Sports betting is a hot topic in Texas, but many residents are left wondering—is online sports betting legal in Texas? The answer isn’t straightforward. While traditional sports betting remains illegal under state law, Texans still find ways to bet on sports online.
With Texas being home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country—whether it’s the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, or Texas Longhorns—the demand for Texas sports betting continues to grow. However, strict state laws currently prohibit sportsbooks from operating within Texas.
This guide will walk you through the current Texas sports betting laws, your options for best sports betting sites Texas players can access, and what the future may hold for legal sports betting in the Lone Star State.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
As of 2025, sports betting is not legal in Texas. The state has some of the strictest gambling laws in the U.S., with only limited forms of gambling allowed, such as the Texas Lottery, horse racing, and charitable bingo. Texas law prohibits both in-person and Texas online sports betting, meaning there are no state-regulated sportsbooks operating legally. Attempts to legalize sports betting have been introduced in the Texas Legislature, but so far, none have passed.
Despite the ban on Texas sports betting, many residents still place bets through offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside U.S. jurisdiction. While these sites provide betting options, they are not regulated by Texas authorities, meaning there are no local consumer protections. Additionally, daily fantasy sports (DFS) remains a gray area in Texas, with some contests available depending on legal interpretations. Until new laws are passed, those looking to engage in Texas online sports betting must rely on alternative options.
Texas Online Sports Betting: What Are the Options?
Since Texas online sports betting is not legally regulated within the state, residents looking to place wagers have limited options. Currently, there are no Texas-licensed online sportsbooks, meaning bettors cannot legally place bets on Texas-based websites or mobile apps. However, many Texans turn to offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and accept players from Texas. While these platforms provide access to various sports betting markets, they are not overseen by Texas authorities, meaning bettors assume all risks when using them. However, today there are ranked best sports betting sites Texas players can access that practically have no known risks.
Another alternative some Texans explore is driving to nearby states where sports betting is legal. States like Louisiana and Arkansas offer both retail and online sports betting options, allowing Texans to place bets while physically present within state lines. Some bettors also use daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps, which remain in a legal gray area but are widely available. Until Texas passes legislation to regulate sports betting, these remain the primary options for residents looking to wager on their favorite teams.
How to Bet on Sports Online in Texas
Since Texas online sports betting is not legally available through state-regulated platforms, Texans looking to wager on sports must explore alternative methods. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process safely and effectively.
Choose a Betting Platform
Since there are no legal sportsbooks based in Texas, many bettors use offshore sports betting sites. Research platforms carefully—look for those with secure payment options, positive reviews, and strong customer support.
Ensure the sportsbook offers betting markets for NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, and other popular sports in Texas.
Sign Up and Verify Your Identity
Register an account with your chosen sportsbook by providing basic details like your name, email, and age verification. Some sites may require additional verification, such as a government-issued ID.
Deposit Funds into Your Account
Most offshore sportsbooks accept various deposit methods, including:
- Credit/debit cards
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, etc.)
- Bank transfers
Be aware that some Texas banks may restrict transactions related to gambling sites, so alternative payment methods may be necessary.
Place Your Bets
Once funded, explore different bet types:
- Moneyline bets – Betting on which team will win.
- Point spreads – Betting on a team to win by a certain margin.
- Over/Under (totals) – Betting on the total combined score.
- Parlays and prop bets – Higher-risk, higher-reward betting options.
Make informed wagers by researching team stats, player performance, and betting odds.
Withdraw Winnings
When ready to cash out, select a withdrawal method (bank transfer, crypto, or e-wallet). Withdrawal times vary, with cryptocurrency often being the fastest option.Check if there are any withdrawal fees or processing delays before requesting payouts.
Important Considerations
Here are some of the things to consider before depositing in any casino site.
- Legal Risks: Since Texas does not regulate online sports betting, using offshore sites comes with no local consumer protection.
- Responsible Gambling: Set a budget, avoid chasing losses, and use responsible gaming tools if available.
- Tax Implications: Any winnings from sports betting are considered taxable income, even if won through an offshore site.
Until Texas passes new laws, these steps represent the primary ways residents can access Texas sports betting online. However, bettors should always proceed with caution and ensure they use secure platforms.
Best Sports Betting Sites Texas Players Can Access
Since Texas sports betting is not legally regulated, there are no state-licensed sportsbooks available. However, many Texas players use offshore betting sites, which accept users from the U.S. While these sites operate outside of Texas laws, they offer a wide range of betting markets on NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, and more.
When choosing a sportsbook, it’s essential to prioritize security, reputation, and betting options. A good sportsbook should provide competitive odds, fast payouts, and multiple banking methods. Players should also look for platforms that offer bonuses, live betting options, and mobile compatibility for a seamless experience.
What Makes a Good Sports Betting Site?
- Competitive Odds: Higher odds mean better potential payouts.
- Security & Licensing: Ensure the site has encryption and operates under a reputable gaming authority.
- Bonuses & Promotions: Look for welcome bonuses, free bets, and reload offers.
- Fast & Reliable Payouts: Check withdrawal speed and transaction fees.
- Mobile & Live Betting Options: A smooth mobile experience and live betting features enhance engagement.
Tips on Choosing a Reliable Sportsbook
- Research user reviews and forum discussions for real player experiences.
- Avoid unlicensed sites with poor reputations for payment issues.
- Test customer support to ensure responsive and helpful service.
- Check terms and conditions for withdrawal limits, bonus requirements, and fees.
Conclusion
While Texas sports betting remains illegal within the state, many residents turn to offshore sportsbooks or nearby states to place their bets. Texans can still access online betting platforms, but they must be aware of the risks, including lack of local regulations and potential payment restrictions.
As the demand for Texas online sports betting continues to grow, there is ongoing debate about legalizing it in the future. Until then, bettors should proceed with caution, choose reliable platforms, and practice responsible gambling. Stay informed on potential legislative changes, as Texas could eventually join the growing list of states with legal sports betting.
