Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Home to 29 million people and some of the biggest franchises in American sports, the Lone Star State has the potential to become a major player in the US sports betting industry. Unfortunately, Texas sports betting fans will have to wait until 2025 at the earliest, with a few different sports betting bills under consideration but no clear timeline for legalization.

Texas Sports Betting Overview

What Is the Current Sports Betting Landscape in Texas?

Sports betting is currently not legal in Texas. Thanks in part to its conservative values, it’s taking a while for support for sports betting to get off the ground in the state. The first sports betting bills landed in the legislature back in 2019, backed by Democratic Rep. Eddie Lucio III. Republican lawmakers opposed the idea, led by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Further sports betting bills in 2021 also failed to make progress.

However, things have changed over the years and there may be light at the end of the tunnel for sports fans in Texas. Leading US sportsbooks and Texas sports teams like the Cowboys, Astros, and San Antonio Spurs have joined forces to throw their weight behind the push for legalization. A poll conducted during the 2021 legislative session found that 43% of Texans were in favor of legal sports betting in the state, with just 26% opposed to legalization.

While Republicans continue to hold small majorities in both the Senate and the House, the tide is arguably turning in terms of the dominance of conservative politics in the state. Texas Governor Greg Abbot previously opposed sports betting, but has shown signs of changing his attitude more recently. "It's really just a form of entertainment,” he said in a 2023 interview with USA Today, “and so it depends on how it's constructed.”

The Texas legislature meets every two years, with the most recent session in 2023 closing with no vote on sports betting bills. That means that 2025 is the earliest that Texas lawmakers can return to the issue, which will likely be high on the agenda.

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in Texas?

It’s hard to predict with certainty. 2025 is the earliest that sports betting could be legalized in Texas, so theoretically, the industry could launch later that year. The tide of public opinion, pro-sports teams, and lawmakers all appear to be moving in the same direction, which is positive. However, there is still a long way to go and nothing is set in stone.

Texas Sports Betting Updates

Check out the timeline below for how we got to this point with the push for legal Texas online sports betting:

• May 29, 2023 - The 2023 legislative session closes, meaning Texas will have to wait until at least 2025 for legal sports betting.

• May 13, 2023 - Gov. Dan Patrick announces he will not call HB 1942 to the Senate floor.

• April 2023 - HB 1942 passes the House State Affairs Committee. Representatives from all the major league teams in Texas announce support for the bill in a push to get it over the line before the session closes.

• February 2023 - As the legislative session opens, up to four additional sports betting bills are filed by Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Jeff Leach

• Nov. 17, 2022 - A sports betting and casino bill, SRJ 17, is prefilled ahead of the 2023 legislative session by Senator Carol Alvarado.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in Texas?

It remains to be seen if legal sports betting lands in Texas, but we can speculate about which online sportsbooks will likely launch in the Lone Star State if it does. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, a partnership between out detail on FanDuel you can check out our detailed review and Texas sports teams in favor of legal sports betting, includes all of the sportsbooks below.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app 

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the US in terms of revenue, and it’s not hard to see why. If you want a top-class sportsbook that ticks all the boxes, FanDuel is a great choice.

Starting with the basics, FanDuel’s software is exceptional on both desktop and mobile. It’s extremely easy to navigate around the site, browse through the different markets and place your bets. FanDuel’s mobile app is one of the best in the country for this very reason, and betting on your phone feels slick and sophisticated.

Deposits and withdrawals are very simple, and FanDuel even supports cashouts as quick as one hour when you use PayPal. Promotions and bonuses are another strong point. There will always be a welcome offer available for new players, and FanDuel also excels in its range of on-running promotions, which change all the time depending on what’s happening in the world of sports.

Pros

• Lots of on-running promos

• Most popular US sportsbook

• Best app in the country

Cons

• Loyalty program isn’t amazing

• No phone support

To check out the latest welcome bonus available in legal states and for more detail on FanDuel, you can check out our detailed review.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform 

DraftKings is one of the biggest names in US online gambling, with tons of interesting features and extras beyond the sportsbook. If you want the most complete experience, go with DraftKings.

DraftKings has an incredibly deep and varied range of bets available, regularly including markets you won’t find anywhere else in the US. There’s a lot going on on the platform, but it’s testament to the design work that it never really feels confusing or overcrowded. Instead, the sportsbook is fun and agile in everything from live betting to building parlays. DraftKings is also great at providing betting guides and explanations for how different types of markets work, which is a nice touch for newer bettors.

Outside of the sportsbook, DraftKings has its fingers in many pies. There’s the DFS platform (available right now in Texas), special Pick 6 contests, a social network to interact with other users, DraftKings Dynasty Rewards, and more.

Pros

• Low deposit limit of just $5

• Excellent mobile app

• Super versatile platform

Cons

• No live streaming 

• Live chat is automated

Head over to our in-depth DraftKIngs review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM

Best for: Rewards Club

BetMGM sportsbook is closely tied to MGM Resorts, one of the biggest luxury casino names in the world. If you’re interested in both sports betting and casino games, BetMGM is the obvious choice.

The BetMGM sportsbook is very impressive. It has a huge range of sports and betting markets and regularly has ultra-specific prop bets for teams and players that you won’t find at any other site in the US. The user experience is great overall. There are lots of ways to do banking, and the Help & Customer Care section is detailed. They also provide tools for responsible gambling, like Time-Outs.

My real highlight for BetMGM is undoubtedly MGM Rewards, which is the loyalty program that every member gets access to when they sign up. Every time they gamble real money online or spend money at any in-person MGM Resort, they’ll earn points in the reward program, which unlock different bonuses and benefits. You can get discounts on stays, restaurant vouchers, and tickets to exclusive events. If you ever make the trip to any in-person MGM casinos, it’s an absolute no-brainer.

Pros:

• Excellent variety of bets

• Best loyalty program out there

• Discounts at MGM resorts

Cons:

• On-running promos could be better

• Betting history stats could be improved

Check out our full BetMGM review for more details.

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets - Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

4. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Withdrawal Process

Fanatics made its long awaited entrance into the world of sports betting in Jan. 2023. If you’re looking for mobile only sportsbook, than you should defently check out Fanatics.

Fanatics is a mobile only sportsbook, which has its pros and cons. The majority of people do their betting using their cell phones these days anyway, so it won’t matter to them. Plus, the mobile app is really impressive on both iOS and Android. At the same time, call me an old traditionalist but I like having the option of a desktop site too.

Fanatics has some unique features that really help it stand out from the competition. Live betting is a real joy, with both statistical updates and live streamable content appearing right on the app while you bet. You can also cash out your bets early, which is a nice live touch. I love the withdrawal tracker, which keeps you updated on the status of your withdrawal while you wait for it to be approved and then paid out. Anyone who has ever been waiting for their money to hit their account with no end in sight knows how frustrating it can be, and this tool addresses that.

Pros:

• Lots of bets and sports

• Promo tie-ins with Fanatics merch

• Customer-first withdrawal process

Cons:

• No desktop site

• Fewer payment methods accepted

Check out our detailed Fanatics review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $200 in Fan Cash

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 3.7/5 (Android)

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: Crossover Content With ESPN

ESPN Bet might have been the most eagerly anticipated sports betting platform ever when it rolled out at the end of 2023. If you’re a die-hard sports and sports journalism fan, this is the platform for you.

Although perhaps not the most visually striking software, ESPN bet is a users’ dream. It’s kept things simple, with a mostly black and white palette with splashes of green, which does a great job of organizing a site jam packed with features and bets. The featured bets and selected odds boosts that appear while you browse are a great touch, and placing bets on the virtual betslip is very easy. 

ESPN does a great job of leveraging its existing connections in the industry to add some extra touches to the betting experience, like the addition of live streaming of sports content. ESPN Bet customers also get access to the PENN Play program, which includes tie-in benefits at in-person Penn Resorts. 

Pros:

• Trusted brand

• Daily odds boost for selected bets

• Live streaming

Cons:

• Desktop site is aesthetically a little dull

• Can’t access the desktop site via mobile

Head over to our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Make Any Sportsbook Bet, Get $100

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

Nearby Betting States

Texas is bordered by two states with legal online sports betting in Arkansas and Louisiana, as well as New Mexico which allows in-person wagering at tribal casinos. Although legal sports betting is yet to arrive, Texans don’t have far to go if they want to place a bet.

