Texas Online Gambling – Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at TX Gambling Sites

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If you’re looking at gambling online in Texas, whether you’re a high roller that loves to bet on horse races or if you’re simply looking to pass some time with slots, our online Texas gambling guide is your best bet to make a solid choice. In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at everything you need to know about online gambling in Texas. This includes featuring some of the best gambling sites to the gambling laws in the Lone Star State.

Online gambling in Texas has specific laws and legalities that need to be considered. And our goal is to provide all of the information you need to get started with your online gambling journey.

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The Best Texas Online Gambling Sites in 2023

When it comes to online gambling in Texas, it can be challenging to find the best sites. However, we’ve done all the groundwork to source the best picks. Our recommended sites provide new and existing players with value-for-money bonus offers and a great selection of casino games and sports betting markets.

  1.   BetOnline – The best gambling site for online gambling Texas
  2.   Bovada– The best crypto site for online gambling Texas
  3.   BetUS – One of the largest sportsbooks with the most bonus offers
  4.   XBet – The best-rated eSports gambling platform
  5.   MyBookie – The best option for beginners of online gambling Texas
  6.   Intertops – One of the most reputable offshore gambling sites
  7.   MYB Casino – Fantastic mobile support with plenty of casino games
  8.   Wild Casino – One of the newer gambling platforms from BetOnline
  9.   Café Casino – Massive games selection and one of the best online casinos in Texas
  10.  BetNow – The best sports betting platform for NFL betting

Texas Online Gambling Sites Reviewed

With a glance at our top picks, why not take a closer look at what these legal gambling sites have to offer.

1. Bovada – Our Top Online Gambling Texas Favorite

bovada sportsbook image

Bovada offers you the complete online gambling experience if you’re a big sports fan. When it comes to the sports lines at this site, Bovada doesn’t disappoint, as you can place bets on a variety of sports such as NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, among others. 

Bovada’s casino is tops, featuring the very best in real money casino games from Betsoft, Real Time Gaming, and Rival Gaming. Bovada stays true to the Vegas-style casino collection with a line-up of famous titles based on Cleopatra, golden nuggets and mining, and the popular 777s. One title that caught our attention is the new CyberPunk City slot,  the look and feel are truly comparable to some of the top trending PC and console games on the market.

If you’re a crypto player, Bovada gives you the option to play exclusive bitcoin casino games, making it rather simple for Texans to play anonymously. What’s great is that you have the choice in playing in fiat or cryptocurrency at both the standard and live casino at Bovada.

There’s no doubt that Bovada is one of the most popular sports betting operators in Texas, and this wasn’t the work of paid advertising. Bovada gains its popularity by word of mouth as well and this is evident online. If you’re a big fan of cryptocurrency, and you believe that this is the way forward, you’ll be happy with what Bovada has to offer. As a start, you can claim up to $4,500 as a new player.

What we like:

  •         Massive cryptocurrency bonuses
  •         The great mobile betting platform
  •         Plenty of betting markets are available
  •         One of the best sites for parlays and futures bets

What we don’t:

  • Crypto-heavy bonuses can be dissuasive

2. BetOnline – The Best Crypto Site for Online Gambling in Texas

Texas Online Gambling – Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at TX Gambling Sites

BetOnline is one of the best US sports betting options and our first choice for sports betting in the state of Texas. At BetOnline, you can enjoy a broad range of betting options and markets with a massive focus on domestic sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, and many more.

This also includes collegiate-level sports such as football and basketball. Apart from this, BetOnline also focuses on MMA with promotions such as the UFC and Bellator being featured, as well as the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship).

The casino component of BetOnline really impresses us too. The site features top slots such as Eagle Gold and Spins of Independence, which adds the authentic US feel to the collection. Like any online casino worth their salt, BetOnline has done well to add in a great line-up of table games such as blackjack and roulette, and of course, a dedicated live casino section where you can place bets in real-time and engage with real live dealers. While the live dealers are based outside of the US, the streaming quality and professionalism remain intact.

Moving onto the poker section, we noticed that it’s a completely standalone product, and one of BetOnline’s major unique selling points in terms of popularity and traffic. And it’s easy to see why – the poker site runs on the Chico Poker Network, which is one of the largest poker networks in the country.

