08/17/2025
Texas maintains one of the most restrictive environments for sports betting in the United States. At present, there is no legal framework permitting the operation of sportsbooks, whether in physical locations or through online platforms. The state’s gambling laws prohibit both retail and online sports wagering, with only a few exceptions for specific charitable gaming activities and pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. Attempts to introduce sports betting legislation in the Texas Legislature have been made in recent years but have not yet passed.
Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, several Texas lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize sports betting. These efforts often propose allowing licensed operators, including casinos and professional sports franchises, to partner with sportsbook providers. However, each legislative session has faced strong political opposition and concerns regarding gambling expansion, resulting in stalled progress. The Texas Legislature meets biennially, meaning legislative opportunities to address sports betting are limited to every two years, further slowing reform efforts.
Texas hosts several major professional sports franchises, including teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. Many of these organizations have expressed public support for regulated sports betting, citing potential revenue for the state and increased fan engagement. Partnerships between Texas-based teams and national sportsbook brands exist in a marketing capacity but cannot extend to legal wagering within the state until laws are changed.
Residents of Texas seeking to place legal sports bets often travel to neighboring states where sports betting is permitted. For example, Louisiana and Arkansas have both legalized sports wagering, offering in-person and, in some cases, online betting options. This cross-border activity highlights the demand for sports betting among Texans and represents a loss of potential tax revenue for the state.
For sportsbooks to operate legally in Texas, the state constitution would likely require amendment. This process involves approval by a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers and subsequent ratification by voters in a statewide election. Proposals for legalization typically include regulatory oversight, licensing fees, tax rates, and responsible gambling provisions. Public opinion polls indicate growing support for sports betting legalization, but legislative action remains uncertain due to political and ideological divisions.
Sportsbooks are currently illegal in Texas, with both online and retail betting prohibited under state law. While there is increasing public and professional sports industry support for legalization, legislative efforts have repeatedly stalled. Any future legalization would require constitutional amendments, significant political consensus, and voter approval before sportsbooks could operate in the state.