Legal Sports Betting in Texas Today

Texas sports betting

Are you looking for sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel or DraftKings? Or maybe you are looking for Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet or Fox Bet? That would be totally understandable given the sheer volume of advertising on TV. But, and yes, there is a but: those brands are not available in the biggest US states like Texas, California and Florida. What to do? Don’t panic. The list of brands above includes brands that are available in all big US states. We have tested them all and have accounts with them. Read reviews and find your new favorite sportsbook today!


Gambling in Texas is prohibited, meaning it is illegal for bettors to partake in online gambling in the state of Texas. While this is the case for Texas gambling laws, those that reside in the state can wager on sports betting via offshore sportsbook providers. There are many in the state that are pushing for the legalization of sports wagering in Texas casinos, but recent events have proven it’s unlikely to progress in the near future.

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As it stands, there is no sign of the law changing regarding Texas sports betting. However, there are changes taking place across the USA and with top NBA and NFL teams residing in the state of Texas, the public is increasingly demanding access to sports betting markets via mobile betting apps in Texas.

State Texas
Sports Betting Law Passed No ❌
Launch date N/A
Minimum Gambling Age 18
Online Sports Betting No ❌
Retail Sports Betting No ❌
Retail Casinos No ❌
Tribal Casinos Yes ✔️ (Three)
Daily Fantasy Sports Yes ✔️
Online Casinos No ❌
Horse racing Yes ✔️
Esports betting No ❌
Dog racing Yes ✔️

There are an array of great offshore sportsbook providers available to Texans, but the state misses out on a lot of money every year by allowing millions of dollars to go to offshore bookmakers. This is partly why we are seeing many states across the country pushing to change their respective gambling laws.

Top 5 Texas Online Sportsbooks

When coming up with this list of the top 5 sportsbooks in Texas, we look at many different features. The starting point is that it is legally available to bet on in Texas and is a secure site with a trusted reputation.

From there, we also ensure they have competitive Texas sports odds and great welcome bonuses. Plus, what’s a Texas sportsbook without markets for our favorite teams? The Houston Astros (MLB) and the Dallas Cowboys (NFL0 will have their rightful spot here with these sportsbooks.

Every Texas sports bettor needs a great place to place their wagers. Success becomes very difficult without a high-quality sportsbook also legally available in Texas.

That is why signing up at the right one is a key part of any winning strategy. However, each offers something different. So check out the list below and decide which one will be best for you!

SportsbookBonus ValueBonus CodeMobile AppLive StreamingCrypto DepositSign Up
Bovada logo50% up to $250BVD1000Bet Now
BetOnline logo50% up to $1,000N/ABet Now
BetUS logo125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,500JOIN125Bet Now
BetNow logo100% up to $1,000 in free betsN/ABet Now
xbet logo50% up to $500XBET50Bet Now

Bovada

Bovada online sports betting in US (1)

If you know anything about sports betting, you have probably at least heard of the name Bovada. It has the highest brand recognition in the Texas sports betting scene. No one doubts its position as a renowned sportsbook.

They have 30,000 daily sports betting markets, many of which are for Texan teams. But of course, Texan bettors are not only interested in betting on Texan teams. Bovada will have odds from around the world to satisfy all types of bettors.

Take a look at our Bovada review to learn more.

  • Full-service one-wallet wagering
  • First-rate customer service team
  • Excellent first-deposit bonus
  • 75 percent bonus match up to $750 for first crypto deposit
  • Limited promotions for existing customers
  • Fees for certain banking methods
  • Lacks multiple cryptocurrency withdrawal method
Bonus:
50% up to $250
Bet now

BetOnline

Betonline online sports betting in USA

BetOnline is a well-rounded sportsbook that is easily available throughout the state of Texas. While they are great across the board, they stand out for the high quality of their bonuses and promotions.

Their welcome bonus will give you a 50% match on your initial deposit. That means for every dollar you make in a qualifying deposit, they will give you 50 cents, too. This bonus is worth up to a grand. That is a great way to get started.

Get the full story with our BetOnline review.