Esports at BetOnline feature games such as FIFA, Counter-Strike, DOTA 2, StarCraft 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, and League of Legends. This sportsbook gives you a complete online gambling Texas experience as there is a range of deposit options that feature the use of fiat currency and cryptocurrency. Why not grab the BetOnline welcome bonus of $1,000 when creating an account now?

What we like:

  •         Excellent welcome bonus
  •         Various bet builders
  •         Plenty of sports betting markets
  •         24/7 customer support

What we don’t:

  • The deposit bonus is only valid for 30 days

3. Everygame – Best Gambling Site for Live Dealer Casino

Everygame - online betting site

Everygame Casino is a terrific option for beginners and semi-pro gamblers, thanks to its extensive library of casino games, top-notch online software, immersive user experience, numerous secure banking methods, and extremely excellent bonuses.

This sportsbook/casino has been around a long time and continues to provide unparalleled service to fans of online casinos in Texas. In addition, the updated rebranding makes the casino fresher than ever. Players can be sure that Everygame Casino has them covered with all essential game genres, with Real Time Gaming as a strategic partner. There are a lot of new slot releases, then a solid assortment of video poker and table games.

Additionally, there is a unique section with speciality games. The whole library of games is neatly arranged in an easy-to-browse directory, as with other casinos packed with games from this studio. If you want to try your luck at the casino, American Roulette, European Blackjack, European Roulette, Super 21, and other table games are available.

Everygame Casino offers players an exciting gaming experience. Speaking of rising tides, the widespread use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has prompted many online casino cashiers to expand their payment options. Everygame is not left out as it offers both fiat and crypto banking options. The casino accepts payments through bank transfers, credit or debit cards, checks, eWallets, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and more.

A considerable list of deals is available at all times of the year. Everygame has bonuses for new customers, reloads, player rewards, and more, making online gambling Texas even more fun. In addition, the casino provides additional bonuses, including the Daily Double Bonus, free spins, and promo codes. These provide a unique discount for players’ additional spins on the wheel and access to more features.

What we like:

  • Several tools for responsible gambling
  • An impressive selection of promotion offers
  • Versatiles cashier
  • Large game library
  • Redeemable compt points
  • 24/7 customer support

What we don’t:

  • There’s no phone support
  • Small welcome offer

4. MyBookie – The Best Option for Online Gambling Texas Beginners

Texas Online Gambling – Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at TX Gambling Sites

If you have an interest in sports betting, chances are high that you’ve heard of MyBookie. This sports betting brand is one of the best options for new players as it features a broad range of betting lines such as NFL, NCAA Football, Baseball, Basketball, and many more. If you’re a proud Texan, you’ll likely find the best odds on the Astros, the Cowboys, the Mavericks, and the Rangers at MyBookie. 

MyBookie makes it easy for new sports bettors to get started as all of the available props can easily be found under the event that you’re trying to wager on. You’re also able to change the format of the odds which will make it easier for you if you’re more familiar with statistics that are displayed as fractions or decimals.

MyBookie is a great option for online casino gaming and quite similar to what you’ll find at XBet. MyBookie places a lot of focus on slots and features quite a few jackpot slots on the homepage of their games lobby. The majority of these are sourced from Betsoft, so as a Texan, you’ll know these games are as legit as they come.  The standard and live table games are included for variety sake, giving you, as a Texas gambler, the full mix of casino games. 

When it comes down to the bonuses that are offered, there are more than a handful of them available. This includes 2x your first deposit after you’ve registered, 10% Cash Bonuses, 150% Cash Bonuses, and many more. MyBookie also features a list of guides that provide you with information regarding the odds of various sports, this will allow you to try betting on new games which is something that not many sites will go through the effort of doing. To get started with MyBookie, be sure to grab your first deposit bonus of $1, 000 + $20 casino chip

What we like:

  •         Easy to use
  •         Many online guides featured
  •         Quick withdrawals
  •         Features an integrated online casino

What we don’t:

  • Finding banking information can be difficult for new players

5. BetNow – Top Online Gambling Site with Prop Bet Builder

Texas Online Gambling – Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at TX Gambling Sites

While BetNow is a relatively new Texas online gambling site, it has managed to establish a loyal fanbase. Besides having a competitive overall gambling product, the bookie has excellent BetNow promo codes with low rollover requirements. So, whether you’re only just signing up or you’ve been wagering at the sportsbook for a while, you’ll find top value.

