other states and learn about the popular sports to bet on.
May 10, 2023: The Texas House gave final approval to legislation that would let voters decide to legalize sports betting in the state. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick then said sports betting wouldn’t advance in the Texas Senate.
Sports Teams for Texas Sports Betting
If sports betting would become legal in Texas, there are a long list of teams and online betting options. Texas bettors would have a large amount of college and pro sports teams to bet on with online betting sites. In terms of the major sports, Texas would have the big four in professional sports covered. There are pro baseball, basketball, football, and hockey teams in Texas.
If the state were to legalize sports betting, Texans would be able to gamble on popular professional sports franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Texas Rangers. There would be no shortage of options at your favorite sportsbook.
Online sports betting would also bring the potential of betting on college sports. Online sports betting sites could have options for the Division I colleges such as Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, Texas State, Texas A&M, and more. TX sports betting would provide one of the biggest markets in the country to Texas residents.
Online Sportsbooks and Betting Sites in Texas
As of now, there is no word of what sports betting apps or online sportsbooks in Texas we could see. There will be much more information if online sports betting in Texas is legalized. If that happens, you could expect to find the best sportsbooks from across the country to join the ranks.
Texas is one of the biggest states in the US in terms of population and land area. Legal Texas sports betting could be massive for the sports betting industry. For now, it’s up to the Texas state legislature to determine when betting is legal within the state’s borders.
Texas Social Sportsbooks
Thrillzz Social Sportsbook Texas
Launched in 2024, Thrillzz Social Sportsbook is becoming a go-to spot for Texas sports fans. Pick your favorite teams, challenge your friends, and earn rewards!
Rebet Social Sportsbook Texas
This social sportsbook’s unique “Rebet” button feature allows you to duplicate another user’s bet. Another peer-to-peer feature lets users stake bets directly against each other.
Are There Daily Fantasy Sports in Texas?
It’s a complicated issue but technically, Texas is a Daily Fantasy Sports legal state. The likes of DraftKings and FanDuel accept players on their DFS platforms.
There was some controversy in 2016 when Attorney General Ken Paxton issued this opinion:
“Under section 47.02 of the Penal Code, a person commits an offense if he or she 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. Because the outcome of games in daily fantasy sports leagues depends partially on chance, an individual’s payment of a fee to participate in such activities is a bet. Accordingly, a court would likely determine that participation in daily fantasy sports leagues is illegal gambling ‘under section 47.02 of the Penal Code.”
DraftKings fought the opinion in court and an attempt to legalize DFS with a new law was not enacted back n 2017. There haven’t been any efforts since then. With that being said, bettors in Texas have access to DFS as an alternative as they wait for sports wagering options in Texas.
PrizePicks Texas
PrizePicks is a great daily fantasy sports choice for Texans. Over/under totals are created daily for athletes, and users only have to pick their over/under props for a chance to win.
Betr Fantasy Texas
Betr is a rising fantasy app that is now live in over 20 states. Enjoy a sleek user interface while earning loyalty rewards and climbing leaderboards.
Sleeper Texas
Sleeper’s DFS lets you create your own fantasy lineups to compete against others in your league or the larger Sleeper community. In addition, you can chat with friends, track your fantasy team’s performance live, and even join public or private contests tailored to specific sports or events.
SuperDraft Texas
SuperDraft is an exciting DFS option that offers Multiplier, Champion Mode, Super 15, and Salary Cap contests for its users. This level of flexibility enables you to build the most strategic lineups.
Underdog Fantasy Texas
Since its start in 2020, Underdog Fantasy has grown into an established brand. It offers fun features like Pick’em Props, Best Ball, and daily fantasy drafts for its users.
Vivid Picks Texas
Ready for some friendly competition with Vivid Picks? Earn badges by competing in Pick’em games with friends!
Dabble Fantasy Texas
Dabble features a wide range of available sports, a referral program, and appealing sign-up offers. In addition, users who pick 12 correct legs can earn an incredible 1,000x return on their entry amount!
Texas Online Sports Betting FAQs
No. Currently, sports betting is not legal in the state of Texas. Several bills have been proposed to get sports betting legalized in Texas. One potentially could be voted on in November of 2023.
As of now, no. Sports betting is illegal in Texas but that doesn’t mean there is no hope of it becoming legal. The state has worked on potential bills and legislation in 2023.
Horse racing wagering is legal in Texas. All sports betting must be completed onsite at one of the racing tracks in the state. There is also gambling allowed through the Texas lottery and a couple of land-based casinos.
No. Sports betting sites in Texas are not legal at the moment. This could change in the near future. The Texas legislature only meets every two years to discuss such issues. There has been some movement for the legalization of sports betting in 2023 or 2024.
21+ and Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
