Texas online gambling

Is online gambling legal in Texas?

No, online gambling is not legal in Texas. The state has failed to pass online betting laws covering casinos and sports betting, and it will be at least 2025 before those topics are up for discussion again.

Two bills advanced out of the state House during the 2023 session but the bills were dead on arrival and did not gain any traction in the Senate.

However, despite the lack of online gambling legislation, participating in daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests on sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo are still permitted. Social casinos where players do not need to deposit any real money to play are also allowed.

Best Texas gambling sites

Once online gambling is fully allowed in Texas, we expect these operators to be among the best TX gambling sites to launch on Day One, listed alphabetically:

How to create an account for online gambling in TX

Creating a betting account on a Texas online gambling site will be very easy once the state launches betting operations. Many platforms have simple and straightforward procedures when it comes to signing up. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Visit a Texas gambling site and input your information

On the website's homepage or in their app, look for the “Register” button and click on it. Some online sportsbooks may have a “Create Account”, “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button instead.

After that, you will be asked to provide your personal information, including your legal first and last name, residential address, email address, date of birth, phone number, and Social Security number.

Once that information is entered, you’ll be asked to verify that you are of legal betting age, that you agree to the terms and conditions of service and privacy policy, and that your profession does not prohibit you from online gambling.

2. Make a deposit using your preferred payment method

With your account created, you can make your first deposit. Sign in and navigate to the cashier or banker page of the betting website or app. Look specifically for the deposit button and click on it.

From there, the screen will display a list of payment methods that the platform accepts for deposits. Scroll down the list and if you find your favorite payment method, select it. Then, enter the amount of cash you would like to transfer to your betting account and authorize the transaction. After your deposit has been processed, the money will be available in your account almost immediately.

Keep in mind that the processing time frames will vary from one payment method to another. While electronic wallets are mostly instant, bank transfers may take up to 5 business days.

3. Start gambling online

With your account successfully created and your bankroll ready to use, you can now start gambling. Check out the available sports and games on the site and choose your favorite option. Then, choose the bet type, place your wagers, and wait for the outcome.

Always gamble responsibly and bet within your means.

Common gambling bonuses & promos

Leading up to the launch of online gambling in the state, Texas bettors will be able to take advantage of generous Texas gambling promos and bonus offers. The value of the bonus, the terms and conditions, and the minimum requirements will change from operator to operator.

Take some time to read up on the specifics before signing up and placing a wager. For your convenience, BettingTX.com will always have the most recent offerings listed on this site.

Though there may be a few other options not on this list, the promotions described below will cover the vast majority of betting offers. Here are some of the common gambling bonuses and promos you’ll be able to find.

Sign up bonus

The bonus is available upon the creation of a new betting account at an online sportsbook or casino. Gambling operators in Texas will normally offer it as a way of attracting new customers to their platforms. Sign-up bonuses can take a variety of forms but usually involve awarding bet credit to the player in some capacity.

One of the most common options is a second chance bet, where players receive bet credit in the amount of their first stake if their initial wager doesn’t win. Another option is a deposit match, where players receive betting credits in proportion to the amount of funds they put in their account (usually a 100% match, but the amount could vary). Finally, bonus bets/free spins (more on these below) are common promos where a player can participate in a game or wager on an event without the same financial risk that would otherwise be required.

Matched deposit bonus

Usually, matched deposit bonuses are among the most lucrative deals in the U.S. gambling market. They involve a gambling operator matching the first deposit you make by a certain percentage. While this percentage is usually 100%, some gambling platforms will offer matched deposit offers of up to 500%, up to a certain dollar amount.

Many online sportsbook platforms will award matched bonuses to new bettors, though some will also give them out to existing customers (this happens far less frequently but still pops up periodically).

No deposit bonus

A no deposit bonus is the rarest option on this list, but it can be a great benefit to players. Unlike the matched deposit version listed above, a no-deposit bonus doesn’t require funding your account. Simply opting in or using a promo code will award the credit. There is often a playthrough requirement before you’ll be able to access your funds/winnings, so check the conditions carefully on this one.

Bonus bets/Free spins

Bonus bets and free spins will be offered by Texas betting platforms. Bonus bets are bet credits with a predetermined value increment, while free spins allow you to play online slots without requiring you to use funds from your bankroll.