BetNow offers a top-notch gambling experience for Texas’ online gambling users looking to wager on the premier North American leagues: NBA, NFL, MLB, etc. If you plan to bet on more niche European sports, however, you might not be as impressed as options are limited to mostly soccer.

BetNow offers simple and easy-to-use live betting on a well-designed web interface. They also grade your wagers and credit your account in real time. So, if after the 1st period you bet that your favorite team are going to score twice in the 2nd, and they do. As soon as the puck lights the lamp for the second time, you will see your account credited almost immediately.

One area where BetNow shines in is the selection of banking options. You can deposit via a wide range of payment processors, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Bitcoin is one of the few crypto options available. The minimum deposit amount is a reasonable $20, and bettors can deposit as much as $40,000 at a time.

What we like:

  • User-friendly website
  • Accounts credited in real time
  • Generous promo codes
  • Flexible banking options

What we don’t:

  • Limited coverage of non-US sports

6. BetUS – One of the Largest Gambling Sites with the Best Bonuses

betus sportsbook

BetUS is considered as one of America’s favorite gambling sites, for good reason. They operate according to the Texas online gambling laws to provide you with one of the best gaming experiences possible.

Here you can enjoy a range of promotional and bonus offers to get you started along with a huge sportsbook that features Live Betting, Football, Tennis, Baseball, Basketball, Martial Arts, Boxing, and many more.

There are a variety of ongoing promotional offers that allow you to bet on future events, such as the winners of the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, Premier League, NBA Championship, and so on. If you’re more of a gamer, you’ll be thrilled to find that this sportsbook covers eSports betting extensively, with some of the best competitive games featured such as CS:GO and Dota 2.

BetUS has one of the best online casinos for the US market. And it’s not only the regular bonuses that make this casino great, it’s the selection of games too. To give you an idea, the slot games make up around 80% of the casino games total, and the betting limits are quite flexible, ranging from $0.01 to $50 per spin.  Apart from this, the blackjack and roulette variety is great with low or high-stakes games, or if you’re more into tournaments and content, they campaign some great promos aimed at Texan players on a regular basis.

BetUS also features a loyalty program that awards you various prizes and perks the more you bet. For new Texans that would like to get into sports betting on some of their favorite teams, there are a variety of welcome offers that you can enjoy once you’ve registered. This is something that many of the best sportsbooks offer; however, few of them come close to what BetUS has to offer. There are also daily promotional offers at the online casino that’s been integrated into the site, which you’d want to take advantage of as well. Kick-start your online gambling journey with BetUS with 125% up to $3, 125 on your first deposit.

What we like:

  •         Plenty of betting markets
  •         Huge range of bonus offers
  •         Quick payouts
  •         The online casino features plenty of games

What we don’t:

  • Few available banking methods

7. XBet – A Top-Rated eSports and Gambling Platform

XBet Sports Betting Vermont

XBet is a gambling site that features one of the largest football and eSports betting lines. Here you can place bets on your favorite football teams in the NFL or you can venture into international markets and bet on the AFC. If you’re a college football fan, there are also plenty of NCAA football games to bet on, along with the NBA, WNBA, and the NHL.

XBet is not only a sportsbook but a multi-gambling site featuring a dedicated online casino, specifically for US players. With a more modern Vegas feel to it, Texan players will be right at home with the great assortment of 3D and standard slot games, along with a fantastic mix of video poker, table games, and live casino games. To add some diversity, XBet now also features Keno as an extra option.

When it comes to eSports, you can bet on popular competitive games such as StarCraft 2, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends. XBet allows you to place a range of bets in a variety of fun categories such as the Entertainment industry and on Global Politics, which is something that happens quite often because of a lack of sports events. Due to the number of betting available markets, you can enjoy the best online gambling Texas has to offer on all teams representing the Lone Star State.

XBet also features a racebook that focuses entirely on horse racing, which is great if this is what you’re interested in. Get started with XBet with a 100% welcome bonus of up to $500.

