Online sports betting in Texas
We guide you with the latest news & updates regarding Texas sports betting.
Expected betting sites in Texas
- FanDuel Texas: Best for Daily Fantasy Sports
- BetRivers Texas: Best for mobile betting
- Caesars Texas: Best for bonuses & rewards
- BetMGM Texas: Best for MLB betting
FanDuel Texas
The FanDuel sportsbook first established itself in the US in September 2018. Since then, it has continued to launch online in several states. Today, it’s available on mobile apps that accommodate Android and Apple users. It’s also accessible on a desktop through its web-based betting site.
Its appealing and impressive platform offers generous welcome bonuses, a friendly user experience, exceptional customer service, and popular deposit and withdrawal options with a robust menu of various sports wagering options.
Once sports betting goes live in Texas, FanDuel will most likely be one of the operators that enter the state.
| 📋 Betting site: | FanDuel Texas |
|---|---|
| 🏅 Expected Bonus: | $1250 in Risk Free Bet |
| 🤝 Retail location in TX: | None |
| 📱 Allows mobile betting: | Yes |
| 📅 Live in Texas: | No |
| 📋 Betting site: | BetRivers Texas |
|---|---|
| 🏅 Expected Bonus Bonus: | Up To $600 Free Bet |
| 🤝 Retail location in TX: | None |
| 📱 Allows mobile betting: | Yes |
| 📅 Live in Texas: | No |
BetRivers Texas
BetRivers is known for offering a large selection of different sports to wager on. Texas players will be able to access better-than-average betting options in the domestic and international markets.
Usually, you’ll find around 20 sports to wager on at any given time. Among these, you’ll find the most popular options like UFC/MMA, baseball, football, basketball, and motorsports, as well as a great selection of less popular sports.
You’ll also find various betting options, bet types, and contests. The betting site offers a simple and user-friendly interface on its web browser and mobile app.
Caesars Texas
One of the largest betting brands in the US is Caesars. Whether using its web browser platform or betting app, you’ll have a user-friendly experience thanks to its clean design and modern features.
The operator offers competitive odds and a variety of wager types for all the popular sports available in North America. It also offers many international leagues. Bettors will find a vast selection of sports which includes tennis, baseball, soccer, basketball, football, and many more.
We expect Caesars to go live in Texas once sports betting is legalized.
| 📋 Betting site: | Caesars Texas |
|---|---|
| 🏅 Expected Bonus: | Bet $20 Get $300 |
| 🤝 Retail location in TX: | None |
| 📱 Allows mobile betting: | Yes |
| 📅 Live in Texas: | No |
| 📋 Betting site: | BetMGM Texas |
|---|---|
| 🏅 Expected Bonus: | $1000 Risk-free Bet |
| 🤝 Retail location in TX: | None |
| 📱 Allows mobile betting: | Yes |
| 📅 Live in Texas: | No |
BetMGM Texas
Another top betting site we expect to launch in Texas is BetMGM. Whether wagering on a web-based platform or betting app, this betting site brings you closer to your favorite sports with real-time betting odds, various betting formats, and enhanced offers.
Players also have the option to take advantage of in-game betting and other types of live wagering options.
BetMGM is an official partner of the MLB so it will most likely run special promotions when local teams like Houston Astros are playing.
Is online sports betting legal in Texas?
No, online sports betting is not legal in Texas. This comes after several failed attempts to legalize sports wagering in the state. However, 2021 saw sports betting undergo serious consideration. During this time, serveral bills were set to help create a legal sportsbook market. Unfortunately, these attempts proved to be unsuccessful.
However, there is a chance that it will become legal soon, as there is a legislative period in 2023 where new bills are probably going to be brought. There is the expectation that sports betting in Texas will become one of the most lucrative markets in the US if this finally happens.
Popular sports to bet on in Texas
Presently, Texas has 11 professional sports teams, including a National Women’s Soccer League team, three NBA teams, one WNBA team, two NFL teams, two MLS teams, and two MLB teams. These are the sports that Texans most likely will place their wagers on once legal:
Football
Baseball
Basketball
Hockey
Bonuses & promotions on TX betting sites
Like other states in the US, Texas sportsbooks will offer various bonuses and promotions for bettors to enjoy. These are common welcome bonuses players will likely find on betting sites in Texas:
Creating an account on Texas betting sites
The process will be straightforward when creating an account on a Texas betting site. All you need to is choose your preferred operator and make sure you have a valid email adress. Here are the steps you will need to follow:
- Visit a Texas betting app and click ‘Register’ or ‘Join Now’. Here, you will have to input your personal information together with a valid email address and a phone number. In most cases, you will just have to verify your email. Sometimes the betting site will also send you an SMS with a code you have to input in order to verify your phone number.
- Make a real money deposit. The betting operator will present you with a list of payment methods on the deposit page. You can use these to initiate the deposit. Choose a payment option that best suits you. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rest of the process.
- Start betting. Once your deposit is confirmed, you will see an update on your account balance. To start placing your bets, navigate to the library of available sports and start placing your first wagers.
History of sports betting in Texas
The first attempt by Texas in legalizing sports gambling was in 2021. This is more than 2 years after the United States lifted the ban states. The attempt was put forward by legalization campaigns and concerned parties. In March 2021, lawmakers prepared relevant bills, but they failed to gather enough support. The process is now on hold until 2023.
The state of Texas first banned gambling in the early 1900s. Many politicians and the in-state culture have discouraged gambling as a moral vice for generations. Governor Greg Abbott and a high percentage of the Republican-controlled legislature continue to fight against gambling despite the vast investment into New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
However, the public attitude now seems to be on the side of gambling in Texas. While the Lone Star State is the country’s second-most populated state, it’s also growing at one of the fastest rates. This has brought a cultural and demographic shift, which could mean flipping years of conservative dominance.
Despite no legalized sports betting, Texans are still gambling — often online and from the comfort of their homes. This has led to the rise of unregulated offshore betting sites targeting Texans. If legalized, the state has the potential to become an important location in the impending nationwide U.S. sports betting market.
FAQ
When will online sports betting become legal in Texas?
Legalizing sports betting won't likely happen in Texas any time before 2023. This is because the legislature only comes together during odd-numbered years. Therefore, the failed attempt to legalize sports betting in 2021 means that residents will have to wait another two years.
Is it safe to use offshore betting sites in Texas?
Using offshore betting sites targeting users from Texas is not recommended. These websites are operating in a grey zone of US gambling laws and are not overseen by any authority in Texas.
Who will oversee Texas sports betting?
It is most likely that the Texas Lottery will oversee sports betting in the state. However, it is not impossible that a new gambling entity will be formed if wagering becomes legal.