Second chance bets

Another great online gambling reward that will be available at Texas sportsbooks is the second chance bet promo. Second chance bets award bet credit equivalent to your initial wager if that first bet doesn’t win.

Providers of the best gambling software in TX

Online gambling operators in Texas usually collaborate with different software providers. These software companies are responsible for powering the various games found on betting sites. When looking for a gambling operator, always ensure you’re choosing one that uses a multitude of software providers. This way, you'll be able to choose from many gaming options and find something you’re sure to enjoy.

While there is an abundance of software companies in the space, there are some that stand out from the crowd. These brands are popular among players for their top-quality games, which come with vivid graphics and an array of exciting bonus features. Let us look at some of the best providers of gambling software in Texas.

Taxes on online gambling winnings in Texas

Gambling operators will send you a tax form if you meet certain thresholds for betting winnings. You will receive a W-2G tax form if you win:

For sports betting, all net winnings must be claimed on Schedule 1 of Form 1040. This includes winnings that have not been reported with a W2-G.

How to report gambling taxes to the IRS in TX

Gambling winnings are taxable income and must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you live in Texas, you must report your gambling income and losses on your federal income tax return. To report your gambling income, you must file Form 1040 and attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040). Depending on the type of winning, you may also need to include a W-2G form.

Guidelines and good practices for gambling online in Texas

As with any form of gambling, it is important to take steps to ensure a safe and successful experience when gambling on the internet. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when engaging in online gambling:

Who regulates gambling in Texas?

There are multiple authorities that regulate gambling-related activities in Texas. While the National Indian Gaming Commission regulates tribal casinos, the Texas Racing Commission regulates wagering on horse and greyhound racing. There is also the Texas Lottery Commission that oversees lottery games and charitable bingo.

However, there has been a proposal to form the Texas Casino Commission, an umbrella body that will oversee all kinds of online gambling in the Lone Star State. Should Texas decide to launch such a commission or centralized oversight agency, that group would be spearheaded by the office of the Texas Attorney General.

Licensed gambling sites vs offshore sites in TX

Offshore gambling sites may seem like a fun way to play, especially in states where sports betting isn’t legal, but these sites can be dangerous. Your personal and financial information can be at risk, and if anything happens such as identity theft, fraud, or refusal to release your winnings, you’ll have no legal recourse because those operators fall outside of state and federal jurisdiction. They are not subject to the same standards and regulations as legally licensed sites, so those wanting to bet in TX would be wise to wait.

There are no state or federal laws that expressly prohibit betting at an offshore site, but with the risks described above, and with the laws in practice as a bit of a gray area, it is better to avoid an offshore operator altogether. Waiting for licensed gambling sites may not be the most “fun” option, but the discipline and patience required to do so will make you a better bettor in the long run.

Responsible gambling in Texas

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime for many people, but it is important to gamble responsibly in order to avoid addiction and financial difficulties. In Texas, there are several ways to gamble responsibly and minimize the risk of losing large amounts of money.

Firstly, it is important to set a budget for both your time and your money, then stick to that budget. By setting limits to how much time you spend at a betting site, you’ll be less likely to lose track of your time and bet more than you can afford to lose. Similarly, by limiting the amount you can deposit or play with, you’ll be less tempted to chase losses.

Secondly, it is important to choose your games wisely. Some games, such as slot machines, have a higher house edge and are more likely to result in losses. It is better to choose games that require some degree of skill, such as poker or blackjack, where you have a better chance of winning.

Thirdly, it is important to take breaks and not gamble when you are feeling an extreme degree of emotion (positive or negative) or if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These factors can impair your judgment and lead to impulsive and risky gambling behavior.

Finally, it is important to seek help if you think you or someone you know has a gambling problem. There are several resources available in Texas, such as Gamblers Anonymous and the Texas Lottery Commission, which can provide support and advice on how to gamble responsibly and overcome addiction.

By following these guidelines, Texans can enjoy gambling as a fun and entertaining pastime without putting themselves at risk of addiction or financial difficulties.

The history of online gambling in Texas

In Texas, the history of online gambling is an interesting one, with various legislative changes and legal battles shaping the landscape over the years. Here is a timeline of the history of online gambling in Texas: