Looking to dive into the world of sports betting in the Lone Star State? Below, you’ll find reviews of the top sportsbooks in Texas for the year 2024, alongside information on bonus and other betting-related aspects. We also cover the latest updates on the legality of sports betting in Texas.

BetOnline Sports Offer logo

50% Match Bonus up to $1,000

5 Stars Play Now
BetWhale Sports Offer logo

125% Deposit Bonus up to $1,250

5 Stars Play Now
Bovada Sports Offer logo

Get 50% Welcome Bonus up to $250

5 Stars Play Now
Everygame Sports Offer logo

Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $500

4.5 Stars Play Now
TG.Casino Sports Offer logo

200% Welcome Bonus up to 10 ETH

4.5 Stars Play Now
BetUS Sports Offer logo

100% Sports + 25% Casino Combo Bonus on first three deposits

4.5 Stars Play Now
MyBookie Sports Offer logo

50% Match Bonus up to $1,000 on First Deposit

4.5 Stars Play Now
BetNow Sports Offer logo

Up to 200% Welcome Bonus

4 Stars Play Now
Jazz Sports Offer logo

Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500

4 Stars Play Now
BUSR Sports Offer logo

100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500

4 Stars Play Now
XBet Sports Offer logo

First Deposit Bonus up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip

4 Stars Play Now

Sports Betting in Texas Overview

Sports betting sites currently aren’t legal in the Texas, although that might change in the near future. Here, we’ve listed some must-know facts about sports betting and gambling in the state.

State Population 30.03 million (2022)
Gambling Regulator Texas Lottery Commission, Texas Racing Commission, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Gaming
Legal Gambling Age in TX 21 for retail gambling sites, 18 for offshore sportsbooks
Retail Sports Betting No
Online Sports Betting No
Daily Fantasy Sports Yes
Retail Casinos Yes
Online Casinos No
Horse Racing Yes
Taxable Winnings 24% on $600+ (federal tax rate)

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Sports betting currently is not legal in Texas, and it’s not clear if or when it will be.

In February 2023, HB 1942 was introduced with backing from some of the biggest sports teams in the state. Additionally, a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment regarding sports betting passed through the House with a 100-43 vote.

Unfortunately, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick squashed the resolution before it could reach a vote despite bipartisan support. Sports betting proponents were unhappy, but Patrick refused to budge, stating that he wouldn’t proceed without overwhelming GOP support.

Despite the pushback from Texas politicians, residents are in favor of legalizing sports betting. A 2021 poll found that 43% of Texans favored legal sports betting.

Additionally, several nearby states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico, have legalized sports betting. This could put pressure on the Texas government to do the same.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Texas?

Because sports betting is currently illegal in Texas, there is no minimum required age to speak of. In the nearby states of New Mexico and Louisiana, you must be 21 or older to bet on sports. Texas will likely adopt this minimum age requirement if it goes through with legalizing sports betting.

Although you can’t bet at regulated sportsbooks, you’re free to place bets at offshore sports betting sites. Most of these require you to be 18 or older to bet.

Are Bet Winnings in Texas Taxable?

There are currently no regulated sportsbooks in Texas, which means you don’t have to pay state taxes on your winnings. That’s the good news.

The bad news? You still have to pay taxes on winnings to the IRS. This is true whether you won the money at a regulated sportsbook or an offshore one.

Currently, the tax rate is 24% of all winnings over $600. You can report your winnings on line 21 of Form 1040. If you have sports betting losses, report them on line 27 of Schedule A.

Recent Texas Legal Sports Betting Updates

The road to legalizing betting on sports in Texas has been a rocky one, and as of now, there still isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel. The Texas government remains staunchly opposed to legal sports betting.

