Online Sports Betting Texas Guide – Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks 2024

Despite being the largest state in the US, Texas online sports betting is frowned upon. Currently, there are still several challenges that need to be overcome before sports betting in Texas becomes a reality.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Texas sports betting scene. We will provide some short reviews for our recommended bookies, as well as answer some FAQs. So, carry on reading to find out more.

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Contents

Texas Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

From a sports betting perspective, Texas has always been very conservative. Texas is on the lower end of the sports betting spectrum when it comes to attempting to create a regulated market. To date, there have been multiple constitutional hurdles that have prevented Texas sports betting from being legalized. At this rate, it seems unlikely anything will materialize in 2024.

The deep-rooted culture in the state has stopped a Texas sports betting bill from being pushed through, and here are a few examples illustrating the difficulties facing Senate or House members to pass through legislation:

  • May 2023: HB2843, a Bill relating to the authorization and regulation of sports betting in Texas, has been postponed until further notice.
  • July 2022: Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, reportedly supports the legalization of sports betting in Texas.
  • August 2021: Houston Texans sign a multi-year partnership deal with Caesars Entertainment.
  • July 2021: An attempt to discuss legal sports betting in Texas was rejected by Governor Dan Patrick, who postponed further conversations on the topic until 2023.
  • March 2021: Christopher Gerleacher of Gaming Today magazine echoed Governor Patrick’s sentiments by declaring a Texas sports betting bill is likely to “die in committee” because of several constitutional and social obstacles.
  • February 2021: Governor Patrick denounces sports betting in Texas in a strongly-worded statement, in which he insists it “won’t see the light of day.”

Despite continued efforts, there still seems to be a long and tough road ahead to legalize sports betting in Texas. This is out of kilter with the vibrant Texas sports scene that is packed full of distinguished teams that have a mass following, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks.

When will sports betting be legalized in Texas? At this time, it is very hard to say as the road to legalizing sports betting here will be long and tough. However, if you are a resident of Lone Star State, we encourage you to reach out to your local representative to express your support for sports betting to be made legal in Texas.

The Best Texas Online Sports Betting Sites List 2024

Having undergone extensive research, we have determined the following sportsbooks are the best in Texas, fulfilling the needs of both novice and seasoned gamblers alike. Each site is fully licensed, and they adhere to all the best security practices:

  1. BetOnline – The No.1 Texas sports betting option
  2. Everygame – Get strong live betting options on this Texas sportsbook
  3. Bovada – One of the biggest sites for sports betting in Texas
  4. BetNow –Highly competitive odds available on this site
  5. MyBookie – A site dedicated to players with highly competitive odds
  6. XBet – Excellent website focusing on the top events
  7. LuckyBlock –  Overall best bitcoin sportsbook in 2024
  8. Mega Dice – Live sports betting expert with fast crypto transactions
  9. BetUS – A Texas sportsbook designed for beginners 
  10. BUSR – Get excellent in-play betting markets on this site

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas 2024?

As things stand, sports betting in Texas has yet to be legalized. Laws currently prohibit sports betting companies from operating within state lines. Texas is very conservative with its attitude towards sports betting, however, you can still place wagers on the offshore Texas online sports betting sites we recommended in our list above.

Texas Online Sportsbooks

The Lone Star State doesn’t issue sports betting licenses, hence why the only sportsbooks you can legally bet with are offshore ones. This explains why the likes of Fanduel or DraftKings haven’t made it in our top 10 list of online sports betting Texas sites.

As you will discover, there are plenty of offshore alternatives for users to try out instead.

Land-based Betting in Texas

Unfortunately, you will struggle to find any land-based bookies in Texas. The ban imposed on Texas sports betting extends to retail services, and our research showed there are no physical betting shops in Texas.

So, if you wish to place wagers, you may have to consider traveling to a nearby state that has regulated sports betting, such as New Mexico or Arkansas.