  • Highly reputable North American sportsbook
  • First industry morning lines
  • Broad range of crypto deposit methods
  • 50 percent match up to $250 for initial deposit
  • Fees on credit card deposits
  • Fees on some payout methods
  • High rollover requirements on some bonuses
Bonus:
50% up to $1,000
Bet now

BetUS

Betus online sports betting in USA

BetUS has served the Texas sports betting market for over twenty years. Seeing how they have grown while maintaining the same freshness they have always had is incredible. Their welcome bonus is worth 125% and up to $3,125. Though, it should be noted, this bonus is split between the sportsbook (with a 10x rollover at 100% of your deposit) and their casino (25% of your initial deposit with a 30x rollover).

That is truly gigantic! And they do not stop there! Their reload bonuses are also quite hefty and will keep you betting and having fun for a long time. Texas gambling markets are particularly exciting, in part due to the success of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros in recent years.

Learn more with our comprehensive BetUS review.

  • Competitive sports betting lines
  • Top-tier mobile betting site
  • Range of bonuses and promotions
  • 125 percent bonus up to $3,125 on first deposit
  • Limited payout options. Some options have fees
  • Limited to major sports and leagues
  • Maximum bets might be low for some
Bonus:
125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,500
Bet now

BetNow

Betnow Online sportsbooks

BetNow is another great Texas sportsbook. We know Texans are some of the most die-hard sports fans out there, and this is one of the reasons BetNow is such a good choice. Their Reduced Juice program allows hardcore sports fans to register their favorite football and basketball teams with the sports betting account.

Texas sports betting markets are broad-reaching, given that the state boasts major sports teams in all the top US sports leagues. BetNow will give you improved odds on those games whenever you bet on your favorite team. So, if you love the Longhorns, you are in luck here!

Get the full story on our BetNow review page.

  • Industry-leading welcome bonus
  • Straightforward sign-up process
  • Excellent weekly horse-racing rebate
  • 200 percent match up to $200 for initial crypto deposit
  • Interface might look dated to some
  • Low value welcome bonuses
  • Limited number of specialty sports markets
Bonus:
100% up to $1,000 in free bets
Bet now

XBet

Xbet online sports betting in USA

Rounding out our list of the top 5 sportsbooks available in Texas is XBet. This sportsbook stands out for its wide range of payment options and unique betting markets. XBet is a great place to make deposits with Bitcoin.

They accept deposits and payouts with cryptocurrency, which tend to be processed at lightning speed. The minimum Bitcoin deposit here is $25. But online gambling in Texas is about much more than digital currency. With an array of successful sports teams in the state, check out the full range of sports betting lines available in Texas today!

Read our XBet review to learn more about this unique provider.

  • Most sports betting lines in the US
  • Live casino wagering
  • Excellent rewards program
  • 100 percent match up to $200 for first crypto deposit
  • Withdrawals only offered in Bitcoin or Bank Transfer
  • High minimum deposit for non-crypto methods
  • Maximum wagering limit of $10,000 per day
Bonus:
50% up to $500
Bet now

*Wait, the list doesn’t include DraftKings, FanDuel or BetMGM? Or BetRivers, PointsBet or Fox Bet? What’s up? It’s simple: Those sportsbooks are not yet available in all 50 states. Our top five Sportsbooks are available in more states, and because they don’t spend money on lobbying or TV commercials, they can offer higher odds and better bonuses. If the situation changes and those sports betting sites become available in Texas, we will review them ASAP.

How we review and choose these Texas betting sites

How we review the online sportsbooks

Casinos in Texas don’t allow sports betting. (Also: Casinos in Texas aren’t really casinos. They’re more like bingo halls or electronic gaming rooms.) But with Texas gambling law potentially changing in the future, it’s worth checking back with this page for the latest news. With teams like the Houston Texans and the Dallas Mavericks showing their worth in their respective leagues, there has never been a better time to get involved in Texas sports gambling.

For those bettors looking to partake in online sports betting through top-tier betting sites, they can do this by browsing through the various offshore bookmakers available in the US. But what aspects of sportsbooks should bettors be looking out for?

Our sports betting experts came together to make a list of the top five most important qualities to look for in trustworthy online sports betting sites.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

As of November 2024, sports betting remains illegal in Texas. Despite the Texas House passing a sports betting bill in 2023, it failed in the Senate, and the next opportunity for legalization will be in the 2025 legislative session.