Legal retail sports betting arrived in Arkansas in July 2019, with online betting following in March 2022. The industry in Arkansas is on the smaller side, with just three online sportsbooks up and running in the state and the legislation allowing for a maximum of six. What's more, the online books in Arkansas are all local options (Betly, BetSaracen and Oaklawn Sports), rather than the larger multi-state books like FanDuel and DraftKings. 

Louisiana sports betting laws are a little complicated. The laws are regionalized so that 55 parishes only are allowed to offer legal sports betting. There are eight sportsbooks available in those parishes, including the likes of DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM. Obviously it depends on your location and how convenient it is to travel, but I would say the best option currently available for Texas sports betting fans is to cross the border and sign up with a Louisiana sportsbook, along with one of their juicy welcome bonuses. Check out our Louisiana state page for more details on how you can do that.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in Texas?

If legal sports betting does finally land in Texas, we expect it will cater to a wide range of sports fans.

NFL Betting

The NFL is the most popular sport in the US, with sportsbooks across the country exploding during the season and postseason from September to February. The Super Bowl is the most bet on event in the country, and typically inspires a huge range of betting markets, right down to novelty props like the color of the Gatorade that gets poured over the winning coach. Texas is home to both the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys, who would both attract massive interest at sportsbooks in the state. Find out more on our NFL promotions page.

NBA Betting

The NBA is also big at US sportsbooks and would attract a lot of people to Texas sportsbooks. There are three NBA teams in the state: the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks. There are also the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. US sportsbooks typically come up with all kinds of NBA bonuses and promos throughout the regular season and, in particular, the postseason. Check out our NBA promotions page for more details.

MLB Betting

The MLB provides a lot of betting opportunities in the US, with a near constant flow of games during the season from around April to October. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros both have lots of fans in the state, particularly after the Rangers 2023 World Series triumph. You’ll find offers like MLB parlay boosts or enhanced odds at most sportsbooks during the season. Read more in our MLB promotions section.

NHL Betting

The desert heat might seem like an unlikely place for hockey fans, but the NHL has a healthy following in Texas thanks to the Dallas Stars. The Stanley Cup is one of the most bet on events in the country and is a huge futures market at the start of every NHL season. Check out our NHL promotions page for more information and the latest offers.

UFC Betting

The UFC is one of the fastest growing sports in the US and has attracted massive interest at American sportsbooks since legal sports betting began to spread out in the country. Check out our UFC guide for the latest tips, promotions, and a detailed guide on how to bet on the sport. Since you can't bet from Texas yet, that won't stop you from checking out a breakdown of UFC weight classes.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in Texas?

If sports betting is legalized in Texas, it will likely include all the most popular betting markets from other top sports betting states. Here’s what you can expect:

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is a straight bet on which side will win an individual game or event. Each side receives odds depending on how likely they are to win, which determines the payout of the bet. Here’s how it might look:

• San Antonio Spurs +275

• Miami Heat -350

With an understanding of moneyline odds, it’s helpful to think in terms of $100. The team with negative odds is the favorite. Here, you would need to bet $350 on Miami in order to win $100, for a payout of $450. San Antonio are the underdogs, and a $100 bet would win $275 for a return of $375.

Point Spreads

Betting on the spread is a bet on the margin of victory in a game. The sportsbook sets a line of points to make up for the difference in quality between the teams, almost like a headstart for the underdog. To win your bet, your chosen team needs to win the game, taking into account the spread of points, or “cover” the spread.

Here’s how it can look:

• San Antonio Spurs (+8.5) -110

• Miami Heat (-8.5) -110

Here, to win a bet on Miami, they would need to win by 9 points or more. To win a bet on San Antonio, they just need to avoid losing by 9 points or more. Even a 7 or 8 point loss would be enough to win the bet. The odds for point spread bets are normally around -110 for both sides.

Totals

This type of bet is about the total number of points scored in a game. The outcome of the game doesn't matter for this bet. The sportsbook sets a line, and you can choose to bet over or under that number, this is why they are also known as over and under bets. Here's an example of how it works:

San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat 

• Over (223.5) -110

• Under (223.5) -110

Again, the odds are usually around -110 for both sides.

