Can You Gamble Online In Texas
- Can I Gamble Online In Texas
- Texas Online Betting Laws
- Can You Gamble Online If You Live In Texas
- Online Slots In Texas
Online Gambling In terms of online gambling, Texas statute makes it illegal to the extent that it is a form of gambling not sanctioned by the state. The code reads as follows: Statute 47.01 (1) makes it illegal to participate in any game solely or partially decided by chance other than any that may be state-sanctioned. At this time, it is illegal to operate any type of online gambling site within the state of Texas since the state has not regulated this gaming form. That being said, the state laws in Texas do not prohibit residents from engaging in legally licensed and regulated offshore online gambling sites. The second biggest is Naskila Entertainment. However, players have a better chance of getting the best casino entertainment online. That is why we have this Texas gambling guide to help players. Read on for all the rules, regulations, forms of legal gambling, best casinos, and more in the Lone Star State. Casinos to Gamble Online in Texas.
Texas is nestled in the heart of the southern United States, and its conservative leanings feed into the state’s view of the gambling industry at large. Texas online gambling is, therefore, limited. Casino fans, though, have access to Texas online casinos where players can win cash prizes.
Thanks to strict anti-gambling laws, Texas offers only a few gaming options to residents or visitors to the Lone Star State. Texas is home to two land-based casinos and a number of horse racing tracks.
Online, Texas gamblers will find the offering very slim. Texas law prohibits any form of online gambling, including sports betting, online casinos for real money, and horse race betting. There has been some movement, in early 2021, with Texas State Representatives introducing bills to legalize online sports betting.
In the mean time, the primary online gaming options include Texas online casinos for cash prizes.
Texas Online Casinos And Poker – Sweepstakes Sites
In the absence of any regulated online gambling sites, Texas players may encounter a variety of sweepstakes casino or poker sites. Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Casino are some of the most well-known brands in the space.
Sweepstakes casinos look and feel like true real-money online casinos. They offer huge selections of games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and slots.
Players purchase in-game currency, usually called “coins’ or something similar, which they use to play the games. Coins have no real value and can’t be redeemed or cashed out. In this way, sweepstakes casinos are a lot like social casino apps that only let you enjoy the games for fun using the in-game coins that you purchase.
However, there’s an added layer to sweepstakes casinos that sets them apart and allows them to operate. Players receive a small amount of “Sweeps Cash” or “Sweeps Coins” with each purchase. These are separate from the in-game currency and can be redeemed for cash prizes. They’re awarded via a sweepstakes model.
Additionally, players can get free sweeps cash or coins by mailing in a request. The ability to get sweeps cash for free and with each purchase allows sweepstakes casinos to operate legally, even in states with strict gambling laws like Texas.
Sweepstakes casinos can be an excellent alternative to real-money online casinos in states like Texas where the latter is prohibited.
What Sweepstakes Products Can I Play In Texas?
Within the state of Texas, your options for sweepstakes are poker, casino games, and sportsbook.
Texas Online Poker
The Lone Star State’s sweepstakes poker option is Global Poker.
Much like a traditional online poker site, you play against other players in tournaments, sit & go games, and ring games that you can leave anytime.
The main types of poker you can play are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Crazy Pineapple (a variation of Hold’em).
You can play Global Poker via desktop or through an app, which is available for both iOS and Android. However, the reviews for the app suggest playing through the web browser on your mobile device may be the better route.
You can play games using Gold Coins, which do not have monetary value whatsoever. Or you can play using Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes.
Texas Online Casinos
The two major sweepstakes casino options in Texas are Chumba and LuckyLand.
While both Chumba and LuckyLand offer slots and scratch games, Chumba also offers three table games: blackjack, American roulette, and Jacks or Better video poker.
You can play games using Gold Coins. You’re given millions to start, and you can purchase more anytime. Gold Coins cannot be redeemed or exchanged.
You can also play with Sweeps Coins. At Chumba, you’re given two to start. At LuckyLand, you’re given ten. Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes.
To receive more Sweeps Coins, you can buy Gold Coins, enter a no-cost giveaway through Chumba’s Facebook page, or mail in a request.
Sports
Texas’s main social sports site (sweepstakes sportsbook) is FendOff. It lists individual and team sports as well as racing.
Like a traditional sportsbook, FendOff presents certain odds for both pre-game and in-game picks. All pari-mutuel horse and dog racing picks are also available.
You can make your picks using Gold Coins (GS) or Sweeps (SW).
GC can earn you achievements and leaderboard positions. The benefit is that they’re completely free. You earn hundreds every two hours, and you get bragging rights.
The benefit of betting with SW is that you can redeem them for cash prizes when you have at least 5,000.
Picks include moneyline and points spread, futures, Over/Under, player performance, and in-game events such as field goals, corner kicks, and so on.