Availability in Texas

This may seem obvious as a prerequisite for any bettor in the state. However, it is often overlooked and is something that we must highlight for new players. Texas has strict sports betting regulations, and they may have systems in place to block any access to offshore bookmakers. Make sure of this before deciding which sportsbooks to work with.

Level of security

When we review a sportsbook, security is one of our top priorities. We carefully assess the safety of users’ personal information, including credit card and banking details, to prevent theft and fraud. Another important factor is ensuring that the sportsbook is licensed and registered through a reputable entity.

Payment Method Options

Ensuring security and safety is one of our top priorities when it comes to payment options. We thoroughly review and test the encryption methods of each sportsbook payment method to guarantee the safety of user information. For sites that offer multiple deposit methods, we carefully vet each one to ensure the security of user information.

Mobile usability and Betting Apps

When it comes to sportsbooks, we know that mobile access is an important factor. We look at all sites on mobile and consider if they are not just user-friendly, but also designed with your needs in mind. We also consider whether the sites have standalone mobile apps or offer a mobile version of the desktop site. For each mobile site or app, we consider ease of use and how they differ from the user’s desktop experience, always ensuring the end user has no issues while using mobile sportsbook apps.

Sports Events available in the sportsbook

Most sportsbooks offer a wide range of major global sporting events and leagues. While some sportsbooks offer a limited selection of events, others provide a diverse and extensive range of sports.

One thing bettors want to do is to choose a sportsbook that best meets their specific needs. For newcomers to sports betting, opting for a more selective site with tailored offerings could be the best choice. On the other hand, seasoned bettors are likely to find great value in sportsbooks that offer a comprehensive array of options. When we review a sportsbook we look at all the sporting events it has available.

Competitive Odds

While almost all sportsbooks offer betting odds on major markets, the question should be whether the oddsmakers are providing customers with the best odds around. Many bookmakers are able to cover the bases when it comes to betting options, but it would be frustrating to wager on a particular event only to find you could have gotten better odds elsewhere. Stick with the major players and get the best odds for your favorite markets.

As an example, Bovada has been around for a long time and is a well-known and beloved sportsbook. So, they should rank among your best potential options.

Promotions and Bonuses

Anyone who is new to the sports betting scene may be unaware that online bookmakers are constantly in competition to try and draw in the most amount of bettors possible. In equal measures, it’s about retaining customers as well as attracting new ones. As such, sportsbooks provide regular bonuses and promotions for markets, as well as offering a huge initial incentive, or “Welcome Bonus”, which sets new players up with additional funds.

 

Quality Customer Support

Nearly all of the points we make in this post are related to the quality of the sportsbooks and odds themselves, as opposed to the service alongside them. We must emphasize the importance of quality customer service. When your money is at stake, it’s important that you have a trustworthy and reliable oddsmaker to help you if anything were to go wrong. Look out for various customer service options such as email/phone contact, live chat, community forums, and FAQs.

WagerWeb is a great example of this. They are always among the first to update their odds and really set the industry’s tone.

Reputation

This is another non-sportsbook-related quality. Think about the bigger picture. Not only do you want quality service in the classic sense, but you want to ensure that there have been no issues with this company. And if there have been, you want to know that they’ve been rectified. Check around online, do your research, and find out what kind of reputation the sportsbook in question has. This will help you to make a fair assessment of the quality of the service and overall betting experience.  

Everygame, as an example, has great customer service—especially their live chat, which is available 24/7.

Live Betting opportunities

Live betting or in-play betting is one of the most appealing and entertaining aspects of today’s online sports betting. This type of wager allows the user to bet on sports action while games are being played. Live betting makes fans feel much more involved in the events they watch. With live betting, we ensure the sportsbooks we review offer timely odds, and how often they update the lines during play. We also consider how many types of bets are offered during play and if user wagers go through in a timely manner or if the site rejects bets due to changing/updating odds.