Prop Bets

Props are bets on things that happen in a game, especially how players or teams perform in certain statistical categories. Popular prop bets include passing yards for a quarterback in the NFL, layups in the NBA or yellow or red cards in soccer. It’s a way to bet on how you think a game will go without worrying about picking the winners and losers.

You can also find more novelty prop bets, like the result of the coin toss or the color of the Gatorade in the Super Bowl.

Futures

Futures are bets where the outcome is a long way in the future, normally the result of a competition or tournament like the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup. Futures often have pretty good odds, since there are a lot of variables in play before they are settled. Many people like to place futures at the start of a season or tournament, but they are available as long as the competition is undecided, including mid-season and during the playoffs.

Parlays

A parlay is a combination bet. You add multiple selections to the same betslip and to win, all your bets must be correct. If just one fails, you lose the whole bet. The odds are multiplied together, so you can get some pretty juicy payouts. A Same Game Parlay is a popular way to bet where you combine different prop bets from a single game.

Live Betting

Live betting involves betting on games as they happen, in real time. The odds are changing all the time according to how the game is going. Most US sportsbooks provide real time updates and stats from the game in their live betting sections, and some stream games live.

Expected Betting Restrictions in Texas?

We are still too far off to know exactly what legal sports betting will look like in Texas. Below are some common restrictions in other states that Texas may or may not adopt:

• Betting on politics.

• Betting on entertainment events like the Golden Globes.

• Betting on high school sports.

• Betting on eGaming.

• Using credit cards to fund your account.

Betting on college sports varies a lot state by state. Some states allow unlimited betting on NCAA events. Some allow NCAA betting except for in-state teams or events taking place in the state. Some exclude prop bets on NCAA players. Sometimes, college betting is outlawed altogether.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Texas?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in Texas, following a 2019 vote in the House. Texans can choose between a range of DFS sites, including the biggest operators in the US:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Private Games

DraftKings and FanDuel are by far the two biggest names in DFS, and since 2018, they have come to dominate the sports betting industry too. DraftKings has an incredible range of DFS games that really showcase how far the DFS world has come in just over a decade in the US. The ability to design and tweak your own private contests for you and your friends is one area in which DraftKings really excels, splitting the difference between a DFS platform and a social media site. The DraftKings DFS app is really excellent too, boasting an almost perfect 4.9/5 on the App Store.

Claim your DraftKings DFS Bonus

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners and Free Play Games

FanDuel ticks a lot of the same boxes as DraftKings, with a huge range of different types of contests from dozens of different sports. FanDuel has the edge for brand new players, thanks to its special contests for beginners only and its wide range of free play games, which can still win real cash prizes. It’s a great way to learn the ropes and ease yourself into the world of DFS before graduating to some of the more complex public contests.

Grab FanDuel's 100% deposit match.

3. Owners Box DFS

Best For: Simplified Option

Owners Box has perhaps wisely not tried to go up against DraftKings and FanDuel in terms of the variety of contests and has instead carved out its own niche with its SuperFlex and Lightning Lineups formats. The contests typically take place over a week or an entire round of matches, rather than the more granular contests on other DFS sites. With some fun elements that almost feel like a slot machine, Lightning Lineups lets you build your roster based on suggestions from the site, with the ability to lock in players or randomly spin for new additions. When you’re done, you enter the contest and watch to see how many points your roster scores. It’s available for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

Don't miss out on OwnersBox promo offer.

4. Sleeper DFS

Best for: Football and Basketball Fans 

Explore a wide range of DFS play options at Sleeper in Texas, with special emphasis on Fantasy Football and Basketball. The platform includes unique desktop and mobile gaming features suitable for every player. The in-app chat is a player favorite, offering a simple way to chat with friends, talk trash, or send gifts during contests. Sleeper offers how-to-play tutorials to help beginners get started with DFS. The platform is easy to use and includes Fantasy League of Legends if you want to explore additional pick options with video gaming elements. Quickly start today, making picks with a new player account at Sleeper.

Start wagering on DFS with Sleepers

Social Sportsbook in Texas

While we wait for 2025 to see if sports betting landscape will change in Texas, social sportsbooks are already available. If you never tried sports betting this is a great way to get a taste of real thing without depositing any money.