Here, we present a timeline of some major updates for Texas sportsbook legislation:

  • May 2023: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces that he will not bring HB 1942 to the Senate floor.
  • April 2023: Two sports betting bills for online and retail betting (HB 1942 and HJR 102) pass the Texas House State Affairs Committee.
  • February 2023: Rep. Jeff Leach and Sen, Lois Kolkhorst file bills (HJR 102 and HB 1942) to legalize Texas sports betting.
  • November 2022: Rep. Senator Carol Alvarado pre-files SRJ17, a casino and sports betting bill.
  • February 2019: Rep. Eddie Lucio III announces HB 1275, which includes potential Texas sports betting regulations. However, the 2021 session closes with no resolution on the matter.
  • May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to decide for themselves whether they wish to legalize sports betting.

With Patrick shutting down HB 1942, the next opportunity to legalize Texas sports betting will be the 2025 session. With support from fans, the 12 major sports teams in the state (ranging from the Dallas Mavericks to the Houston Texans), and big players such as DraftKings, will legal betting finally come to the Lone Star State? Only time will tell.

Can Texans Bet on Offshore Sites?

Although there are currently no regulated sportsbooks in Texas, offshore sports betting sites are still an option. Offshore sportsbooks aren’t regulated, but they are licensed by a gambling authority (such as the Curaçao Gaming Commission). That means you can bet on your favorite teams regardless of Texas’ stubborn anti-sports betting stance.

List of the Best Texas Sports Betting Sites in 2024

Want to give online sports betting a shot? Good choice! We’ve scoured the internet to find the very best offshore sports betting sites in the industry. All of our top picks offer impressive bonuses, dozens of betting markets, and so many features that retail sportsbooks just can’t compare.

  1. BetOnline – Overall Best Online Sportsbook for TX Sports Betting
  2. BetWhale – Loads of Live Betting Options
  3. Bovada – Reliable Payouts for TX Bettors
  4. Everygame – 30+ Popular Betting Markets
  5. TG.Casino – Top Pick for Anonymous Online Betting in Texas
  6. BetUS – Generous Welcome Bonus
  7. MyBookie – Impressive Sports Betting Odds
  8. BetNow – Favorite for Niche Sports Betting
  9. Jazz – Live Streaming for Major Sports
  10. BUSR – Haven for Horse Racing Fans
  11. XBet – Exciting In-Play Betting

Top 5 Texas Online Sportsbooks Reviewed

If you’re a fan of the Texas Rangers or Dallas Cowboys, you’re sure to have a blast at some of the best sports betting sites in the US. They feature dozens of betting markets, generous signup bonuses, and features you won’t find at retail betting sites.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top five online sportsbooks for Texas bettors.

1. BetOnline – Overall Best Online Sportsbook for TX Sports Betting

A screenshot of BetOnline's baseball betting section

Established 1991
License JCJ (Junta de Control de Juegos), Panama
Headquarters Panama City, Panama
Number of Sports 30+
Payment Methods Cryptocurrencies, Credit Cards, Money Order, Wire Transfer
Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 1-888-426-3661
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Verdict 9.8/10

Boasting 25+ years in business, BetOnline is our top choice overall for wagering on sports in Texas. Take one look at this sleek sportsbook packed with must-have features, and you’ll easily see why it’s a fan favorite.

At BetOnline, you can bet on almost any imaginable sport, from baseball to international sports like rugby and snooker. The sportsbook also allows betting on awards ceremonies, politics, and stocks.

BetOnline features more betting options than many competitors. You’ll find an impressive array of mega parlays, same-game parlays, and odds boosts to choose from. We also like the props builder feature, which allows you to combine markets to create your own custom bet.

Although BetOnline is largely known for its sportsbook, don’t miss out on the casino. It features almost 700 slots, 60+ live dealer games, and a handful of sports-themed titles, such as Touchdown Gold and Mad Dunk.

BetOnline does have an app, although it’s only for poker. A VPN isn’t required to use this sportsbook in Texas, but if you wish to use a VPN for privacy, you’re welcome to do so.

BetOnline gets a big thumbs up from us for its world-class customer support. You can reach a support agent 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email.

The BetOnline welcome bonus is generous for Texas bettors. With a deposit of at least $55, you get a 50% match, up to $1,000, plus a $25 risk-free horse bet. To withdraw bonus winnings as cash, you must wager the bonus at least 10x in pre-match events.

BetOnline accepts 15+ cryptocurrencies, credit/debit, person-to-person transfers, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Crypto payouts take a couple of hours or less, while fiat withdrawals can take up to seven days.

BetOnline Sports Bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted?
Sports Welcome Bonus 50% up to $1,000 BET1000 Wager 10x the bonus in pre-match events $55

What BetOnline does well

  • 25+ years in business
  • Easy-to-use prop builder
  • VPN friendly for Texas bettors
  • Vast array of betting markets
  • Niche betting options

What BetOnline could do better

  • Improve fiat withdrawal times
  • Simplify welcome bonus wagering requirements

2. BetWhale – Loads of Live Betting Options

A screenshot of BetWhale betting site for bettors in Texas

Established 2023
License Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Sports 20+
Payment Methods Cryptos, Credit cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfer
Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1-855-470-0558
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Verdict 9.7/10

When you visit BetWhale, you’ll quickly be impressed by this Texan-friendly sportsbook's variety of sports and betting markets.

BetWhale is one of our favorites because it updates odds for rugby, snooker, soccer, and several other sports in real time. On the live betting dashboard, you’ll find all events in progress for the day – each coming with plenty of markets. You can enjoy matches in popular arenas like Minute Maid Park or the AT&T Stadium, while placing a bet live on your device.

Want to bet on the Dallas Mavericks or Houston Astros? BetWhale has you covered. You can also bet on interesting niche sports such as Aussie rules football and table tennis.

If you’re into esports, you’ll have a ball at BetWhale. This sportsbook offers betting for League of Legends, FIFA, Call of Duty, Rocket League, and many other titles. Match odds and moneylines are updated in real time.

When you’re in between betting rounds, check out BetWhale’s casino. Here, you’ll find thousands of slots with huge jackpots, flashy table games, and plenty of live dealer gambling action. Why not test your poker or blackjack strategy against some of the world’s best players?

BetWhale earned the number two spot on our list because of its generous sportsbook welcome bonus. When you make a deposit of $50 or more, you’ll get a 125% match, up to $1,250.

This Texas sports betting site accepts a few kinds of crypto, all major credit cards, Flexepin, Neosurf, and even PayPal. Payouts usually take one to three business days.

BetWhale Sports Bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted?
Sports Welcome Bonus 125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 10x $50

What BetWhale does well

  • Very generous welcome bonus
  • Excellent esports betting options
  • One of few sportsbooks that accept PayPal
  • Diverse payment options

What BetWhale could do better

  • Lower minimum deposit for welcome bonus
  • Allow withdrawals to bank accounts

3. Bovada – Reliable Payouts for TX Bettors

Range of sports available for bettors in Texas at the Bovada sportsbook

Established 2011
License Curaçao eGaming
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Sports 30+
Payment Methods Cryptocurrency, Credit cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfer
Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Email: Contact Form on the Site
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Verdict 9.5/10

If you’ve shied away from offshore sportsbooks because you think they won’t pay out, Bovada is here to prove you wrong. This sportsbook proudly boasts that it has never missed a single payment in all the years it has been in business. Bet on your favorite Texas sports teams without worrying about whether you’ll ever see your winnings.

Bovada wins points because it’s so easy to navigate. During our testing, we had no trouble finding the most beloved Texas teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Austin FC, and Houston Rockets.

Placing a bet is a snap, too. You’ll find a list of the day’s hottest matches on the left side of your betslip. Just choose an event and then pick a wager to add to your betslip. If you’re unsure which bets to pick, try Bovada’s interactive prop builder.