Speed of payouts

Fast access to sportsbook winnings is a top priority for every sports bettor. That’s why we look to see if bettors will receive their withdrawals without any unnecessary delays. We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to accessing your funds. With that in mind, when it comes to getting your money quickly, cryptocurrency is often the best choice. With sites like Bovada and BetOnline, you can expect to receive your crypto payouts within just 24 hours of making your request.

Number of withdrawals and deposit methods

When it comes to sports betting, ease of deposits and withdrawals are a top concern for many users. However, the importance of having a variety of banking options is also something to consider. While some betting sites offer only a few banking methods, others provide a plethora of options. When researching sportsbooks we always consider the banking options and make users aware of the fees, as well as minimum and maximum deposit amounts.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a 1992 federal law that barred states from legalizing sports gambling, was in violation of the U.S. Constitution. However, Texas is one of the states that has opted to not make sports betting legal. So, the answer is no, sports betting is not legal in Texas.

What forms of gambling and betting are legal in Texas?

Sports betting in Texas is not legal, though there have been big pushes from lobbyists and domestic betting associations to amend the law in recent years. We may see changes next year, but bettors must turn to offshore bookmakers to place sports wagers online.

Texas best betting tips

While online gambling in Texas is illegal, daily fantasy sports betting is legal in the state.

Legal in Texas

  • Texas state lottery
  • Horse racing
  • Dog racing
  • Daily fantasy sports
  • Tribal casinos

Illegal in Texas

  • Casinos (Non-tribal)
  • Sports betting
  • Online gambling
  • Commercial gambling

Texas and Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is popular in Texas. But specific gambling laws are still pending on the matter. The state currently does not have specific laws that regulate or directly prohibit DFS, which means it operates under a legal gray area, but is generally allowed to Texans today. So until a clear law is passed, users can bet on DFS and it is legal.

There are also several other options for DFS providers, which often invite avid Texan players to participate in contests. So, if you’re looking to check out the best betting sites in Texas for fantasy sports, check out the names we mentioned above.

With many sports teams in the state, it’s no surprise that Texans turn to fantasy sports for entertainment as well. And several other DFS providers also offer contests for Texas players, despite the legal gray area DFS finds itself in. 

However, considering the legal ambiguity regarding DFS, for the time being, it is recommended to stick to legal sportsbooks if you wish to use one to bet on DFS, just to be safe from a legal perspective. As DFS betting is currently treated as a legal activity until proven to be otherwise.

Is Horse Betting Legal in Texas?

Texas gambling law allows for horse racing, though there is a catch that the purveyor must obtain a Texas racing license from the state before holding any kind of race. There are several horse racing tracks in the Lone Star State, including:

  • Lone Star Park
  • Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association
  • Retama Park
  • Sam Houston Race Park

Horse racing wagering is only legal if you’re physically at the track. However, if you’re working with one of the offshore providers, many of which we’ve recommended on this page, you can legally bet from anywhere. Take a look at the top racing betting providers our team of experts has put together for you.

Is Dog Racing Legal in Texas?

Dog racing is legal in the state of Texas. However, there have been no live dog races in Texas since Gulf Greyhound Park closed in December 2015. After that, some tracks offered simulcast wagering on dog races, but that stopped in 2020 when the last of those tracks closed after suffering financial losses. In 2021, the Texas Greyhound Association wrote to the state Racing Commission, There is no uncertainty any longer; it is a simple fact that no greyhound races will run live in Texas in the foreseeable future.”

Can you gamble in Texas Casinos?

Gambling in casinos is not legal in Texas outside of the three Native American Casinos that are operational in the state. Those casinos are Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, Naskila Gaming, and Speaking Rock Entertainment Center. These casinos do not offer slot machines or table games, outside of poker. The games they offer are slot machine-style bingo games.

Those who live in Texas that want to participate in sports betting and casino games can do so through regulated and licensed offshore sportsbooks.

Texas Sports Betting – Recent Updates

  • October 17, 2024 – Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is advocating for legal sports betting in Texas, emphasizing the need for regulation to safeguard citizens from offshore operators.
  • August 29, 2024 – A monthly report on U.S. sports betting by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming removed Texas from its list of states “likely to legalize sports betting in 2025,” according to the Nevada Independent. The firm predicts that increased opposition to gambling will prevent Texas from joining the states with legal sports wagering.
  • July 22, 2024 – PlayTexas reports that the Choctaw Nation has backed a new initiative aimed at restricting the Cherokee Nation’s casino expansion efforts in Arkansas.
  • July 6, 2024 – Slot machine manufacturer Aristocrat Gaming announced its new official partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.
  • June 5, 2024 – Bettors are heavily favoring the Dallas Mavericks over the favored Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, with 81% of bets placed on the Mavericks to win game one.