How Are Sweepstakes Sites Different Than Online Gambling Sites?
Online gambling sites take real-money deposits that are then reflected in your account accordingly.
You can use those funds to place bets on casino games or sporting events. Or, in the case of poker sites, buy tournament entry tickets, risk money at the tables, and pay rake fees.
You can then withdraw whatever winnings you may have accrued.
Online sweepstakes sites offer two site-specific currencies that can’t be exchanged or withdrawn. In the case of Gold Coins, they’re simply played for fun and bragging rights.
But Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes that include cash.
You also do not need to purchase the currencies to play, but you do have the option to purchase Gold Coins. Buy enough Gold Coins, and Sweeps Coins will be included in the purchase.
Online gambling sites are illegal inTexas. While some offshore sites will accept players from within the state, they’re operating in violation of Texas law. Proceed at your own risk.
On the other hand, online sweepstakes sites are legal in Texas. You can purchase Gold Coins and redeem Sweeps Coins for cash, and it’s all completely within the law.
Can You Win Real Money At Sweepstakes Casinos And Poker Sites In Texas?
Technically, no. You can’t play with real money at a sweepstakes casino, so you can’t win any real money. You can only play using Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins, so you can only win one of those two in-site currencies.
However, you can win Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash prizes.
For example, at Chumba, you can receive a cash prize once you’ve earned at least 100 Sweeps Coins. At LuckyLand, it’s only 50 Sweeps Coins.
Another example is the “Prizeout a Gift Card” option at Global Poker. This allows you to receive a prize for fewer than 100 Sweeps Coins. Simply select one of the retailers, which include Amazon, Walmart, AMC Theatres, and a long list of others.
To redeem Sweeps Coins for any prize, you need to verify your account. This usually involves uploading an image of your identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport.
To redeem your Sweeps Coins for cash, you’ll need a way to accept it. The preferred choice for both Chumba and Global Poker is Skrill, which is an e-wallet similar to PayPal.
They can also accommodate other methods, but setting up a Skrill account is fast and easy. It will also likely get you the prize sooner than an alternative option.
What Kinds Of Bonuses Do Sweepstakes Casinos And Poker Sites Offer To Players In Texas?
Bonuses at sweepstakes casinos and poker sites begin with the signup bonus. Just for creating an account, you’ll receive millions of gold coins and some Sweeps Coins. However, you won’t receive enough Sweeps Coins to redeem for a prize.
You can also receive bonuses by logging in. At LuckyLand, you receive 0.7 Sweeps Coins for logging in after signing up. The bonus Sweeps Coins increase every consecutive day that you login.
Players also receive bonus coins for verifying their email and phone number.
Sweeps Coins are included in the purchase of Gold Coins as a bonus. Chumba invites new members to receive discounts on Gold Coin packages that include Sweeps Coins.
To receive no-purchase Sweeps Coins, mail in a request to the operator, enter social media promotions, or hope for an email offer.
At the FendOff sweepstakes sportsbook, they’ll match your first purchase of Gold Coins by 100%, essentially doubling the amount of both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
What Kinds Of Games Are Available At Texas Sweepstakes Poker Sites
Types Of Poker Variations At Global Poker
Global Poker offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Crazy Pineapple.
Tournaments, Sit & Go, And Ring Games
(Stakes for each game are presented in Sweeps Coins.)
Tournaments (Multi-Table)
To compete in a tournament at Global Poker, you’ll need to pay the entry fee, which can be either Gold Coins or Sweeps. They also have regular freeroll tournaments that don’t require a buy-in. You can also compete against other players for rotating jackpots and prize pool tournaments.
Buy-In Range: SC 0.11 – SC 33
Sit & Go
Sit & Go at Global Poker means you sit at a table and play until you’re eliminated or all other players are eliminated. This differs from a tournament because you don’t advance to a new table automatically if you win. Instead, the game just ends and you can join a new one.
Buy-In Range: SC 0.5+SC 0.05 – SC 200+SC 18
Ring Games
Ring games at Global Poker mean you can sit down and play for as long as you want and leave the table whenever you want.
Small Blind/Big Blind: SC 0.02/SC 0.04 – SC 10/SC 20
Playing For Gold Coin Vs. Sweeps
The stakes for all the types of poker games are organized by Gold Coins or Sweeps. Playing for Gold Coins means getting practice. Playing for Sweeps means players score cash prizes.
Only players located in the United States and Canada can redeem Sweeps Coins at Global Poker. So the player pools for Sweeps games are limited to those two jurisdictions.
Still, that’s a massive potential playing pool. And taking the State of Washington and Quebec out of the equation is negligible.
This makes Global Poker’s active monthly users on par or better than all legal US online poker sites, which are limited to only a few states anyway. Texas is not one of them.
