HomeTexas

Texas sports betting

Table of contents

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global online betting industry will touch $154 billion in 2028. In 2020, the American online gambling market stood at $2 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% between 2022-2027.

Online gambling observers expect the Texas sports betting market to grow significantly in the approaching future. Texas is the biggest state in the continental U.S. This state is also home to the 5 biggest cities in the United States.

If you would like to know more about the state of online sports betting in Texas, continue reading this article. This guide also answers a critical question: Is it legal to bet on sports online in Tennessee?

Can I place a wager on sports online in TX?

No, you can’t bet online in Texas. This state has banned all forms of online betting and gambling. In fact, Texas has fuzzy laws about online betting and gambling. While it expressly forbids the setting up of gambling parlors and websites, it doesn’t stop gamblers from accessing offshore websites.

However, betting on offshore platforms is risky. Since these entities don’t come under Texas sports betting laws, players have little legal recourse should they lose money unfairly. With that said, several US sports betting sites are planning to enter the Texas sports betting market.

Sports betting sites that may launch in Texas

Texans can look forward to betting on several world-class betting sites in the future. All these popular sportsbooks are legit and have valid licenses from the respective gambling regulators. Furthermore, gamblers can pay and withdraw money from these sites using several payment gateways.

DraftKings Texas

  • Overview: This sports book is the largest fantasy betting platform worldwide. DraftKings Texas offers several fantasy betting programs every day. Furthermore, this Texas-based betting site also has quite a few bonuses and promotions for its new and existing players.
  • Usability: DraftKings has three different sites for its different businesses – sportsbook, daily fantasy sports, and casino. The betting section has a sleek, light look, and players can navigate easily across the site using links and arrows. What’s more, the DraftKings Texas platform uses big fonts to help customers locate key information. Bettors can easily filter their games, odds, and betting selections on this site. The Bet Slip is located in the top-right part of the screen.
  • Mobile casino and app: DraftKing’s mobile casino is as user-friendly as the desktop version. Players can easily find all the required information on this interface and play games effortlessly. What’s more, the registration process is quick. The mobile sports betting app can be downloaded from iOS and Android Play Stores. It is always stable, and players can launch this app with Chrome and other latest browsers.
  • Payments: DraftKings has fewer payment options than other operators. Punters can pay and receive money with Debit/Credit Cards, Online Bank Transfer, PayPal, Cash at Cage, and Play+. A few other options are ACH/eCheck and Check. The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts are $5 and $20, respectively.
  • Customer Service: This betting site doesn’t have Live Chat and phone-based support. There’s a contact form that you can fill, out and send to the sportsbook. DraftKings also has an FAQs section, which contains answers to numerous DFS and betting queries.

BetMGM Texas

  • Overview: BetMGM is present in 14 states and is known for the boosted parlays feature. This Texas-based sportsbook offers several sports selections to its customers and has an attractive and user-friendly interface.
  • Usability and mobile app: BetMGM has a website and mobile app. Both interfaces are sleek and can be used easily by newbies. Once a player signs up with BetMGM, he can access this platform’s online poker room, online casino, and sportsbook. Customers can download and install the BetMGM app from Android and iOS Play Stores. It is stable and works across multiple tablets and phones. Furthermore, players can launch this software with Chrome, Safari, Edge, and other browsers.
  • BetMGM promotions: Bettors can get a range of bonuses and promotions from this Texas sportsbook. What’s more, they can use the sportsbook’s bonus in its casino and vice versa.
  • BetMGM odds and bets: Players can avail themselves of the most popular bets and odds. These include money lines, points spreads, and totals. Other popular bets are parlays, props, exotics, and futures. Furthermore, BetMGM has a live betting option and a Boosted Parlays section.
  • BetMGM sports options: This betting website lets you wager on cricket, basketball, baseball, hockey, football, and other events.
  • Payment methods: BetMGM accepts many popular payment methods. These include ACH, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, and Neteller. A few other gateways are Skrill, E-Check, Play+, and PayNearMe. The minimum deposit amount is $10.
  • Customer support: Players can receive assistance via FAQs, phone, and email. The last two options are available 24/7.

FanDuel Texas

  • Overview: FanDuel is a legit sportsbook FanDuel has and is present in 14 states. It has a streamlined app and website, offers multiple bonuses and promotions, and is known for world-class customer service.
  • Betting markets: FanDuel offers several sports to bet on. The sports selection list includes baseball, basketball, cricket, fantasy football, motorsports, college ball, hockey, and boxing. Players can also bet on Australian Rules, NFL, NBA, and other popular American tournaments. What’s more, FanDuel also has a live betting feature on its platform.
  • FanDuel app and mobile: Bettors can wager using FanDuel’s mobile site and app. Both these interfaces work as smoothly as the desktop version. Players can easily register on the platform, pay and receive money, and do other things smoothly on the FanDuel app and mobile casino. This app can be effortlessly downloaded from IOS and Google Play Stores. Furthermore, punters can launch the FanDuel app with Chrome and other browsers.
  • Payment methods: FanDuel has fewer deposit and withdrawal methods than other sportsbooks. This Texas sports betting platform accepts payments from PayPal, Visa, ACH, Visa, and Mastercard. Customers can receive money via ACH, Visa, or Play+ cards. All deposits and withdrawals are near-instant and require no fees.
  • Customer support: FanDuel helps its customers via Live Chat, Email, Phone, and FAQs. Live Chat is available all 7 days a week and 24/7. Usually, this section is good for short queries, and those that aren’t available in the FAQs section.

