Legal Status of Sports Betting in Texas
In the State of Texas, sports betting is highly restricted under current legislation. As of now, there are no state-licensed online or retail sportsbooks legally operating within Texas. Sports wagering, whether conducted online or in-person, remains prohibited except for specific cases authorized under tribal gaming laws. Attempts to pass legislation to legalize sports betting have been introduced in the Texas Legislature in recent years; however, these proposals have yet to be enacted.
Tribal Gaming Operations
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), certain Native American tribes in Texas are permitted to operate gaming facilities. The main tribal gaming operation is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, which offers Class II gaming, such as electronic bingo and pull-tab machines, but does not provide traditional sportsbook services. Therefore, even within these tribal establishments, conventional sports betting lines and markets are not available under Texas law.
Daily Fantasy Sports as an Alternative
While traditional sports betting is illegal, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, continue to operate in Texas. The legal standing of DFS in the state is contested; however, these platforms remain accessible to residents and allow entry into fantasy sports contests, which are not classified in the same manner as standard sports wagers.
Offshore and Out-of-State Sportsbooks
Some residents of Texas choose to use offshore sportsbooks, which are not regulated by the Texas authorities or U.S. federal law. While these platforms may offer betting services to Texans, they carry legal and financial risks due to the absence of domestic regulatory oversight. Additionally, traveling to nearby states where sports betting is legal, such as Louisiana or New Mexico, is a lawful option for placing in-person wagers.
Recent Legislative Developments
There have been multiple bills proposed in the Texas House and Senate to legalize online and retail sports betting, particularly with the potential involvement of professional sports franchises and established casino operators. Despite strong lobbying efforts, opposition from certain political groups and state leadership has delayed progress. The earliest possible reconsideration of legalization is expected in a future legislative session.
Summary
Sports betting in Texas remains illegal under state law, with no licensed sportsbooks operating in-person or online. The only widely accessible alternative is Daily Fantasy Sports, though its legal classification is debated. Residents seeking regulated sportsbook access must travel to nearby states where it is permitted, or risk unregulated offshore platforms.