What Kinds Of Slots Can I Play At Sweepstakes Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos feature a range of slots. Both Chumba and LuckyLand offer a nice variety. But Chumba’s slots catalog boasts almost 70 options versus LuckyLand with just around 40.
Despite being categorized as social gaming, the variety of slots are comparable to a regular online casino. You can find classic three-reel options, five-reel all-ways-pays slots, and everything between.
Where both Texas sweepstakes casinos fall short is the navigation. There’s no way to see what the slot is like unless you click on it. There’s no search bar. At LuckyLand, you have to side scroll through three options at a time. At Chumba, it’s a large grid of games.
Based on that, here are some tips on choosing a sweepstakes slot in Texas:
- Choose based on themes, such as fantasy, Vegas, animals, and action and adventure.
- Play with Gold Coins to try out games until you find one you like.
- Stick to the progressive jackpots for the biggest potential payout.
- Search for top slots lists from the Chumba community.
Progressive Sweepstakes Slots
If you’re in Chumba via Gold Coin (GC) play, the listed progressive jackpots will be in GC. At the time of writing this article, the largest progressive was over 36 billion GC on the slot Long Zhi Bao Zang.
If you’re viewing the progressives in Sweeps Coins (SC) mode, you can see million-dollar jackpots. On April 4, 2019, Chumba member Donnalyn K. won enough SC on a progressive jackpot to become a millionaire.
Other Games At LuckyLand And Chumba
- Scratch games (LuckyLand)
- Blackjack (Chumba)
- American roulette (Chumba)
- Jacks or Better video poker (Chumba)
FendOff Social Sports Casino Games In Texas
FendOff added a couple of casino games on top of their sports and racebooks. These include:
- Blackjack
- Casino Stud Poker
- Casino Texas Hold’em
How Do Purchases Work At Sweepstakes Casinos And Poker Rooms?
Purchases at Texas online sweepstakes are more straightforward than they initially appear.
You can’t outright purchase Sweeps Coins (SC). Instead, you have to buy Gold Coins (GC). The SC are part of the purchase if you buy a certain amount.
When a site says that a purchase of GC “may” result in receiving SC, they simply mean that it depends on if you buy the minimum.
The best example of how this works is Chumba. When you buy at least GC 1,000,000 for $5 USD, you receive SC 5.05.
You can buy up to GC 120,000,000, which comes with SC 315.
Every game is available for both GC and SC play. This includes the progressive jackpot slots and all table games.
For as little as $1 USD, you can buy GC 500,000, which does not include any SC.
You also have to purchase based on preset amounts. That means you can’t purchase $15 worth of GC, you have to choose from the different packages.
The maximum purchase is $300 USD. There is no maximum redemption.
What Do I Have To Do Before I Can Redeem My Sweeps Coins?
If you receive SC 315 after purchasing GC 120,000,000 for $300, you can’t simply redeem your SC for a cash prize. Instead, all sweepstakes sites categorize SC versus Cleared SC.
To have Cleared SC, you simply need to play the games with your SC. For example, if you use SC 1.00 to play a slot and win your SC back, you’d have SC 1.00 cleared.
We reached out to Chumba customer support to be sure, so we can say with confidence that this SC to Cleared SC policy applies to both the slots and table games in Texas.
Other Online Gambling In Texas
Outside of sweepstakes casino sites, the Texas online gambling landscape is relatively barren. Players don’t have many ways to play online outside of a few limited options. Here’s a rundown of where each form of online gambling stands in the Lone Star State.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Texas has a fairly complex legal landscape with regard to Daily Fantasy Sports. State legislators, the attorney general, and Daily Fantasy Sports operators have been in tight contention over whether DFS should be legal in the state.
For now, DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo! and other operators still offer Daily Fantasy Sports contests to Texans. It seems the state is more concerned with determining whether DFS is lawful rather than prosecuting anyone who participates. So for now, Daily Fantasy Sports is a safe betting alternative for Texans while sports betting remains illegal in the state.
See our Guide To Daily Fantasy Sports In Texas.
Online Horse Racing In Texas
Texas expressly prohibits online horse race betting anywhere in the state. Off-track betting is also prohibited. Instead, bettors must visit one of the state’s licensed race tracks to gamble on horse racing.
Even compared to other states with conservative stances on gambling, Texas law is fairly strict. Many states offer OTB facilities or allow online horse race wagering sites to operate freely even with other forms of online gambling barred.
For now, it seems Texas will hold steady in its stance, with no signs of legal online horse race betting on the horizon.
Generally, horse racing is similar to sports betting, and many states that embrace one also embrace the other. If Texas eventually lightens its restrictions on sports betting, look for horse race betting laws at the same time or shortly thereafter.