BetRivers Texas

  • Overview: BetRivers is present in several states, such as New York, Arizona, and Connecticut. This Texas sports betting platform has a user-friendly interface, offers several bonuses and promotions to players, and provides excellent customer support.
  • BetRivers sports betting markets: The BetRivers sportsbook boasts several sports and leagues. Players can wager on baseball, basketball, tennis, hockey, cycling, darts, motorsports, soccer, snooker, and rugby. Furthermore, BetRivers also lets customers place bets on major American tournaments, such as the National Hockey League, NFL, and NBA.
  • Streaming and live betting: Punters can also take advantage of the live betting functionality of this Texas sports betting platform. With live streaming, players can hedge their bets, double down, or take extra decisions.
  • BetRivers sports app: It’s easy to lay bets on the go because BetRivers has an efficient sports betting mobile app. What’s more, players can easily download and install this interface from the Android and iOS Play Stores. The BetRivers mobile app and casino deliver the same gaming experience as the desktop version, and you can launch them with all the browsers available in the market.
  • Payment options: BetRivers currently supports the following payment gateways – ACH/E-check, Visa, Mastercard, PayNearMe, Rivers Prepaid Card, and Cash at Casino Cage. The following withdrawal methods are available: BetRivers Prepaid Card, Online Banking, Check by Mail, and Cash at Cage. This Texas sporting app might also add PayPal to this list.
  • Customer service: Players can receive help through Live Chat and FAQs. The former facility is available all seven days of the week, from 9.30 am to 2 am. BetRiver’s FAQ section has several topics listed there, and players can save time by consulting this section.

PointsBet Texas

  • Overview: PointsBet is one of the newest betting operators in the United States. It entered the U.S. immediately after the Supreme Court allowed individual states to allow online gambling and betting. PointsBet is unique because of its points-based betting system, instead of the fixed odds system offered by other bookmakers.
  • Usability: The PointsBet website and app are easy to sign-up and navigate. Players can locate all odds, bet types, sports, and other vital information on this Texas sports betting platform. Furthermore, PointsBet has a special section called Revis Betting Academy, which guides newbies through the betting process.
  • Betting markets: Players can pick their favorite sports from the following list: basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, and many more options. PointsBet also allows live betting from its platform.
  • Payment options: Visa, Mastercard, E-check, and Online Banking.

Online sports betting bills in Texas

In 2019, Rep. Eddie Lucio (D) introduced a bill in the Texas House to allow sports betting in the state. HB 1275 sought to allow all Texans and visitors to wager on pro and college teams. This bill also wanted Texas to regulate all retail and online sports books.

While Rep. Lucie’s bill didn’t move forward – because of political reasons – it continues to remain in limbo. HB 1275 is still alive, and gambling enthusiasts believe it will become a reality shortly.

Currently, Republicans hold a majority in the Texas House of Representatives. To become a reality, the House must pass HB 1275 with a clear majority. However, the current Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, opposes gambling and isn’t expected to clear this legislation. In that case, a two-thirds majority in both houses can overrule the gubernatorial veto and see this bill through.

Rep. Dan Huberty introduces a House Amendment Bill in February 2021 that allows sports betting in Texas.

In March 2021, a bipartisan bill (HJR 133) is introduced in the House, allowing to set up of 4 casinos in the state.

Latest updates on online sports betting in TX

  • BetMGM announces it is the exclusive betting partner of Houston Astros.
  • Beto O’Rourke, Democratic nominee for Texas Governor, promises support to online betting and gambling in TX.
  • Andy Loughnane, president of Austin FC, says that Dallas Cowboys supports online gambling and betting in Texas.
  • Dan Patrick, known for his anti-gambling stance, wins the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor.
  • Playup announces a tie-up with Panther City Lacrosse Club.

Brick-and-mortar sports betting venues in TX

Neither retail nor online sportsbooks currently live in Texas. Any progress on Texas sports betting can only be seen in 2023 when the Texas legislature meets again and decides on the pending legislation.

That said, Texas has 3 land-based casinos in tribal areas. These are the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and El Paso’s Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.

FAQ

Is the legal sports betting age 21 in Texas?

Since Texas disallows all forms of gambling and betting, there are no legal sports betting age in Texas. This doesn't stop Texans from playing on offshore sites. However, note that since these websites don't work under Texan law, there is no legal recourse for you. If you intend to gamble in a tribal casino, you must be at least 21. For playing in online casinos, the legal minimum age is 18.

Who regulates online sports betting in Texas?

TX didn't have any online sports betting regulator at the time of writing this article. However, this situation might change in 2023 when the Texas House of Representatives reconvenes and decides on TX sports betting. Although there is no Texas Gambling Commission in the state, all forms of gambling are regulated by the government itself. This regulation is conducted via numerous third-party institutions.

Are all sports betting sites licensed in TX?

There are no licensed sports betting sites in Texas. Currently, TX doesn't allow any form of online gambling and betting. This being the case, Texas hasn't licensed any sports betting site within its borders. However, numerous offshore betting sites -licensed by foreigners - are available to Texans. These platforms don't adhere to Texan law and must be avoided.