One surprising exception to all this is social betting. Section 47 of the State’s Penal Code stipulates that betting can take place among friends, providing there is a “legitimate social relationship” between the participants. There is also no limit on the maximum stake that can be placed.

Always bear in mind that sports betting in Texas is very regimented, meaning bookmakers operating within Texas state lines are violating regional laws. You should therefore be wary if you hear of local organizations accepting wagers.

Horse Racing & Off Track Betting in Texas

Off-track betting in Texas is one of a handful of betting activities that have been deemed legal in Texas. All horse racing and greyhound wagering are monitored by the Texas Gaming Commission, which also oversees the state’s most prominent racing facilities, including the Sam Houston Race Park and the Lone Star Park.

Sports betting in Texas dictates all horse racing wagers must be placed at in-state facilities. Racetrack operators aren’t allowed to offer advance deposit wagering (ADW) applications of any kind. If you wish to bet online on horse racing, then we suggest taking a closer look at the offshore sportsbooks we have outlined in this guide.

Offshore Online Betting in Texas

While Texas gambling laws are stringent, residents won’t be prosecuted for using offshore sites. As long as the bookmaker you wish to play at is in a respected jurisdiction, you will be able to play at any of the sports betting sites we have suggested above.

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]

Nevertheless, should you wish to sign up and deposit with an overseas operator, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • There are many dodgy-looking websites out there. If there is one that doesn’t look right, then you should steer clear of them. Only use the offshore betting sites we have recommended in this guide.
  • Some offshore sportsbooks may report your winnings to the IRS.
  • The more sportsbooks you sign up with, the more likely you will find greater value for your preferred markets. We recommended signing up to at least three renowned sportsbooks to capitalize on the benefits they offer.

The offshore sites we have advertised in this guide offer a huge range of markets, generous promotions, and above all else, they are safe.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Texas?

Technically speaking, DFS is murky, so it is rather complicated trying to determine the legality of daily sports contests. Luckily, the top four DFS providers in the United States – FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo, and Fantasy Draft – accept players from Texas. There has been no record of citizens being prosecuted by the authorities for participating in DFS contests.

Texas Casino Laws

With a few exceptions we have highlighted below, there are no regulated online casinos in Texas, but there are several land-based gambling venues in the state.

Online Casinos in Texas

The situation with online betting in Texas at casinos is essentially the same as Texas sports betting – you can bet with offshore betting sites. 

If you’re looking to gamble with an overseas online casino site, we suggest trying out the following:

  • BetOnline Casino
  • Everygame Casino
  • Bovada Casino
  • BetUS Casino

Land-Based Casinos in Texas

Land-based gambling in Texas is available, but limited. These are three legal brick-and-mortar establishments you can explore:

  1. State-run raffles and lotteries, such as the Lotto Texas and Mega Millions.
  2. Indian casinos. As these casinos are owned by Indian tribes, these venues lie outside Texas jurisdiction. The two active Indian casinos you can play at are the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass and the Naskila Gaming Casino in Livingston.
  3. Casino cruise ships. The most popular boat, Jacks or Better casino boat, regularly sails out of Galveston several miles into the Gulf of Mexico. This ship has plenty of slots, blackjack, roulette, and other casino staples on board for you to try out.

Texas Gambling Taxes

All legal gambling winnings in Texas are subject to a 24% federal tax. Most winnings that exceed $5,000 will be subject to income tax withholding, which means the responsibility for paying taxes levied on these winnings lies with the gambling provider.

Best Texas Online Sportsbooks Reviewed

Now we have put you in the picture about how Texas sports betting works, let’s review the top 5 recommended TX sportsbooks. We explain what makes them tick.

1. BetOnline No.1 Overall Best Texas Online Sports Betting Site

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]

BetOnline has a huge range of markets that will appeal to everyone, plus a proven track record in the sports betting scene, boasting over 20 years’ worth of experience. BetOnline provides some of the sharpest odds on the business, a wide-ranging lineup for live betting, including live streaming video of select events. Texas sports bettors will also be able to play in seasonal NBA/NFL/NCAA tournaments, including bracket comps.