Bovada is an excellent choice for horse racing buffs. Which horse-jockey pair will win the next big race at Lone Star Park? Will you get lucky and hit a trifecta? This is the next best thing when you can’t make it to the racetrack in person. Bovada even offers computerized horse racing to help you scratch the betting itch between events.

Regarding welcome offers, Bovada has a 50% match bonus of up to $250. This Texas sportsbook also has parlay boosters that reward you with bonus points for select parlay bets.

Bovada doesn’t have a betting app. It does, however, work well on Android/iPhone mobile browsers.

Bovada takes all major credit cards, crypto, player-to-player transfers, and MatchPay. Crypto withdrawals usually take an hour or less, while fiat methods can take up to five business days.

Bovada Sports Bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted?
Sports Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250 - 5x for sports, 30x for casino $20

What Bovada does well

  • Two-tiered welcome bonus
  • Impressive horse betting options
  • Offers enhanced bonus for crypto desposits
  • Beginner-friendly prop builder
  • Excellent mobile browser compatibility

What Bovada could do better

  • Improve fiat withdrawal times
  • Offer a dedicated mobile app

4. Everygame – 30+ Popular Betting Markets

Everygame betting site for Texas residents

Established 1996
License Curacao
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Sports 30+
Payment Methods Cryptocurrency, Credit Cards, E-wallets
Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Email: Contact Form on the Site
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Verdict 9.4/10

Everygame has one of the best-organized sports betting catalogs we’ve seen. There’s no need to go digging through messy menus to find your favorite teams here. Simply click a couple of buttons, and you’ll find a list of top teams for Texas, including perennial favorites such as the Dallas Cowboys and TCU Horned Frogs.

Want to bet on teams from other states and countries? It’s a snap to place bets on international and out-of-state events here. Everygame’s selection includes darts, table tennis, rugby, snooker, and many others. You can also bet on politics, the stock market, and the U.S. lottery.

Everygame has an excellent casino if you need a break from sports betting. It boasts thousands of flashy slots, including Shelltastic Wins and Mega Monster, plus a few dozen live dealer and table games.

Everygame doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app, but the sportsbook works flawlessly on all mobile devices. It’s also VPN friendly if you wish to gamble in private. Customer service is available 24/7 via live chat.

When looking to redeem your bonus at Everygame, you receive a 100% match of up to $500. This is generous, but we do wish the wagering requirements were a bit clearer.

Everygame accepts all major credit cards, crypto, eZeeWallet, Neosurf, and bank transfers (some fiat methods incur fees). Payout speed ranges from two to five business days.

Everygame Sports Bonus:

Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Cryptocurrency accepted?
Sports
Welcome Bonus
100% up to $500 WELCOME500 8x at minimum -200 (1.5) odds $20 Yes

What Everygame does well

  • Well-organized sports betting catalog
  • Excellent selection of American and international events
  • Wide range of payments accepted
  • Bonus offered on crypto deposits

What Everygame could do better

  • Simplify bonus wagering requirements
  • Reduce fees for fiat withdrawals

5. TG.Casino – Top Pick for Anonymous Online Betting in Texas

TG Casino betting site in Texas

Established 2023
License Curacao eGaming
Headquarters Curacao
Number of Sports 30+
Payment Methods Cryptocurrency
Customer Support 24/7 live chat
Email: Contact Form on the Site
Mobile App Available No, Mobile Browser Optimized
Verdict 9.3/10

If you live in Texas and are a bit paranoid about offshore sports betting, you’re sure to love TG.Casino. This Curaçao-based sportsbook requires a VPN, and when using one, nobody will know you’re using a sportsbook except for you. It’s a surefire way to hide your identity from those who frown on sports wagering.

Even better, TG.Casino is accessible through its anonymous Telegram channel. This is why we ranked TG.Casino one of the best sportsbooks for Texans who value their privacy.

Although TG.Casino only recently launched in 2023, it already has many loyal fans. Once you’ve toured TG.Casino, you’ll easily see why it has gained such a following. Streamlined betslips, real-time odds, and 30+ markets combine to provide an unforgettable sports betting experience.

TG.Casino is wonderfully beginner friendly if you’ve never tried online sports betting. Simply peruse the sportsbook’s daily list of most popular wagers, then click or tap one to add it to your betslip. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

TG.Casino has much more to offer than just sports betting. Should you decide to head over to its casino, you’ll find thousands of slots with massive jackpots, live dealer games, and a handful of provably fair crash games to keep you occupied.

TG.Casino doesn’t have its own app, but it does have a dedicated Telegram channel, which is the next best thing. The only downside to this sportsbook is that it requires a VPN if you live anywhere in the U.S., including Texas.

Unfortunately, this sportsbook does not have a dedicated betting bonus. It does, however, offer a bonus for the casino. When you deposit $25 or more, you’ll get a 200% match of up to 10 ETH, plus 50 free spins.

TG.Casino currently only accepts crypto. Options include TGC Token, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, and several others. Payouts typically happen in a couple of hours or less.

What TG.Casino does well

  • Gamble anonymously through Telegram
  • Beginner-friendly betting guidance
  • Generous casino welcome bonus

What TG.Casino could do better

  • Offer dedicated sports betting bonuses
  • Accept fiat payment methods

Comparing the Best Texas Online Sports Betting Sites

We get it: Hunting for the best Texas online sportsbooks is tough! To help you out, we’ve compiled details about our favorite sportsbooks for Texas bettors below.

Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonus No. of Sports To Bet on Live Sport Betting Betting App Best for
BetOnline 50% up to $1,000 30+ Niche sport fans
BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 20+ Generous sportsbook bonus hunters
Bovada 50% up to $250 15+ Bettors seeking a rewarding gambling community
Everygame 100% up to $500 30+ Ongoing sports promo hunters
TG.Casino 200% up to 10 ETH (only) 30+ Telegram users
BetUS 125% up to $3,125 on your first three deposits 30+ Combination sportsbook-casino fans
MyBookie 50% up to $1,000 15+ NBA buffs
BetNow 200% up to $200 30+ NFL fans
Jazz 100% up to $2,500 30+ Competitive odds hunters
BUSR 100% up to $2,500 20+ Kentucky Derby lovers
XBet 50% up to $500 30+ Sports betting beginners

How We Select Our List of Top Texas Sportsbooks

We want you to have an awesome sports betting experience, so we made sure to handpick all the sportsbooks on our list with care. Learn more about the ranking methods used to rate sportsbooks here.

  • Safety: Retail sports betting sites are very safe, but so are the top Texas sportsbooks on our list. All are licensed by a gambling authority and employ cutting-edge encryption to protect your personal and financial details.
  • Deposit & Payout Methods: What’s worse than winning a big sports bet only to discover that the sportsbook doesn’t take your preferred payout method? We hunted for sportsbooks that accept a good variety of deposit/withdrawal methods, including crypto, credit/debit, and e-wallets.
  • Bonuses & Promotions: Retail sportsbook bonuses just can’t compare to those you can get at offshore Texas sportsbooks. At some of our top Texas sports betting sites, you can get a bonus worth $1,000 or more with your first deposit.
  • Range of Sports: We looked for betting sites with an impressive variety of sports to bet on, including American favorites such as baseball and football, plus international and niche sports. Retail sportsbooks can’t beat the selection available at offshore sportsbooks for Texans.
  • Depth of Markets: Want to bet on how many touchdowns your favorite Cowboys player will score? Will the Mavs score a three-pointer in the nick of time? You can bet on markets like these and many others at the best Texas sports wagering sites.
  • Quality of Sports Betting Odds: Although retail sports betting isn’t currently legal in Texas, you’re not missing out on too much. Retail sportsbooks tend to have worse odds than the offshore ones we reviewed.
  • Mobile Interface: Most of the top sportsbooks on our list don’t have mobile apps, but all are optimized to work perfectly on your phone or tablet.
  • Customer Service: We prioritized Texas sportsbooks with 24/7 live support via chat, email, and/or phone for that extra layer of protection whenever concerns arise.

Bonuses & Promos Offered by Texas Sports Betting Sites

Compared to retail sportsbooks, offshore sports wagering sites for Texans offer many more bonuses and promotions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones now.

  • Welcome Bonus: Virtually every offshore sportsbook we reviewed offers a welcome bonus for sports bettors. The biggest one we found is BetWhale’s 125% matching bonus of up to $1,250.
  • No-Deposit Bonus: Texas sports bettors prize no-deposit bonuses because you don’t need to deposit any money to get them. As you might expect, however, they’re fairly rare. Check out the promos for your favorite sportsbook often so you don’t miss any no-deposit bonuses.
  • Reload Bonuses: Reload bonuses give you extra money when you add funds to your account. Most of the sportsbooks we reviewed offer a reload bonus. Some reload bonuses are only valid on certain days, while others are available throughout the week.
  • Free Bets: Some sportsbooks give you a free bet to use on the sport of your choice when you sign up or place a losing bet.
  • Risk-Free Bets: Risk-free bets are similar to free bets, except that you need to bet your own money to get the bonus. If you win the bet, you keep the earnings. If you lose, the sportsbook gives you a free bet.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best TX Sportsbooks

It’s tough to keep track of all those sports betting promo codes, bonuses, and expiration dates. To help you out, we’ve provided the welcome bonus for each sportsbook on our list, as well as the promo code, rollover requirements, minimum deposit, and expiry date.

Sportsbook Sign-up bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Expiry date
BetOnline 50% up to $1,000 BET1000 Wager 10x the bonus in pre-match events $55 180 days
BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 10x $50 None
Bovada 50% up to $250 N/A 5x for sports, 30x for casino $20 180 days
Everygame 100% up to $500 WELCOME500 8x at minimum -200 (1.5) odds $20 90 days
TG.Casino 200% up to 10 ETH (casino only) N/A 10% of bonus released per 6x wagered $25 14 days
BetUS 125% up to $3,125 on your first three deposits JOIN125 10x on sports, 30x on casino $100 Seven days
MyBookie 50% up to $1,000 MYB50 20x $50 14 days
BetNow 200% up to $200 CRYPTO200 30x $10 None
Jazz 100% up to $2,500 JAZZ100 15x $100 30 days
BUSR 100% up to $2,500 SPORTS100FP 10x $100 30 days
XBet 50% up to $500 XBET50 7x $45 None

How To Bet at Online Sportsbooks in Texas

If you’re familiar with retail sports betting, stepping into the world of offshore sports wagering can feel like a whole new ballgame. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Pick one of the best sportsbooks for Texans from our list above.
  2. Sign up for an account, if required. Some sportsbooks are anonymous and don’t require you to make an account.
  3. Enter your name, email, and any other requested information. If the sportsbook has KYC (know your customer) requirements, you’ll also have to upload proof of your identity. This can be your Texas driver’s license or a utility bill.
  4. Wait for the sportsbook to complete ID verification. This usually takes less than 24 hours.
  5. Fund your account by heading to your wallet or the sportsbook’s cashier page. If you want the welcome bonus, be sure to deposit the minimum amount (we’ve listed the minimum required deposit for the top sportsbooks above).
  6. Enter a promo code to get your welcome bonus. Some Texas sportsbooks instantly apply the bonus if you make the minimum required deposit.
  7. That’s it; you’re done! You’re ready to find your favorite Texas teams and start betting.

Popular Sports To Bet On in Texas

When you visit a Texas online sports betting site, you’ll find dozens of sports to bet on. It can all feel a little overwhelming if you’re only used to retail betting. Below, list some of the most popular sports to bet on at Texas sportsbooks.

