Sports Betting Online in Texas: Legal Landscape and Betting Alternatives

Current Legal Status of Online Sports Betting in Texas

As of now, online sports betting remains illegal in the state of Texas. Despite growing interest and legislative proposals, the state has yet to legalize any form of online or mobile sports wagering. The Texas Constitution prohibits most forms of gambling, and sports betting falls under this restrictive umbrella. Any efforts to legalize sports betting would require both a constitutional amendment and enabling legislation—a complex and politically charged process.

Legislative Efforts and Political Climate

Several bills have been introduced in recent years aiming to legalize sports betting in Texas. Notably, House Bill 1942 and House Joint Resolution 102 in 2023 sought to authorize online sports betting via a constitutional amendment. These measures received support from professional sports teams and betting operators but ultimately failed to pass in the legislature.

The state’s political landscape continues to be a barrier to legalization. While there is some bipartisan support, opposition from influential lawmakers and religious groups has stalled progress. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have expressed skepticism, making immediate legislative action unlikely.

Tribal and Retail Sports Betting

There are currently no tribal casinos in Texas offering sports betting, either retail or online. The only forms of legal gambling in Texas include horse and greyhound racing (pari-mutuel), the state lottery, and a limited number of charitable bingo and raffles. Even physical casinos are largely outlawed in Texas, with the exception of a few Native American gaming operations under federal jurisdiction.

Offshore Betting Sites: A Risky Alternative

Because of the ban on licensed platforms, some Texans turn to offshore sportsbooks operating from jurisdictions like Curacao or Costa Rica. These include websites that accept bets from U.S. residents despite lacking local authorization. While accessible, these platforms operate in a legal gray area and pose risks such as:

Lack of consumer protection
Limited dispute resolution
Unreliable withdrawal processes
Potential violation of federal law

Engaging with these sites could also expose users to financial and identity theft risks.

Texas Teams and the Sports Betting Push

Professional sports teams in Texas—including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Astros—have been vocal advocates for regulated sports betting. They argue that legalization would drive fan engagement, generate tax revenue, and eliminate the black market. Several teams have already partnered with betting companies in anticipation of eventual legalization, offering promotional partnerships without active wagering features.

What Would Legal Sports Betting Look Like?

If Texas were to legalize online sports betting, it would likely follow models used in states like New York or Arizona. This could include:

Mobile apps for major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars
In-person registration at affiliated stadiums or casinos
Tax revenue allocated to education or infrastructure
Betting on professional and collegiate sports

Legalization could generate billions in handle and millions in annual tax revenue, making it an attractive option for future legislative sessions.

When Could Sports Betting Come to Texas?

The earliest possible date for legalization would be in 2025 or 2027, depending on when the legislature reconvenes and whether a constitutional amendment is placed on the ballot. A voter referendum would be required, and polling suggests that a majority of Texans support regulated sports betting.

However, unless the political leadership shifts its stance or public pressure intensifies significantly, a concrete timeline remains uncertain.

Conclusion

Online sports betting in Texas is currently illegal, but momentum is building among sports franchises, industry stakeholders, and the public to change that. Until lawmakers act, Texans eager to place legal bets must either travel to neighboring states like Louisiana or Colorado, or wait patiently for future legislative breakthroughs. The battle for sports betting in the Lone Star State continues, with high stakes for both freedom and regulation.