What we like:

  •         A large number of betting markets
  •         High-quality online casino
  •         Plenty of bonuses and promotional offers
  •         The sportsbook features an integrated news section

What we don’t:

  •         Lack of banking methods available

More on gambling in Texas…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Texas in our expert guides below:

The Top Online Gambling Sites Texas Compared

Gambling Site Bonus Gambling Options Payment Methods
Bovada 50% Welcome Offer Up To $250 Sports betting, blackjack, table games, video poker, keno, bingo, scratch cards, arcade style casino games, craps, roulette, baccarat MatchPlay, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Voucher, AX, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Zelle
BetOnline 100% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 Sports betting, Horse Racing, Slots, roulette, craps, poker, baccarat, blackjack, esports, keno, live casinos, scratch cards Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Person2Person, Bitcoin, American Express, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Chainlink, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, Dogecoin, wire transfer
Everygame 50% up to $1,000 Sports betting, 3 reel slots, video slots, video poker, blackjack, table games, progressive jackpot slots, tournaments, keno Visa,MasterCard,Skrill, Skrill 1Tap, Bitcoin,Bitcoin Cash,Litecoin,Neteller,ecoPayz,Paysafecard, EUSEPA BankTransfer,EzeeWallet,Money Global
MyBookie Up to $1,000 Sports betting, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, live dealer casino games, slots, jackpot slots, video poker MasterCard, Visa, Person2Person, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum
BetNow 100% Bonus up to $500 Sports betting, slot games, table games, video poker, keno, progressive jackpot slots, live dealer casino games, mobile casino games MasterCard, Bitcoin, Person2Person, Visa, American Express, Bitcoin Cash
BetUS 125% Sign up Bonus Sports betting, slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, video poker, live dealer games, tournaments, keno Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, American Express
XBet 100% Bonus up to $500 Sports betting, live casino games, 3D slots, slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat MasterCard, Visa, Bitcoin Cash, Person2Person, Litecoin, Bitcoin
BUSR Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 Casino Games (Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Table Games, Miscellaneous Titles) Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin, Person2Person, Bitcoin Cash
Jazzsports 100% Deposit Match Bonus up to $5,000 Casino Games (Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Table Games, Miscellaneous Titles) Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin
Sportsbetting.ag 350% Deposit Match Bonus up to $2,500 Casino Games (Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Video Poker, Live Casino, Tournaments, Table Games, Miscellaneous Titles) Bitcoin, American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Legal Gambling Sites in Texas

When it comes to gambling online in Texas, it’s a good idea to know what the precise Texas online gambling laws are. Below we take a look at all forms of gambling, both online and land-based, to determine whether gambling in the Lone Star State is legal. Gambling laws are often misinterpreted as there are generally lots of grey areas surrounding gambling laws in the US, so let’s take a closer look at Texas.

The History of Legal Gambling

The year 1903 was the last time that gambling legally took place in Texas. The state had always enjoyed popular gambling activities and was known to be a gambling hub until the Progressive Era started and changed views on vices such as gambling. All gambling was then outlawed which consequently shut down the Texas State Fair and Rodeo too. Gambling continued to operate illegally in Texas and by 1992, the state established it’s own Texas Lottery as a means of legal gambling.

Today, the Texas Lottery encapsulates Powerball and Mega Millions too. The Texas Lottery Commission today allows raffles, bingo, and Eight-Liners, a popular slot-like game that can be operated to produce non-cash value prizes below $5.

Indian Casinos

There are three tribes recognized by the federal government in Texas and these tribes are known to operate casinos. They were allowed to operate casinos in the 1980s after the courts and the IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) gave them the go-ahead to establish casinos in the state. There were plenty of controversies before gambling was legalized in the US, and this resulted in lawsuits due to casinos breaching laws which saw some of them being shut down.

There were also cases where some of the tribes had refused to establish casinos due to morals; however, the decisions had been reversed after they had seen the success that other tribes were having. 2015 saw the National Indian Gaming Commission issue a judgment that allowed the Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes to legally establish casinos. However, these casinos were threatened to be shut down in 2017.

To this day, Indian Casinos are the only places where Texans can legally gamble. These casinos see a lot of success which contributes to the revenue that they generate which goes toward various sectors within their reservations.