  • NFL: Which team is better: the Dallas Cowboys or the Houston Texans? Prove to your friends that your team is the best by winning a few wagers at NFL betting sites.
  • MLB: At the best MLB betting sites, you can decide once and for all which team is the best: the Texas Rangers or the Houston Astros. Common MLB prop bets include extra innings, first to score, and home runs.
  • NBA: Texas is home to three awesome NBA teams: the Dallas Mavericks, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Houston Rockets. Which will make it to the finals? You can place your bet at one of the top NBA betting sites.
  • Soccer: Texas is jam-packed with soccer fans, and with so many fantastic teams here, it’s clear why. At soccer betting sites, you can bet on favorites such as FC Dallas, Austin FC, and Houston Dynamo FC.
  • Tennis: Texas has its share of unforgettable tennis players, including Paul Cass, Kathy Vick, and Carol Weyman. You can bet on these players and hundreds of others at the best tennis betting sites.
  • Horse Racing: Few things are more exciting than watching horses thunder around the track at Lone Star Park. If you can’t make it in person, horse betting sites are the next best thing.
  • NHL: If you adore the Dallas Stars, check out the top NHL betting sites, many of which stream this team’s games live.
  • Esports: Did you know that some of the world’s top esports players hail from Texas? At the best esports betting sites, you can bet on games such as Call of Duty, Valorant, FIFA, NBA2K, and dozens of others.

Popular Bets You Can Make at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Texas

So, you’d like to try your hand at sports betting, but you don’t know the difference between outrights, parlays, and prop bets. We’ve got you covered with this handy beginner’s guide to betting terms.

  • Moneyline: Moneylines are the most basic of bets. You simply bet on which team, such as the Houston Rockets or Dallas Mavs, will be the outright winner.
  • Spread Betting: Spread bets can go one of two ways: laying the spread or taking the spread. Betting for the underdog is called taking the spread. If you bet on the favorite to win, it’s called laying the spread.
  • Parlays: Parlays are single bets with at least two sides. Each side must prevail for the parlay to win.
  • Over/Under: With over/under betting, you’re betting that the number of points, goals, or touchdowns will be over or under a certain number.
  • Prop Bets: Prop bets are essentially “add-on” bets. For instance, you can bet on which player will score first, how many shots a certain player will block, and so on.
  • Live Bets: Unlike other bets, which you place before the event starts, live bets take place during the match.

Texas Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Wagering Options

Because sports betting is currently not legal in Texas, there are no retail sports betting apps to speak of. If you’re a Texan, your only options include heading to an out-of-state sportsbook or betting at an offshore sportsbook.

Offshore wagering sites are a fine alternative if you’re not up for a road trip. Those on our list are licensed and secure, so you’re guaranteed to have a safe and fun betting experience. They also offer access to many more sports than you’ll find at the average retail sportsbook. And, of course, don’t forget about the fantastic bonuses you can earn just for making your first deposit.

Popular Home Teams in Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state’s selection of pro sports teams. Don’t have a favorite football or baseball team yet? Learn more about some of Texas’ most popular sports teams here.

  • Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are a professional NFL team that plays at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Did you know? The Cowboys were originally called the Dallas Steers, but the team changed its name in March 1960.
  • Dallas Mavericks: Texas sports fans go wild for the Dallas Mavericks, or, more simply, the Mavs. Top players include Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington.
  • Austin FC: Austin FC is a pro men’s soccer club that competes in the Western Conference. Austin FC was only recently founded in 2018, but this team already has thousands of fans in Texas.
  • Dallas Stars: The Dallas Stars are an NHL team with an interesting history. The team was founded as part of an NHL expansion in 1967. Originally, they were called the Minnesota North Stars.
  • Houston Rockets: Those of you who live in South Texas have undoubtedly heard of the Houston Rockets. Originally, they were called the San Diego Rockets and moved to Houston in 1971 after four losing seasons.
  • San Antonio Spurs: The San Antonio Spurs are yet another pro Texas basketball team. They play home games at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
  • Texas Rangers: Watching a Texas Rangers game while munching on hot dogs at the stadium is as American as apple pie. Can’t make it to Globe Life Field to watch a home game? Catch all the action at one of the best MLB betting sites instead.