Latest Poll Shows More Support for Texas Sports Betting

recent poll conducted by the University of Houston found that a majority of Texans support some form of legalized gambling expansion—sports betting included.

Of particular note: Most of the Born-Again Christians surveyed were okay with the legalization of casinos and sports betting. This is a big deal. Born-Again Christians are among the most conservative religious denominations in the world. For so long, it was assumed they would oppose Texas sports betting outright because they considered it morally ambiguous, if not repugnant.

As it turns out, though, this may not be the case. The bigger (biggest?) roadblock to legal Texas sports betting instead seems to be Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who continues to prevent the issue from being heard on the Senate floor—despite overwhelming support from members in the House of Representatives.

Whether any of this changes will be a matter of course. Because the Texas legislature only meets once every two years, we have until 2025 for a final public opinion to be reached. In the meantime, Texas continues to lose millions in potential sports betting tax revenue.

Texas Man Bets $5 Million on Super Bowl

While there are still no official sportsbooks licensed in Texas, one Texas businessman bet $5 million on the 2022 Super Bowl. This businessman, Mattress Mack, is the owner of Galaxy Furniture.

Mack also revealed that much of this money went towards the underdogs, as he is betted on the Cincinnati Bengals to come out on top. In order to make this bet, he traveled across state lines in order to use a state-based sportsbook elsewhere.

Of course, people in Texas can access offshore sportsbooks without a problem.

Louisiana Attracts Texas Bettors

In February of 2022, this neighbor of Texas opened up sports betting to its residents. Many bettors in Texas are looking to cross state lines to take advantage of this change in the law. The state could see unknown amounts of money leaving Texas’ state coffers and going directly into those of Louisiana.

This will naturally expose many Texans to sportsbooks that are based in the US. While people in these states can already access offshore sportsbooks, this could be a game-changer for the legalization of sports betting in Texas.

The Texas legislature will likely be watching how much money comes into neighbor’s taxes.

Marc Cuban Joins in Supporting Texas Sport Betting Legalization

In October 2021, Marc Cuban expressed his support for the legalization of sports betting. This owner of the Mavericks means business as he throws his weight behind legalization. His support has persisted in the years since—including in 2023.

The Texas legislature only meets once every two years, so we will have to wait to see if this big voice will have an effect on public opinion and ultimately on state lawmakers.

When will sports betting be legal in Texas?

In 2023, Texas saw legislative efforts aimed at legalizing sports betting. Bills were put forth to legalize sports betting and casinos, but they faced pushback from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who wrote on social media, “‘I’ve said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP. I polled members this week. Nothing changed. The senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass. We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support. HB1942 won’t be referred.”

all you need to know to bet in Texas

The Sports Betting Alliance, which has partnered with the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and other professional sporting organizations and teams, is looking to get sports betting legalized and regulated in the state, but have had no luck to date.

Despite support from many, as of now, we don’t know when sports betting will be legal in Texas.

Potential Legal Sports Betting Sites in Texas

Since Texas gambling laws don’t allow for legal online sports wagering, offshore bookies reign supreme in the state. However, with sweeping changes across the country, Texas sports gambling may become legal in the not-so-distant future, giving way to a range of legal sportsbooks registered in the United States offering their services inside the Lone Star State.

It’s difficult to accurately say how many betting licenses will be offered. But with a whole host of bookmakers hoping to win a license, we will see Texas sports gambling flourish if and when the law is amended.

Tribal Casinos in Texas

Texas is home to three Tribal casinos. There are no online sportsbooks based in Texas, just offshore sportsbooks that residents in Texas can use. One of the best Texas casinos is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle. It is known as the best poker room in all of Texas and also has a great hotel, so you can spend a few days enjoying the resort. This southern Texas resort has a nightclub, slots, and big celebrations during important holidays.

  • Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
  • Speaking Rock Casino
  • Naskila Casino

Texas Sports Betting Timeline

Here is a history of betting news out of Texas. The state moves slowly in its effort to legalize sports betting, partially because the legislature only meets every other year.

2024

Dallas Mavericks Majority Owner Pushes for Legalization of Texas Casinos—and Maybe Texas Sports Betting, Too

The Las Vegas Sands corporation, which recently purchased a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has started a petition in an attempt to legalize casinos in Texas. If successful, many believe this would be a natural first step toward the legalization of Texas sports betting, as well.

2023

Police raids on suspected gambling sites

Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and Clifton police conduct raids on suspected illegal gambling sites.

Las Vegas sands’ land acquisition near Dallas

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, now a majority stakeholder in the Dallas Mavericks, acquires land near downtown Dallas, sparking speculation about a potential future casino location.

Oklahoma legislator advocates for sports betting

An Oklahoma legislator advocates for legal sports betting in the state, citing the opportunity to attract funds from Texans.

2022

State Senator pushes for legal sports betting in Texas

State senator pre-files sports betting bill to legalize gaming in the state, giving hope to bettors and lobbyists.

Sports teams collective push for legalization

Sports teams’ representatives group together in the hope of persuading state governors to change sports betting laws.

Franchise and domestic lobbyists push for change

Texas lobbyists and sports enthusiasts hope to push an amendment to the bill forward later in the year.

 

2021

Texas to host National Council of Legislators

The city of Austin is set to become the host city for the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States for this year’s winter meeting.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. hired a team of lobbyists

According to a report from The Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. hired a team of lobbyists to explain the advantages of sports betting in Texas.

Franchise lobbyists pushing for Texas sports betting in 2021

Lt. Dan Patrick aims to kill all efforts to push forward a sports betting bill in 2021, with lawmakers stating that they won’t reconvene until 2023.

Top Sports and Teams to Bet on in Texas

 

Texas boasts a variety of great professional sports teams, which includes teams in nearly all the top US sports leagues; the likes of the NBA, NFL, MLS, and MLB. The full list of sports teams is as follows:

  • FC Dallas
  • Texas Rangers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Dallas Stars
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Dallas Wings
  • Austin FC
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Houston Rockets
  • Houston Astros
  • Houston Texans
  • Houston Dash
  • Houston Dynamo FC

Betting on NFL in Texas –  November 2024

  • The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular NFL teams in the world, not just in Texas. They are +15000 to win Super Bowl LIX.
  • The Houston Texans are looking for their first AFC title in 2024, the team is +2000 to win the Super Bowl in 2025.

Betting on MLB in Texas – November 2024

  • The Houston Astros have won the World Series in 2017 and 2022. The team plays in the American League West and start at +550 to win the World Series 2025.
  • The Texas Rangers won the World Series in 2023. The team competes in the American League West and will begin the 2025 season at +1100 to win the World Series.

Betting on NBA in Texas – November 2024

  • The Dallas Mavericks have -550 odds to make the NBA playoffs in 2024-25.
  • The Houston Rockets are -105 to make the postseason for the upcoming NBA season.
  • The San Antonio Spurs are listed at +500 to play in the playoffs this year.

Other Popular Sports to bet on in Texas

In addition to fielding teams in the NBA, MLB, and NFL, Texas has many other sports to bet on including college football, MLS and the NHL.

  • The Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999 as the top team in the NHL
  • Texas has three MLS teams: FC Dallas, Austin FC, and Houston Dynamo FC
  • Some of the top NCAA Football teams compete in Texas, including the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies
  • The Texas Motor Speedway hosts a NASCAR event every year. the Autotrader EchoPark 400.
  • The UFC visits Texas often, hosting events in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio

Nearest States With Legal Betting

For Texas bettors keen to wager online with bookmakers that aren’t registered offline, there are four neighboring states, of which three offer legal sports betting. The following three states are viable options for sports betting enthusiasts in Texas:

It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, Texas to the nearest bordering state. A lot of the effort is just to be able to place a sports bet online. As such, we strongly recommend looking at the offline bookmakers available to Texans, as they will provide a much easier way to access sports odds from the comfort of your own home.