Online Gambling Laws – Sports Betting

Online gambling in Texas is prohibited and the act of sports betting is too, despite the cult-like following of popular sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks. The US has seen many states legalize sports betting as it’s become incredibly popular at land-based locations and online sites. There have been talks of the state legalizing sports betting in 2021; however, talks fell apart as quickly as the rumors had spread, which is why it’s unlikely that it would be legalized at this point. Learn more about the legal state of sports betting in Texas on this page.

Bills

There were bills proposed, such as TX SJR39; however, this was declined after a few months. There have also been bills that would decriminalize the act of sports betting; however, this didn’t solve anything as it’s still prohibited under state law. For Texas to see any hopes of sports betting in 2022, the state would have to agree to a bill by 2021 to get things done before the deadline at the end of April.

If no agreement is reached regarding another bill, the state would have to wait a full year before it can attempt the legalization process. So, is online gambling legal in Texas? Specifically, sports betting? No.

Texas Online Gambling Laws 

Online gambling Texas real money play is a different story, as you’re allowed to play at offshore casinos and sportsbooks. This is particularly unusual as the state puts in no effort to fine or prosecute players that are doing so. This means that it’s willing to lose tax revenue to foreign companies, and this is something that’s been proven with other states.

The interesting thing is, online gambling is illegal in Texas and the law is made of three elements that mention how you’ll violate the law if you perform the following:

  •         Playing and betting cash or another item of value with dice, cards, balls, or any form of gambling tool.
  •         Bet on any type of the result of a sports game, competition of any kind, or performance.
  •         Bet on any political result.

However, there are a few exceptions that have been made to accommodate private games, pari-mutuel racing, and lotteries. Nevertheless, gambling is undoubtedly illegal, but no law in Texas mentions anything about online gambling, which is likely the reason for it not being heavily enforced. This is something that’s been mentioned by Texas-based lawyers and online gambling advocates.

Online Gambling Guides State by State

What is Legal in Texas?

When it comes to the legality surrounding online gambling Texas, there’s not much that’s allowed. According to state law, the only forms of gambling that are allowed are the State Lottery, Tribal Casinos, Home Poker Games, Charitable Games, and Pari-Mutuel Betting. Private Poker Clubs and DFS are in a grey area, where they’re not entirely legal; however, no law states that these acts are prohibited. Players will need to be aged 21 or older to participate in any legal gambling as per the Texas online gambling laws.

Will Texas Online Gambling be Legal?

There’s no telling when online gambling Texas will be allowed. As previously stated, the state has attempted to legalize online gambling and sports betting; however, these bills fell through within a few months after they had been proposed. Texas has a lot of laws that essentially outlaw most forms of gambling, especially sports betting. One of the most prominent laws is the prohibition of sports betting at tribal casinos. Meanwhile, traditional gambling is allowed at these locations, but the moment sports betting is involved, it’s a different ball game.

If you take a look at the legislative timeline, you’ll notice that there’s either no activity or something is being rejected. It goes as follows:

  •         2019 saw the federal ban on sports betting being lifted; however, the Lone Star State didn’t act on it immediately. A bill to legalize sports betting was eventually submitted and this failed to make it out of the House of Representatives.
  •         2020 saw no bills to legalize sports betting being submitted.
  •         2021 saw three sports betting bills being submitted; however, this didn’t go very far as the bill which would allow the legalization of sports betting had been rejected.

Potential for Success

One of the most baffling parts of gambling and sports betting that is prohibited in Texas is the mass sports following that the state has. Not only are there plenty of sports fans, but the state has four regions that have very successful teams. This includes the following:

  •         Houston – Houston Astros, Houston Texans, and the Houston Rockets
  •         Dallas – Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, and the Dallas Mavericks
  •         Austin – Austin Longhorns and FC Austin
  •         San Antonio – San Antonio Spurs

College sports are extremely popular; however, there’s a lot of controversy surrounding whether NCAA sports should be featured as an option on sportsbooks, which is a different topic on its own. However, varsity teams are followed almost as much as the professional teams and this is something that the state needs to recognize.

A Focus on Players

One of the reasons why we shouldn’t need to be asking is if online sports betting is legal in Texas is due to how many issues can be solved by legalizing it. Online gambling Texas is currently being dominated by offshore companies and this means that no regulations are surrounding how players are treated. There’s also the illegal gambling scene that’s prominent across the US and this could have some players end up in hot water, especially if they owe money to a bookie.