Online Lottery
The Lone Star State does not allow the purchase of lottery tickets by mail, phone, or internet. Anyone wishing to purchase a lottery ticket in Texas has to visit a licensed retailer.
The Texas Lottery does offer an app for iOS and Android. Ticket sales are prohibited on the app as well, but it allows players to scan draw games and tickets to check if they’re winners, save lottery numbers, check jackpot amounts, view winning numbers, and locate licensed retail lottery sellers.
State legislators have shown no intent to legalize online lottery in the near- or mid-term future in Texas.
Online Casinos For Real Money
Online casinos are prohibited by Texas state law.
This looks incredibly unlikely to change any time soon. No bills to legalize online casinos have even been suggested among state legislators. The state’s historic opposition to gaming expansion of any kind looks like it will hold firm here. The same goes for online poker.
Online Sports Betting
In 2019, Texas lawmaker Eddie Lucio III introduced a sports betting bill that would regulate sportsbooks in the state. The bill did not move forward. There’s hope, though, in 2021. Two Texas States Representatives introduced bills early in the year to legalize online sports betting in Texas. It is unclear when, or even if, they will pass.
Of all online gambling forms, sports betting has received the most recent traction in the United States. Despite the current stark outlook for sports betting in Texas, it may likely be the first form of online gaming to become truly legal in The Lone Star State.
When that will be (if it will happen at all) is uncertain. But as states embrace the possibilities of revenue and job generation that sports betting provides, there’s a glimmer of hope that Texas may eventually join the fray and offer legal sportsbooks.
For now, Daily Fantasy Sports are the closest alternative available to Texas bettors.
The Lone Star State’s Online Gaming History
There’s very little history of which to tell when it comes to Texas’ online gaming past. The state has always held firm in its opposition to games of chance, even going so far as to prohibit all but two casinos from operating in the state.
The online arena is no different, with Texas law strictly prohibiting digital gaming in nearly all forms.
Federal Online Gaming Laws
The US government prohibited all forms of online gambling under the Federal Wire Act of 1961. Since then, different legal and government entities have argued over what, exactly, that law covers. The Justice Department declared in 2011 that the law only applied to sports betting.
Texas is still completely opposed to online gambling. Even a landmark Federal resolution allowing online gaming wouldn’t spark an immediate upheaval of the Lone Star State’s gaming laws.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), struck down by the United States Supreme Court in 2018, is the perfect example.
PASPA And Sports Betting
The SCOTUS decision to declare PASPA unconstitutional allowed states to enact their own sports betting laws. Many opted to allow the practice and have already regulated and launched full-fledged sports betting options for retail and digital. Texas, meanwhile, has made no such move despite the great success sports betting has been for states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania. As it stands, generally conservative states have been less likely to allow online sports betting, and Texas is among them.
Texas hasn’t shown any intent to legalize sports betting even with federal restrictions lifted, so there’s very little to latch onto in terms of hope for Texas’ online betting future.
Live Gambling In Texas
Texas law prohibits gambling, even in land-based properties, with only a few key exceptions. The state grants the right for Native American Tribes to open casinos on tribal land as part of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The federal law allowed the National Indian Gaming Commission to regulate gaming for tribal properties.
Instead of moving to expand gaming in any meaningful way, Texas law makes it difficult to stay afloat. This is true even if a casino already operates legally under Tribal regulations. There are only two casinos and a handful of race tracks open in the state.
Gambling In Texas At A Glance
Is lottery legal in Texas? | Yes, but you cannot purchase tickets online. Retail-only. |
Does Texas have racetracks? | Yes |
Does Texas have casinos? | Yes, there are two land-based casinos in Texas |
What is Texas’ minimum gambling age? | 21 (18 for lottery and Daily Fantasy Sports) |
Who regulates Texas casinos? | The National Indian Gaming Commission oversees Texas’ two casinos |
Texas Casino And Racing Overview
Texas’ two casinos are Naskila Gaming, owned and operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, and Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
The casino landscape in Texas is small, with only two properties open. Casinos face long legal battles with the state of Texas to stay open, making it difficult for any new casinos to open. Because Texas is less friendly to gambling than most other states, casino operators stay clear to avoid undue costs or loss of revenue due to strict state limitations.
The one minor exception to Texas’ anti-gambling stance is horse racing. Though bettors can’t wager online, there are a few race tracks in the Lone Star State.
For Texans close to the border and willing to travel, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana all have active casinos a short distance outside of the Lone Star State.
For anyone looking to play at a land-based gambling destination in Texas, here’s a rundown of the properties that offer casino gaming or horse race betting.