How to sports bet in Texas

The sign up process for most offshore sportsbooks is usually very easy. Below is an example of signing up for Bovada.

Step 1: Join

The first thing you need to do is hit the “Join” button on the site, which is located at the top right of the homepage:

join step 1

 

Step 2: Choose your deposit method

Once you establish your log in, the next thing you need to do, if you want to bet on the sportsbook and not just browse the odds and offerings, is make a deposit. Below is the main screen for making a deposit with Bovada

chose deposit method

 

Step 3: Deposit

Once you have decided what deposit method you want to use, you need to add funds to your account. Below is what the deposit screen looks like for Bovada. When making your deposit make sure you know the bonus/promotional codes the site is offering so you can take advantage of that bonus. Most sites offer their best bonuses when making an initial deposit, so this is incredibly important.

deposit in betonline

 

Step 4: Start betting

There could be a slight delay in funds hitting your account, but once they hit your account, you are now ready to bet.

start betting step 4

 

Bet using sports betting apps in Texas

One appealing aspect of almost all offshore sportsbooks is that they offer mobile apps or mobile access to their sites. This means you can use a mobile device to place wagers, without the need for a desktop computer. And the best part? For most sportsbooks, the process of betting on a mobile app is as straightforward as using a desktop.

Below are three mobile sports betting apps we recommend.

Bovada App

Bovada offers a mobile sports betting site that provides users a convenient and fully functional experience. No download is required from the App Store or Google Play to use Bovada on a mobile device, making it accessible to anyone. The mobile site shares the same features as the desktop site, including sports betting lines, casino games, and a poker room, but with the added convenience of placing bets at any time from any location.

Pros

  • No download
  • Easy to navigate

Cons

  • Better betting odds can be found on other sites
  • Some betting lines come out late in the day

BetOnline App

While the BetOnline sportsbook does not have a dedicated BetOnline mobile app, the site is easily accessible via any mobile device. Users will find BetOnline on mobile will give them the same access and features as those using the desktop app.

Pros

  • Offers a multitude of betting options
  • Easy access to betting markets

Cons

  • Customer service can be hard to access
  • No cash-out options for bets

MyBookie App

When considering a mobile app, MyBookie is a site sports bettors should consider. Currently, MyBookie doesn’t offer a downloadable MyBookie betting app, but the mobile site is fully optimized for easy access on your smartphone or tablet.

Pros

  • Good mobile interface
  • Enhanced security

Cons

  • Number of events not as robust as some other apps
  • Better betting odds can be found on other sites

How to choose the right betting app

When searching for the ideal mobile betting app, it’s important to review the app’s interface, responsiveness, and its similarity to the desktop site. Your preferences matter, and today, it’s uncommon to find significant disparities between desktop sportsbooks and their mobile apps.

Below are some things to consider when looking for the best Texas sports betting apps:

  • Make sure to use a sportsbook that does not infringe the current law in Texas
  • Make sure to choose an app that is easy to use for your comfort level
  • Make sure it is compatible to meet your specific needs – which could be live betting options, access to casino games, etc.
  • Make sure it offers live betting if you think that’s something you might be interested in
  • Make sure the app has live streaming if that is something you need
  • Make sure you can easily reach customer service via the app

Check out our list of the best legal Texas sports betting apps.

Make sure to bet safely and reasonably

One of the essentials one wants to confirm in a sportsbook is the knowledge that all your personal and financial information is safe and secure and that you don’t need to worry about anything other than placing wagers on the site. The sites we recommend are all licensed and regulated and come with some form of security, including Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security audits.

Another safety aspect is knowing the site you choose is looking out for your best interest. One thing to consider when looking at site security is whether the site has responsible gaming options or self-exclusion policies. Some sites even let bettors set their own deposit and betting limits. This information can usually be found in the site FAQs or by speaking to customer service.

Below are some resources for Texas bettors:

Resource Phone number Chat Link

Texas Gambling Addiction Hotline

844-779-2637
UTexas at Austin CMHC 512-471-3515
National Council on Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700 Chat

 

Check Out These Top Texas Sportsbooks

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