The Potential

By legalizing online sports betting and other forms of gambling in Texas, the state will be able to regulate the activity and it will be able to profit from the revenue that sportsbooks make. There will also be a decrease in illegal gambling activity, which means that more players will be more responsible when it comes to online sports betting and gambling.

Offshore Sites as Alternatives

With legal gambling, especially sports betting and online casino gaming looking more like a pipe dream, there are other options. Offshore casinos and sportsbooks are available for players to use and this allows for the use of these sites. Here you’ll be able to enjoy all of the online gambling perks that should be made available to you without fear of breaking the law as there’s nothing that states that offshore gambling is illegal.

Constant Decline of Bills

The key reason for legal gambling in Texas constantly being shot down is the state always falling short of deadlines. This might seem like a poor reason, but there’s more to it, as the state is yet to make it as far as a committee hearing, which is a necessary part of the legalization process. Ultimately, there’s no telling what will happen next regarding the legalization of sports betting and other forms of gambling in the state.

Online Gambling Texas Real Money Sites

Real money online gambling is something that’s rising in popularity with more sites being established almost monthly. There are different types of online gambling sites and the differences between offline and online gambling in the state of Texas is something that you should know.

Online Casinos in Texas

Online gambling Texas was initially viewed as a form of fraudulent activity as many people didn’t buy into online gaming. However, these sites have become incredibly advanced with all reputable online platforms featuring SSL (secure socket layer) protection. This protects information from being stolen while also ensuring that transactions are safe and secure. Safety has always been a huge priority at land-based casinos and many players feel safer as they’re able to see what the dealers are doing, unlike online gambling Texas. However, real-money online casinos in Texas are safer and more accessible than land-based operators.

Online casinos are catching up to land-based casinos when it comes to the overall ambiance that they provide. Online casinos are offering brilliant live casino gaming which uses a real dealer and you’re able to play your favorite table game from anywhere, which beats making a trip to a casino. Some players will argue that there’s no replacement for the social aspect of casino gambling and this might be true, but when it comes to overall game selection and convenience, online casinos and sportsbooks will always be superior.

Sportsbooks Gambling Online in Texas

It seems like the age-old question of “Is online gambling legal in Texas” and this applies to sports betting too. For the time being, Texans will need to become well-acquainted with offshore sports betting sites as this is all that’s available in the state. Due to laws, which we’ve previously mentioned, the state doesn’t allow online or land-based sports betting. Fortunately, there are a variety of sportsbooks that are aimed at Texans to provide them with an excellent sports betting experience.

Texas Horse and Dog Racing

Horse and dog racing are a huge part of betting culture in the Lone Star State, and this is something that will likely never be replaced with an online variation. Yes, virtual horse and dog racing are available; however, the thrill of being at the track and watching the race is something that many fans won’t trade for anything. This is a factor that many players consider to be the most important.

Legal Gambling Sites in Texas

To participate in online gambling Texas, you need to be aged 21 or older; however, there is a range of laws that prohibit most forms of gambling from taking place in the Lone Star State. The first step to understanding if online gambling legal in Texas is to know what the state considers to be gambling. The following is prohibited and viewed as a criminal offense:

  •         Wagering on any part of a game, contest, competition, or individual performance.
  •         Wagering on any politics, this includes the appointment of any member of the outcome of an election.
  •         Wagering for cash or anything of value such as a house, a car, jewelry, etc. While using any type of gambling tools such as a dice, ball, cards, or anything of the sort.

There are a few exceptions that have been made, this includes participation in the state lottery and betting on pari-mutuel racing. You’ll also be excused for gambling if the following conditions were met:

  •         No financial gain was made.
  •         Gambling took place in private.
  •         The risks of losing were the same for all parties involved, meaning that there was no skill gap.

The above mentioned only applies to land-based gambling in Texas, whereas there are no laws that indicate that online gambling is illegal. This is why offshore casinos can operate in the state as online gambling Texas Is in a grey area when it comes to the law. So, the question of “Is online gambling illegal in Texas” can’t be answered with a definitive yes or no. The only type of gambling that’s allowed is that which is offered by tribal casinos and race tracks. However, sports betting isn’t allowed at tribal casinos as you’ll only be allowed to participate in slots and various table games.