To kick things off, you can tap into a generous 100% matched deposit bonus that’s worth up to $1,000. This can be claimed simply by using the BetOnline promo code BET1000. For existing customers, there are plenty of other deals, including a 25% reload bonus and free bets on the live and player prop markets. Odds boosts are also part and parcel of the betting experience with BetOnline, and there is also a parlay betting function.

On the payment front, there are plenty of deposit and withdrawal methods, incorporating credit cards as well as cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, but there are small fees attached for card withdrawals. Still, overall, BetOnline is one of the safest sites for TX sports betting that we have come across.

Pros:

  • Large welcome bonus and great promotions for existing customers
  • Wide variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals
  • Plenty of sports and esports markets
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Fees applied for some withdrawal options

2. Everygame- Competitive Pre-Match Lines & Superb Live Betting Options Available

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]
Everygame have been taking bets online since 1996 and offer a variety of betting options, on all major US sports and leagues with competitive lines across the board. Whether you are planning on a future bet on the Texans or Cowboys in the NFL, some prop bets on Rockets or Mavericks in the NBA, or making some parlays combining multiple popular local teams, Everygame has you covered.

Everygame offer excellent live betting odds and a well-designed user interface. Their Multiview feature in particular makes live betting a simple and smooth experience.

We can’t give a TX sports betting review without mentioning bonuses. Everygame’s  sign-up bonus is worth up to $750, while sports bettors can claim free NFL bets, free parlay bets, refer a friend bonus, and have access to other competitions such as the Parlay Prince.

Pros:

  • Excellent live betting
  • Easy to navigate site
  • Regular promotions
  • Excellent odds on the moneyline

Cons:

  • Esports offering not great

3.  BovadaSuperb Texas Sports Betting Site For Placing Wagers In-Play

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]

Bovada was established in the early 2010s by Calvin Ayre, and features an extensive catalog of traditional sports betting options as well as eSports, including CS:GO, LoL, and Call of Duty. There are numerous different bet types available, including prop bets, futures, and spreads.

Bovada also delivers when it comes to live betting, and there are always live markets to bet on, covering US major leagues and a variety of other sports around the world. Also, it is one of the few Texas sports betting sites that offer live streaming, so you can watch sports events in HD, while simultaneously placing and monitoring your wagers.

Elsewhere, the flagship promotion is a $750 welcome bonus granted to first-time Bitcoin depositors. 

Pros:

  • Excellent app for mobile users
  • Extensive market coverage
  • Unmatched Bitcoin deposit bonus
  • Reputable US sports betting operator

Cons:

  • Lines for traditional sports events can be late

4. BetNow – Integrated Prop Builder For Users To Try Out

BetNow

BetNow allows bettors to wager on well-known sports like football, baseball, golf, hockey, soccer, boxing, and esports although the sportsbook’s markets are not as deep as its competitors. They offer live betting on sporting events, while bettors can also benefit from a number of exclusive deals in addition to its sportsbook, dedicated racebook, and casino.

BetNow accepts the usual payment options like Visa and MasterCard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and American Express, along with lesser-known options like Person2Person, but that’s about it for the deposit and withdrawal methods at this Texas online betting site. As for bonuses, BetNow provides players with a generous welcome bonus, casino rebates, referral bonuses, a lifetime VIP program, and a weekly rebate on all of their horse racing losses.

What we like:

  • Best NFL betting odds
  • Has a dedicated racebook and casino
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Early betting lines
  • 24/7 customer supports

What we don’t:

  • Few lesser-known sports betting market

5. MyBookieExcellent Texas Sports Betting Site For Crypto Payments

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]

MyBookie hold a valid license from Costa Rica and offer bettors lines for plenty of sporting disciplines. This includes but is not limited to basketball, football, soccer, and MMA.