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

Is Fliff available in Texas? Yes, Fliff is available in Texas and is a great alternative while we wait for real money gambling sites to arrive in the state.

Fluff is a social sportsbook site. It lets you play prediction games involving real sports for free, with no requirement to pay money to enter. The experience combines elements of social media and online community sharing with classic sports betting. You enter the contests using different types of virtual currency, known as Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash, the latter of which can be redeemed for real cash prizes when you win. Although it’s not a requirement, Fliff does allow you to purchase additional coins if you run out of your free supply, which is how the company makes money. When you sign up for Flifl Social Sportsbook, you can get 600,000 Fliff Coins + $100 Fliff Cash on Purchase.

Check out our full Fliff review for more details on how it works.

Claim your Fliff promo.

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

For a unique twist on sports betting and sweepstakes gaming, choose Sportzino for your gaming needs. The platform includes sports picks with Gold and Sweeps Coins, with over 30 available markets. Easily scroll through the site and make picks for ice hockey games, esports, golf, basketball, football, and more. The site also includes live games, so you can place picks as the action happens. Switch to the casino platform and play from various quality slot games. If you are wondering if Sporzino is legal in Texas, the answer is yes

New players receive a welcome bonus, plus access to promotions for sports picks and casino games. Gold and Sweeps Coins are added upon signup with the no-purchase necessary format of the sweepstakes gaming site. Their current welcome bonus will give you Get 220,000 GC + 10 FREE Sweeps Coins.

You can find more info about Sportzino in our detailed review.

Grab your Sportzino welcome offer.

Sports Teams in Texas

Texas is sports mad and home to some of the biggest and most iconic franchises in the world.

• Dallas Cowboys - Known as America’s Team, they don't come much more iconic in US sports than the Cowboys and that blue star on their shirts. They have five Super Bowl victories from eight appearances. In 2018, the Cowboys were valued at $5 billion, making them the most valuable sports team in the world, according to Forbes.

• Dallas Mavericks - The Mavericks were founded back in 1980 and had one NBA Championship victory back in 2011, led by the legendary Dirk Nowitzki. These days, it’s all about Luca Doncic in Dallas.

• Dallas Stars - The Stars arrived in Texas in 1993, having previously represented Minnesota since they were founded in 1967. They won the Stanley Cup in 1999.

• Houston Astros - The Astros have enjoyed the most successful period in their history in recent years, with three straight AL West Division titles from 2021 to 2023 and two World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.

• Houston Rockets - The Rockets have won four Western Conference titles in their history, along with two NBA championships, which came in their mid 90’s heyday. The Rockets have arguably underachieved since then, despite superstars like Charles Barkley and James Harden.

• Houston Texans - The Texans are the only big four franchises in the state without a championship and are one of just four NFL franchises to never appear in a Super Bowl. They did win the AFC South as recently as 2023, however.

• San Antonio Spurs - San Antonio have the highest win percentage in the history of the NBA, with .603. They have five Championships, six Conference titles and 22 Divisional titles.

• Texas Rangers - The Rangers are the most recent team to win a championship, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games to win the World Series in 2023. 

Why You Should Trust Us

The team at WSN is made up of real sports betting fans with a genuine interest in how the industry works in the US. If we weren't being paid to use these sites, we’d be using them anyway. Everything that gets written on our site comes from first hand experience and engagement, from the reviews of the platforms to the bonuses and promotions. We create a specialized process we adhere to when reviewing and updating our articles.

We want to help our readers make the best choices. If we find something we love, we want to share it with them so they can enjoy it too. Equally, if we think something is wrong or a sportsbook could be improved, we call it out in plain language so they know what to expect. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Texas

Even though sports betting is not yet legal in Texas, there are still organizations in the state ready to help anyone who is struggling with their gambling. These organizations also provide invaluable support for friends or family of problem gamblers, and for anyone just looking for more information about responsible gambling. 

Here’s who you can contact:

• The Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling has a helpline that lets you talk with a trained counselor at 972-490-1007.

• National Council on Problem Gambling provides support across the US, including a live chat service on the website. You can also call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.

• Gamblers Anonymous is available in every state in the US.

Additionally, if legal sports betting does arrive in Texas, we expect it will come with some robust responsible gambling practices written into the legislation, along with new responsible gambling services to support the new industry.