Advantages of Texas Online Gambling

While there’s no online gambling legal in Texas, there’s no harm in comparing offline and online gambling Texas casinos. When it comes to online gambling Texas, one of the major differences when being compared to offline casinos and gambling, in general, is the availability of games and betting markets. Online gambling always has more when it comes to the overall availability of games and these sites are constantly in a state of adding more to provide players with a better gaming experience.

Online vs. Offline Gambling

The same can’t be said for all offline casinos, betting tracks, and so on, as casinos will usually offer the same thing when it comes to gaming for a prolonged period. This is because it’s much more expensive for these locations to constantly update their gaming collections, as new cabinets and tables will need to be purchased. Another major difference between offline and online gambling is bonuses. Online sites will always have some kind of welcome offer to entice new players to join, this is available in the form of a deposit match bonus or a no-deposit bonus, depending on the site.

Bonuses

These bonuses also allow for a prolonged gaming experience which is something that most players are after. In some cases, there will be a combination of free spins and bonus cash available at online casinos while sportsbooks are known to offer risk-free bets which is essentially a safety net. Furthermore, there are generally promotional offers available for existing players and these will be available for a limited period.

Bonuses aren’t something that will be found at offline casinos, racetracks, and sports betting locations. Offline gambling in Texas generally offers small promotions depending on what you’re looking at; however, these aren’t always guaranteed to be found. Offshore online sportsbooks provide Texans with a solid alternative to leaving the state to head to a region that allows online gambling. These sites know their market and here you can easily bet on the Cowboys, the Astros, the Spurs, and all other Texas-based teams in a variety of sports.

Variety

Online sports betting also allows you to bet on almost anything, from the outcome of political events, various forms of entertainment, award ceremonies, etc. Which means that there’s always something to wager on.

Land-Based Casinos in Texas

Apart from online gambling Texas, there’s one land-based casino known as the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel. This casino can be found at 794 Lucky Eagle Drive, Eagle Pass, Texas. Here you’ll be able to enjoy slots, poker, and bingo while there are also various forms of entertainment available depending on when you visit. Here you can watch various live performances and there’s a 3-star hotel on the premises if you need a place to stay. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle also offers a range of dining options such as the Red Sky Grill, the Riverbend Café, Azul, The Marketplace, and IHOP.

If you’d like to wager on horse or greyhound racing, there are a few racetracks scattered around the state. Lone Star Park, Sam Houston Park, and Retama Park can be visited for horse racing. Whereas, Gulf Coast Racing, Track Dog Racing, and Valley Race Park offer greyhound racing.

Free Gambling Sites in Texas

Texas online gambling requires a bit of practice and this is where free gambling sites come into play. This is one of the few times where online gambling Texas won’t be met with “Is it legal to bet online in Texas”, as there’s no money on the line. There is a wide range of free online games available online, these can be found at online casinos or you can download them via apps that can be found on the Play Store or the App Store. The games that are found at online casinos will provide you with an identical gaming experience as these games are demos of the real thing. This will give you a good indication of the type of games that you like.

You can also join an offshore casino for online gambling Texas; however, instead of depositing cash, you can find one that provides you with a no-deposit bonus offer. This means that you can claim a bit of cash or some free spins for slots and you won’t pay a cent. This will provide you with the practice that you will need before heading to an offshore casino for real money online gambling Texas.

Conclusion: Texas Online Gambling

Online gambling in Texas is certainly a great way to pass the time. However, online gambling in the state isn’t something that would be found in the state as nearly all forms of gambling have been outlawed, this includes online and land-based gambling, with the only exception being the tribal casino option. Offshore gambling sites have been the saving grace of players that are keen on participating in online gambling in Texas. Despite the law that states that no gambling is allowed, nobody in the history of Texas has been prosecuted for gambling at an offshore casino.

So, can you gamble online in Texas?  Yes, you can, but our site doesn’t offer any legal advice, we would recommend exercising a bit of caution when playing online, but the odds of you getting into trouble are almost none, as local authorities are more concerned with physical illegal gambling practices such as illegal VSTs and slots along with illegal sports betting which has been a problem throughout the US.

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Alan is an experienced writer of online betting and casino guides. He is one of the main editors of Basketballinsiders.

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