Property | City | Type |
---|---|---|
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel | Eagle Pass | Casino |
Naskila Gaming | Livingston | Casino |
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie | Grand Prairie | Racetrack |
Retama Park | Selma | Racetrack |
Sam Houston Race Park | Houston | Racetrack |
Gillespie County Fairgrounds | Fredericksburg | Racetrack |
Texas Horse Racing
Texas has a horse race wagering scene. Four race tracks operate in the state and offer pari-mutuel wagering on those races.
Recent decades have brought tough times for Texas racecourses, however. Manor Downs closed in 2010 after financial struggles while Bandera Downs, years earlier, filed for bankruptcy in 1995.
There are a few racetracks remaining in Texas that still offer pari-mutuel betting. However, the state does not allow online or off-track betting at all, giving tracks a slim chance for meaningful revenue outside of in-person attendance and wagers.
Texas Online Gambling Options
Online Gambling Type | Legal Status In Texas |
---|---|
Online Casino | Illegal in Texas |
Online Sports Betting | Illegal in Texas |
Online Horse Race Betting | Illegal in Texas |
Online Lottery | Lottery tickets are available only at licensed retailers in Texas |
Daily Fantasy Sports | Offered in Texas, not explicitly legal or illegal by state law |
Sweepstakes Casinos | Available to Texas players |
Sweepstakes Poker Sites | Available to Texas players |
More Information About Gambling In Texas
Texas Online Gambling FAQs
Yes. however, your options are limited. Texas only has two casinos: Kickapoo Eagle Pass and Naskila Gaming in Livingston.
Can I Gamble Online In Texas
Those are the only two properties currently operating in the state. Texas law restricts gaming expansion, making it very difficult for new casinos, even those run by Native American tribes, to open in the state.
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) oversees the state’s tribal casinos from a regulatory standpoint.
The Racing Commission of Texas governs horse and greyhound racing, and the Texas Lottery is regulated by the Texas Lottery Commission.
No. Even though the United States Supreme Court declared the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional in 2018, that only opened the door for states to legalize sports betting.
Texas has made no moves to regulate sports betting either in the retail or online formats. A few state lawmakers have introduced bills that would regulate sports betting, but the bills have received no support, leaving Texas a state without any sportsbooks online or otherwise.
No. Texas has a number of laws that restrict gambling in most forms, online among them. The only legal forms of gambling in Texas are in-person pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, land-based casino gaming at one of the state’s two casinos, and the state lottery.
There are DFS operators in the state and some sweepstakes casino and poker sites that accept Texas players.
18 years old. You have to be a legal adult to play at the sweepstakes casinos, FendOff Sports, and Global Poker.
If you’re under the age of 21, you’re not even permitted onto the casino floor at Texas’s tribal casino. States with legal online gambling also require that players are 21 and up. So those between 18 and 20 have the sweepstakes sites as their only legal casino game option.
You can win cash prizes at sweepstakes sites by redeeming cleared Sweeps Coins.
Uncleared Sweeps Coins are included in some purchases of Gold Coins. Sweeps Coins are cleared for redemption once they’re used to play at a casino game.
At Chumba, the minimum number of Sweeps Coins you need before redeeming is 100. At LuckyLand, the minimum is 50.
Players can also redeem Sweeps Coins for gift cards to popular retailers, but the minimum is the same.
Global Poker is generally busy at all times. However, if you like to play the more obscure games—like Sit & Go Omaha for example—you’ll want to join in during peak times.
The peak time to play at online poker sites is generally between 6:00 PM and 12:00 AM. But keep timezones in mind. Because the vast majority of Texas is in Central Time, peak hours are between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM to account for the east and west coasts.
Legal online gambling in Texas and all the laws that are changing has caused quite a bit of confusion. As with most states, there is the frequent questioning of how existing gambling laws pertain to online gambling due not only to the lack of precedence, but also due to no law specifically banning online gambling. Texans who are aiming to gamble online will find that there are options available that do not technically violate the law. Rather than just showing you where you can gamble, this page is designed to show you that you are not likely to violate the laws by participating in these games.
NFL Betting In Texas
With a few NFL teams here in Texas, all the fans here know that a big moment is here for them as the NFL betting in Texas is one of the most profitibale times of the year. There will be exciting games every weekend including the Cowboys and the Texans which both are home teams for the state of Texas. Sportsbooks everywhere in Texas and online sportsbooks are still the best options for bettors who love NFL games. With all that being said, there are bonuses and great deposit options with these sites with many NFL games. Most of the time players have enough money to bet on any game they want so when the season begins, money will be made left and right.
Online Gambling Age For Texas Residents
As with many states, Texas has a list of various age requirements on different games. The state of Texas has made it so several age limits have to be followed. For starters, land-based casinos and poker rooms have age requirements of being 21. This goes for casino-based bingo and any sportsbooks that might open in the future, as well. The limited forms of gambling that can take place at 18 include charity bingo, the lottery, greyhound racing, and horse racing.