MyBookie matches all new players’ first deposits by 100% up to a maximum of $1,000. All you have to do is enter the promo code MYBY100 MyBookie promo code when prompted upon signing up to the site. There is a wealth of other reload bonuses, as well as a 250% referral bonus. MyBookie is a sports betting hub, so you won’t be short on entertainment.

If that wasn’t enough, MyBookie also has a diverse range of payment methods, covering most of the latest crypto-based currencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. 

Pros:

  • Large variety of sports to bet on
  • Excellent welcome bonus
  • Refer Your Friends bonus
  • Wide range of crypto payments

Cons:

  • No in-game analysis or tips

More on Gambling in Texas…

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

Top Sites for Online Sports Betting in Texas Comparison

Now that we have reviewed the best Texas online sports betting sites, let’s see how they match up in terms of bonuses, payment methods, and features.

Sportsbook Bonus Promo Code Available Markets Live Streaming
Payment Methods
BetOnline 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit BET1000 Horse racing, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Boxing, Martial Arts, Hockey, Football, Tennis No
Bitcoin, credit card, debit card, Skrill, Neteller, wire transfer
Everygame Sign-up bonus of 100% up to $500 WELCOME500 Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, Aussie Rules, Baseball, UFC, Handball, Motorsports, Rugby, Snooker, Volleyball No
Debit and Credit Cards, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Money Global, Ethereum, Bank Wire
Bovada 75% Bitcoin Match bonus of up to $750 to bet on sports BTCSWB750 NHL, NBA, Golf, Soccer, UFC, MMA, Baseball, Hockey, F1, Prop Bets Yes
Bitcoin, Bitcoin cash, credit card, debit card, MatchPay, Zelle, Litecoin
BetNow Sign-up bonus of 100% up to $1,000. Rollover requirement of 15X BN100 NFL, NCAA, Baseball, NBA, MMA, Boxing, NHL, Esports, Golf, Tennis No
Credit or debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bank wire, MoneyGram, Direct Deposit
MyBookie $1,000 welcome bonus with a 50% deposit match MYB50 NFL, NBA, MAA, NHL, Golf, NCAAB, Soccer, Boxing, F1, Tennis, MLB Yes
Wire transfer, credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum
Lucky Block 200% Sports Sign-up Bonus up to 1 BTC N/A NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College football, soccer, cricket, rugby No
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, Apple Pay, Google Pay
BetUS 125% sign-up bonus JOIN125 NHL, NBA, Golf, Tennis, Soccer, NASCAR, Horse Racing, Cricket, MotorSport, Cycling, Olympics, Entertainment Yes
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Litecoin, Ethereum
BUSR Get $2,500 On Signup SPORTS100FP NFL, CFP, NBA, NCAA, NHL, MMA, Horse Racing, Boxing, Soccer, Golf, MLB, Tennis, Cricket, MotorSports, Wrestling, Cycling No MasterCard, VISA Credit or Debit Cards. Cryptocurrencies using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum.
Person to Person Money Transfer
Mega Dice 200% Sports Sign-up Bonus up to 1 BTC N/A NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College football, soccer, cricket, rugby No Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, Apple Pay, Google Pay
XBet 100% Sports Sign-up Bonus up to $500 LENSX NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College football, soccer, horse racing No
Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, money order, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar

How We Rank The Best Sportsbooks in Texas

We are very meticulous in our research, so we can help you find the perfect Texas sportsbooks. But what is the criteria for judging them? Below, we assess the key factors that form a good sportsbook:

Online Sports Betting Texas Guide - Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas? Compare Best TX Sportsbooks [cur_year]

Security & Regulation

Naturally, any sportsbook worth its salt will have installed the latest SSL encryption measures, and may well have KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols in place, so that customers can rest assured they are safe while betting online. 

Range of Markets

The best Texas sportsbooks will be complete with a wealth of different markets for users to explore. Those that carry sway will have lots of different lines, as well as provide the opportunity to place props and spread wagers. MyBookie even has odds boosts that will excite customers.