Retail Gambling Outlets in Texas

Texas is a bit of an odd duck when it comes to gambling - much similar to California. Casinos are forbidden on state land, but casinos on tribal lands are a different story. Tribal lands aren’t beholden to the same laws, so tribes are free to place casinos on them if they wish.

The two main casinos in Texas are Kickapoo Lucky Eagle (in Eagle Pass) and Naskila (in Livingston). Neither casino has sports betting at this time.

Horse racing, unlike sports betting, is legal in Texas. Popular horse tracks include Lone Star Park, Sam Houston Race Park, and Texas Rose Horse Park.

Other Betting Options in Texas

Interested in other types of Texas gambling? Learn more with our betting guides:

  • Online casinos: Online casinos aren’t yet legal in Texas, but that’s not a problem. All the sportsbooks on our list have a casino that welcomes U.S. players.
  • Poker: You can play legal poker at one of the few casinos scattered across Texas, such as Spades Poker House or Naskila Casino. Don’t live nearby? Check out our favorite poker sites.
  • Horce racing: You’ll be pleased to know that horse racing is legal in Texas. Several racetracks offer betting on horses, such as Lone Star Park, Sam Houston Race Park, and Texas Rose Horse Park.
  • Daily fantasy sports: State law doesn’t currently forbid playing daily fantasy sports. A few operators in the state include DraftKings, Sleeper, and FanDuel.

The Future of Sports Betting in Texas

Sadly, sports betting remains illegal in Texas despite backing from major sports teams, local businesses, and politicians on both sides of the party line. Several representatives have introduced bills that would legalize sports wagering in some form, but so far, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has refused to bring any of them to the Senate floor.

Texas sports betting will likely remain illegal without a change in leadership. However, even if Texans welcomed a new governor tomorrow, they would need to wait until at least 2025 to address legal sports betting. That’s because the Texas legislature only meets in odd-numbered years.

Nearby Texas Sports Betting Alternatives

Disappointed by the lack of legal sports betting options in Texas? If you’re willing to travel across state lines, you’ll find plenty of options, including the following:

  • Louisiana: Louisiana launched legal retail sports betting in October 2021 and online sports betting in January 2022. So far, 55 of 64 LA parishes have voted to allow online betting.
  • New Mexico: Sports betting is legal in New Mexico, but only at one of the state’s land-based sportsbooks. Mobile sports betting is currently not allowed.
  • Arkansas: Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in July 2019 and online sports betting in March 2022. You can place bets at one of three retail casinos and three mobile sportsbooks.

Responsible Gambling

We know getting carried away when betting on the Dallas Cowboys or Houston Rockets is a bit easy. If you think you may have a sports betting or gambling problem, these free resources can help:

Additionally, despite a lack of government regulation, all the sportsbooks we reviewed offer responsible gambling resources. For example, many allow you to block yourself from depositing or betting for a certain number of months/years.

Conclusion: Best Betting Site for Texas Players

We had a fantastic time testing out these sports betting sites for Texans, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Our number one pick is BetOnline, hands down.

This Texas sports betting site earned the top spot thanks to a dazzling array of betting markets, user-friendly features, a generous welcome bonus, and full mobile compatibility.

So, if you’re ready to place your bets in the Lone Star State, head to BetOnline and claim your welcome bonus to get started now.

Key Features ✅ VPN-friendly betting site
✅ Full-featured prop builder tool
✅ More than 25 years of sports betting experience
✅ Niche betting options for sports market
✅ Thousands of casino games outside of sports betting options

TX Sports Betting FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal in Texas?

What Are the Best Texas Sportsbooks?

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Texas?

Can You Use a VPN To Bet on Sports in Texas?

Author photo
Chirag Dubey
Sports Editor
Author photo
Chirag Dubey Sports Editor