Of course, once you use an offshore online gambling site, you can enjoy all disciplines at 18 and older, including sports betting, casino gaming, poker playing, horse racing betting, and more. Local state gambling age laws do not apply to offshore casino sites operating over the Internet.
Texas Online Gambling Laws
In Texas, there are currently no laws that have specifically banned online gambling. This is why the state of affairs related to gambling is as confusing as it is - there is nothing that says you will be arrested for gambling online. While this does not guarantee that these games are technically legal, there has been no evidence that these games are actually illegal. If a law is written to change this, we will update our page to reflect any legislation that has changed. For now, however, Texas Statutes Title 10, Chapter 47 explains the current TX gambling laws.
Right now, there are multiple potential proposals for the legalization of sports betting in Texas. One, proposed by Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., seeks to allow online sports betting within the state by allowing five licenses to be given out to online sports betting operators. Another proposal is backed by the owners of the Mavericks, Cowboys and Rockets, and looks to legalize sports betting at the arenas owned by those teams. Texas’ constitution requires a constitutional amendment in order for either of these to pass, so keep an eye on that if you’re a gambler in Texas.
Gambling Sites That Accept Texas Residents
If you decide that it is worth the theoretical risk to gamble online, you will find that there are many options that offer access to residents in the state of Texas. We have found that sports betting sites, casinos, poker rooms, and bingo halls alike can all be played in the state of Texas. With all of these options available, fun is guaranteed, as is your safety and security. The top gambling sites for TX residents include sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, BetDSI, and BookMaker, as well as dedicated casino sites like Lucky Red, Slots.lv, AllStarSlots, Aladdin’s Gold, and several others. Below, you can find our recommendations for the best Texas 2021 online gambling sites.
Bovada: Offering The Widest Variety Of Online Casino Games
Bovada is one of the most known online betting sites out there. One thing that grabs a lot of bettors' attention is the casino that has on its site. This is where you feel like you are in an actual casino playing a lot of money and can collect and an extra paycheck. You have different options in this casino like slots, blackjack games and even live dealer games. Make sure you are of an age when you try to sign up as well. The age requirement is 18 and older. Once you are of age you can participate in any casino games you would like. The quicker you can join, the more money you can make. Go To Bovada!
50% - $250 BONUS!
No DE, MD, NJ, NV
BetOnline: No One Treats Players As Well As They Do
They say everything is bigger in Texas. I think that’s definitely true for playing online gambling. I know I love to get scratch-offs and bet a few dollars on games, and sometimes it’s tough to find that one perfect site that has all the little things for players like me. If you’re like me and want to win more than just a little pocket change, I suggest you try BetOnline, the best overall gambling site in the Lone Star State. When you sign up for free at BetOnline, you can wager on games, play all kinds of real-cash card games, take on dozens of different table games, and even play some slots. You’re betting real money, on real odds, and winning real cash payouts.
Well, I know what you’re thinking, how do I get this real money? Well, first you’ve got to put some cash in to play with. At BetOnline, you can do this via a number of avenues, but the most popular deposit methods lately have been cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and DASH. Now, let me explain how you can cash out your winnings. BetOnline has the largest selection of payout types in the industry, however because of certain laws, transfers directly to credit cards are prohibited. Of course, BetOnline has numerous easy ways to get you your money, like checks, cash wire transfers, Bitcoin and crypto payouts, money orders, and many more. Texas residents who sign up for free today can get a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1000 in free-plays! Go To BetOnline!
50% - $1,000
ALL STATES
Rank | Casino | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 100% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
2 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Ignition | ||
3 | 500% Up To $5,000 | Visit Slots.lv | ||
4 | 100% Up To $4,000 | Visit Cafe Casino | ||
5 | 200% Up To $2,000 | Visit SlotoCash | ||
6 | 200% Up To $1,000 | Visit Cherry Jackpot | ||
7 | 40% Up To $4,000 | Visit Lucky Red | ||
8 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Las Vegas USA | ||
9 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Sun Palace | ||
10 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit CasinoMax | ||
Rank | Sportsbook | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
1 | 50% Up To $250 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
2 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag | ||
3 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit SportsBetting.ag | ||
4 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit MyBookie | ||
5 | 50% Up To $300 | Visit Xbet | ||
Rank | Poker Room | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
1 | 100% Up To $500 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
2 | 100% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag |
Online Casinos That Accept Texas Residents
Texas online casinos are available for players to hit the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheels, and draw the cards. Texans will find that online casinos have directly emulated land-based casinos, offering players a way to participate in the most popular games, just like they were in Las Vegas. Note that these casinos are located offshore and are not state-sanctioned casinos, but given the state of online gambling in Texas, they’re what is available.