Bonuses & Promos

All the best Texas sportsbooks will work tirelessly to advertise exciting bonuses to pull in new customers, as well as engage with existing customers. BetUS, for example, really wowed us with their stunning 125% deposit match up to $2,500.

Payment Methods

The best Texas sportsbooks will also have a diverse range of payment methods. Withdrawals and deposits will be processed in a timely fashion so that players can enjoy what they do most. XBet, for example, is renowned for allowing crypto payments.

Odds

Any Texas sportsbook worth its salt will provide competitive odds to give players value for their buck. Bovada, for example, facilitates live betting, so bettors can place wagers as the action unfolds, and prices will be adjusted accordingly.

Customer Service

Good customer service is vital. Some Texas sportsbooks may have a live chat facility, while others will simply have a comprehensive FAQs section to tackle any queries. Make sure you can get hold of an agent if you run into trouble while betting online.

How to Bet on Sports Online in Texas

So, let’s walk you through the process of sports betting in Texas, using our recommended sportsbook, BetOnline.

  1. Step 1: Create a BetOnline Account

    To set up an account with BetOnline, head over to the sportsbook’s website and click ‘Join Now’. You then just need to enter your name, email, phone number, date of birth, and a password of at least six characters to begin the signing-up process.
    Step 1: Create a BetOnline Account
  2. Step 2: Verify Your Email

    Before proceeding, make sure you click on the link sent by BetOnline to verify your email address.
    Step 2: Verify Your Email
  3. Step 3: Deposit Funds

    Now, you will be able to top up your playing account by depositing funds. You can choose from a variety of ways, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum, and your bonus size will depend on how much you deposit.
    Step 3: Deposit Funds
  4. Step 4: Start Betting

    Once you have completed all the above steps, you can enter the sports lobby. Select the markets you wish to play and place your bets!
    Step 4: Start Betting

Texas Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for iPhone & Android

If you, like just about everyone else in the world, use an iOS or Android device, then you may wonder whether your device can be used to access these Texas betting apps. As you already know, at this point, these sites do not offer official betting apps for you to download; instead, they provide mobile versions of their sites.

Android

If you own an Android device, you are more than capable of using the best Texas betting apps that we have reviewed. These sites are fully optimized for Android devices, so you can access all of them with ease.

iPhone

The same can be said for iPhone users. Just open up your Safari browser and search for any one of these Texas betting apps. At the same time, it’s worth mentioning that for both iOS and Android devices, it’s a good idea to keep your software up to date when you use these betting sites.

No Regulated Texas Betting Apps

As you know by now, there are no legalized Texas betting apps as of yet. As such, our list of the best offshore betting sites is where you need to be to find an alternative. With that said, the sites we have reviewed will be around for a long time and, most of the time, give you a far better online betting experience anyway.

Mobile Site vs. App for Betting in Texas

Sportsbooks will either have a mobile betting app for you to download or optimize their sites to run smoothly with your mobile devices. Both options serve the same function, which is to give you the option to bet on the go, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Mobile Site

What we like:

  • Same features as the main version of the site
  • Convenient to use
  • Runs smoothly
  • No need to download anything

What we don’t:

  • Requires frequent logins

Mobile App

What we like:

  • Easily accessible
  • It can come with app-exclusive promotions
  • Convenient
  • Allows setting of alerts and notifications

What we don’t:

  • Prone to bugs and crashes

Conclusion on Texas Online Sports Betting

BetOnline get the vote, owing to its huge range of sports and Esports markets, including props and parlays, while there is also a wide variety of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. The best part is the large welcome bonus and great promotions for existing customers to get betting on their favorite sport.

TX Sportsbooks FAQs

What sportsbooks take bets from Texas?

What is the best sportsbook in Texas?

When will sports betting be legal in Texas?

Is online sports betting legal in Texas?

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