We have documented many online casinos in order to help players find a way to participate. The top casinos are comprised of sports betting sites and dedicated casino gaming sites listed above (Bovada, Lucky Red, etc.). All of these sites accept TX residents, and all of them offer membership rewards, attentive customer service, and guaranteed payouts. You can take a look at all online casinos that accept USA players on this page.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Texas Residents
By visiting online sportsbooks, you will find that there are easy ways to win money betting on sports in TX. If you decide to bet on sports, you will see that the sportsbooks available offer many of the exact lines that can be found in sportsbooks in Las Vegas, as well as many other odds and lines that are even superior to those out west. Top sports betting websites serving Texas include Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and more.
There are some movements towards legalizing sports betting in Texas. Rep. Dutton has proposed a bill to allow online sports betting, while there are rumors of another proposal backed by Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones to allow sports betting at the major TX sports stadiums, with the teams getting a cut of the revenue. Either way, it seems as though there’s significant support for sports betting in Texas, so keep an eye on the legislature.
Online Poker Sites That Accept Texas Residents
None of the online poker rooms listed on this site carry bad reputations, as we have only offered our readers the chance to participate in the best of the best. With these poker rooms, we can guarantee you a fair shot at winning, as we have made sure that every site on our list offers only certified, fair-play-based, automated gambling software. These sites are periodically audited by industrial watchdogs, so you can rest assured that every amusement available is on the up and up.
The best online poker sites that accept TX residents are actually the sportsbook products already mentioned, sites like Bovada and BetOnline, for example. As a general rule, if you want live, real-dealer poker against other human competitors, you’ll need to go with a major sportsbook. If instead you’d rather play all kinds of themed video poker offerings, the more casino-based sites (Lucky Red, Aladdin’s Gold, etc.) are the way to go.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept Texas Players
Even if it is not the most popular form of gambling, bingo is something that is played nearly daily in rec centers and retirement homes. However, those environments are not appropriate for all bingo players, and you may not want to go gamble in a physical brick-and-mortar location in the first place. To that end, there are plenty of bingo halls that allow players to hit the cards over the Internet. While winning may require a fair bit of luck, there is a definite possibility that a substantial jackpot can be won through these digital bingo halls. The best bingo halls you’ll find are located on the Internet at 5Dimes and Downtown Bingo, with the latter being dedicated to bingo like no other site out there.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas?
Texas state law has no prohibitive measures when it comes to using the internet to gamble. The state defines gambling as risking something of value on an outcome based solely or partially on chance and prohibits anyone from facilitating the activity. But state laws only apply to state-based persons who would be offering these types of activities. Using an online, offshore gambling site allows residents to conveniently, safely, and most importantly, legally gamble online. Whether you’re using an online casino or poker room, betting on sports or playing some bingo, these sites fall outside of the purview of Texas state law, so you have nothing to worry about.
Are Online Casinos Legal In Texas?
As it turns out, it seems that online casinos are legal in Texas. Having browsed the state's statutes, we can tell you that there is no written mention of online casinos anywhere within the text. We have looked into both the criminal code and gaming regulations and we have found nothing that has led us to believe the games are not legal in the state.
Is Online Horse Racing Betting Legal In Texas?
Pari-mutuel wagering in Texas is legal at both online and land-based locations. Residents in Texas can easily log on to an online racebook and place bets on their favorite horses in races taking place across the country. We recommend online, offshore racebooks. These sites will be able to offer you lines on both domestic and international races, expanding the number of races you will be able to bet on during the season. The best racebooks, not surprisingly, are located at the top sportsbook services, with sites like Bovada and SportsBetting leading the way.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
There is nothing in the Texas legislature that has made it a crime for you to bet on sports over the Internet. Texans will find that there are many online sportsbooks, allowing players to wager on everything from baseball to football to hockey, with many other options in between.
Which Site Is Best For Betting On The Cowboys? The Texans?
There are several sports betting sites that advertise betting on NFL games, and all do provide it. That said, there are a few sites which are better than others. That matters because Texas residents take Cowboys and Texans games very seriously. Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth are two football-rabid cities with fanbases that live and die with their teams. We know football and football fans – after all, we have our allegiances, too. The two sites we recommend above all others for first-time bettors are Bovada and SportsBetting. Both sites have lines for Texans and Cowboys games for every week of the season, including props and future betting odds. In particular, Bovada has one of the best sites for live betting on NFL games, while Sportsbetting.ag has unlimited deposit bonuses along with a wide array of lines on games. Texas residents are welcome at both sites and have easy deposit/payout methods at their disposal.
Is Online Poker Legal In Texas?
Poker players can turn to the Internet in order to play their games, and you will find that many card rooms exist on the Internet. The ever famous Texas Hold 'Em is one option for play, though there are many others. If you decide to go with these poker rooms that accept Texas residents, you will find that there are only a few reliable and trustworthy sites available, but we have done what we can to show you the best. These include real-money, live-dealer, multiplayer poker at the top sportsbook sites (Bovada et al.) and themed video poker offerings at the more casino-oriented sites (Lucky Red, etc.).
Will I go to jail for online gambling in Texas?
We have never once heard of an arrest over online gambling in the state of Texas, and we doubt you will be the first. Since we have found that there are no laws making any form of online gambling explicitly illegal, you should not stress yourself over whether or not you will be indicted or brought to charges for gambling on the Internet.
Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Site
When funding your account at the legal online gambling site you’re using, there are a number of different options to choose from. No one option is better than the other, it’s just about what you’re most comfortable with. Using a credit or debit card is most common, as they are extremely easy to use.
Occasionally, however, credit and debit cards can get declined because of the federal law UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, 2006). This banking regulation allows for financial institutions to block card transactions when they suspect it is being used to fund online gambling. Online gambling sites that are legal are completely safe, but sometimes the government likes to stick its nose where it doesn’t belong. If your card is declined, however, it will often go through if you try again a bit later.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this inconvenience altogether. Using a prepaid card is the closest alternative to credit or debit cards. These cards are not processed by banks, so their deposits will never be declined. If you get one that is reloadable, you’re set to go. (Just make sure the gift card or prepaid card you choose allows for international purchases, as not all of them offer this feature.) Mailing in a check or money order is also a handy way of funding your gambling site. Or you can use the digital currencies Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, or DASH. These are convenient, safe banking methods that will not be declined and will fund your account in relatively short order. Bitcoin is definitely our personal preference when loading up our accounts or receiving payouts.
Mobile Texas Gambling Apps
With everything from simple games to banking and investment apps on our smartphones these days, it can only be expected that we would want our gambling sites to travel around in our pockets as well. Mobile Texas gambling sites generally don’t come in apps, but you will be able to find a number of gambling sites that have corresponding mobile sites. Designed to work with any operating system, these sites are browser-based. You can have an iPhone, Android, or still be rocking a Blackberry. As long as you have Internet access, you’ll have access to your favorite sites’ mobile betting interfaces. All of the sites recommended on this page have mobile gambling for Texas bettors.
FAQ’s
Does The Wire Act Make Sports Betting Illegal?
The Wire Act does not make sports betting illegal. The Wire Act (1961) prevents people from taking bets over a wire of communication. This law only applies to the person who is accepting the wager. Its main purpose was to limit bets from crossing state lines, in an effort to slow the spread of unlawful mob racketeering. It has no effect on online, offshore sportsbooks, as they are under the authority of the country they are based in.
How Can I Legally Bet On The 2017 Kentucky Derby?
You can legally bet on the Kentucky Derby in a number of different ways. Traveling to Churchill Downs to bet at the historic racecourse is always an option. But if you don’t want to travel to Kentucky, you can easily use a local simulcast facility or, better yet, an online racebook. These sites provide more lines than you would find at the track or at an OTB shop. You’ll find more exotic wagering options as well. Online racebooks are safe and legal for Texas residents to use. All the top TX offshore sportsbooks have racebooks as well, and they all have full coverage of the Triple Crown races and other races of all levels of national and international prominence.
Texas Online Betting Laws
What Currencies Can I Use To Fund My Account?
Most online gambling sites base their deposit and wager limits on US dollars. You can use whichever currency you’d like, however, to fund your account. Using something like Bitcoin or Litecoin, which are digital cryptocurrencies, is simple enough, as the book will convert the funds for you when you make a deposit. Funds will be converted back to their original form when you request your payout, based on the conversion rate available at the time of the payout. Because crypto carries high limits and virtually no added fees, it is our singular preference for all things banking at online Texas gambling sites.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Play At An Online Casino?
Each state has its own gambling ages to stick to and Texas is no exception. In this state, the legal gambling age is 21 for casino games. This applies to only land-based, in-state casinos (and, in the future, sportsbooks as well). However, if you use an online sportsbook or betting site that is located overseas, these regulations do not apply. Most Texas betting sites and offshore casinos merely require their customers to be 18 in order to sign up and play for real money.
Can You Gamble Online If You Live In Texas
Can I Play Poker With Other Players For Real Money?
Online Slots In Texas
Yes, you can play poker with other players for real money. Online poker rooms offer players the ability to play games on a trial basis without any real money, but once you make a deposit to your account, you can begin playing for real money. Most online poker rooms will have tables with varying limits, so all you have to do is choose the limit you’re comfortable with and begin to play your favorite games. All winnings from these games can be withdrawn whenever you like.