Texas Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
The old saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” doesn’t apply to everything. Thanks to the conservative values, you won’t find many outlets for land-based gambling in the Lone Star State.
When you factor in the sheer size of Texas, you might be in for a long drive to get to one.
So, what are your options? In this guide, we will explain the gambling laws in Texas and a loophole that opens up quite a few possibilities.
Based on our extensive research, we will also share the best places to play and how to stay within the law.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in Texas? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18 (Lottery) – 21 (Casino)
Land-Based Casinos
Yes (Limited Tribal)
Online Casinos
Gray Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
No
Online Sportsbooks
Gray Area
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Discover Everything About Texas Gambling
Is Online Gambling Legal in Texas?
Key Takeaways
- You can play at legit online casinos, betting sites, and poker rooms regulated outside of the state.
- No online gambler has ever faced prosecution in Texas.
- Texas does not regulate online gambling, but it isn’t illegal.
- Texans are prohibited from running an online casino as a business within state lines.
Texas has not legalized and regulated any form of online gambling. However, many online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms still serve the Lone Star State.
These offshore operators feel comfortable accepting Texans because state laws don’t specifically ban online gambling.
Likewise, many Texas residents feel safe using gambling sites and have been doing so for almost three decades. No Texas gambler has ever faced prosecution for gambling online.
You can play gamble online with virtually no worries in this state. Nevertheless, they have laws that prohibit people from running Texas-based illegal gambling businesses.
Offshore operators and online gamblers fall into a grey area, with the lack of prosecutions affirming this interpretation.
Best Online Casinos in Texas 2024
Texans have dozens of gaming sites available at their fingertips. But which Texas online casinos are the safest and best all around? We have reviewed dozens of casino sites to compile the following top list.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November 19, 2024.
Our Recommended Online Casinos Reviewed
The TX online casinos listed above are our favorites from an all-around perspective.
However, some of them particularly excel with slots, table games, and sports betting options. You can check out these gambling sites below.
DuckyLuck – Best Overall
DuckyLuck stands out for its table games and live dealer section. Its table games cover plenty of ground with several blackjack variations, several roulette variants, Card Clash, craps, Ride ’em poker, and tri-card poker available.
The blackjack selection is impressive due to unique options like Rolling Stack, multi-hand, and 21+1.
We also love their live dealer because it features multiple types of games. For example, they host tables for baccarat, blackjack, casino hold ’em, and roulette, which are not available at many casinos.
Top Features
- One of the largest game selections in Texas at 600+
- Several live dealer games are available
- Deep blackjack selection with unique variants
Bovada – Best for Slot Variety
Red Dog Casino offers the best online slot lineup we’ve seen. It features the latest releases, many themes, and massive jackpots.
Regarding the latter, you can currently play for million-dollar jackpots through Good Girl Bad Girl.
Some other popular slots include Play With Cleo, Diamond Cherry, Winning Vegas, and other titles by top-notch providers such as Betsoft, Dragon Gaming, and DiceLab.
Top Features
- Jackpot slots with 7-figure progressive prizes
- Over 600 slots from top providers
- Monthly RTP reports on slot games
Bovada – Best for Sports Betting
As online sports betting remains in a gray area after the outcome of HB 1942, Bovada stands out as a prime offshore betting option for Texans.
We like this site because it has a proven record of 20 years of serving players. Its sports betting section is particularly noteworthy, covering multiple sports, from football and basketball to UFC/MMA and esports.
You will also be able to choose from a variety of betting options, including daily odds, totals, futures, and an array of prop bets.
Top Features
- Reliable and quick payouts, making transactions smooth for US players
- Innovative MatchPay and Vouchers payment options
- Casino section with slots, live dealers, and table games
How We Choose Online Casinos
We look at several key pieces of criteria when evaluating gaming sites. You can see our main focuses when determining the top Texas online casinos below.
Reputation
A mobile casino builds its reputation through consistent payouts, good customer support, and fair gaming. We only recommend casino sites that pass all these requirements.Fast & Reliable Payments
Our team personally withdraws funds from gaming sites to see which operators deliver money promptly. The best casinos process withdrawals within 1-3 days.Security & Safety
A reliable casino must protect its players’ personal and banking information. We will never recommend an operator that doesn’t use high-level protection for its website.Game Variety
More slots, table games, and live dealer tables increase the odds that you’ll have fun at an online casino.Quality Bonuses
The best Texas online casino bonuses are big and have fair terms and conditions. Our staff particularly likes bonus offers with low wagering requirements.
Which Casino Games Are Available in TX?
You’ll find several real money online casino game categories in the Lone Star State. As covered below, slots, poker, blackjack, and live dealer games are particularly popular.
Online Slots
Real money slots are the most common online casino games in Texas. Most TX mobile casinos offer 100-200 slot games, with some even featuring 600+ titles.
Online Poker
Some Texas online casinos provide real money poker. These online poker rooms usually offer Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo.
Online Blackjack
Online casinos are the sole source of blackjack in Texas. Most offer several online blackjack variations such as classic, multi-hand, Perfect Pairs, and Rolling Stack.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casinos stream games from land-based studios and feature real dealers, cards, and tables. They also let you chat with the dealer like in brick-and-mortar casinos.
Other Games Available
Are you looking for even more entertaining casino games at Texas online casinos? Here are more options beyond slots, poker, blackjack, and live gaming.
Texas Online Casino Bonuses
The following Texas online casino bonuses are the best in the market. They excel due to their size and reasonable terms and conditions.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Casino Bonuses at Texas Sites
$7,500 Welcome Bonus + 150 Spins
The DuckyLuck offers a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins welcome bonus. This promo qualifies for your first three deposits. However, the second don’t include the free spins.
You must deposit at least $25 for each deposit bonus.
Wagering requirements are very friendly at 30x the bonus plus deposit.
Up to $8,000 Welcome Bonus
The Red Dog Casino offers a $8,000 Welcome Package.
Its match percentage and sheer size are excellent compared to the average promo.
The minimum qualifying deposit depends on your deposit method, but you can start with $10. The wagering requirements are 40x, which is up to industry standards.
Are There any Casino Apps Available in TX?
No Texas casino apps are available, but you can still play at offshore casinos through a smartphone or tablet. To do it, you need to visit your preferred casino via an iOS or Android device.
Next, you sign up for an account and deposit to begin playing for real money.
We have reviewed mobile casinos with and without apps. We rarely notice a performance difference between the two platforms.
Browser-based play is just as reliable as a casino app. Therefore, you should experience no trouble when playing at our recommended Texas mobile casinos.
Facts About TX Online Casinos
The following facts will provide you with important info about Texas online gaming.
- The online casinos that serve Texas are offshore and licensed in their respective jurisdictions (e.g., Curaçao).
- You can only play traditional slots and table games at TX online casinos because the state’s tribal casinos only have Class II slot machines and no table games.
- Texas online casinos accept cryptocurrencies, unlike land-based Texas gambling venues.
- You might not be able to make bank transfers at offshore casinos because many US banks won’t process them.
- Texas is not close to regulating online casinos because no related bills have ever received a vote.
- Many online casinos accept Texans aged 18 and older.
Gambling Laws Summary
The following table covers Texas online gambling and land-based gaming laws. As you’ll see below, the Lone Star State permits certain forms of land-based gambling.
Meanwhile, online casinos, poker sites, betting sites, and daily fantasy sports lie in a grey area.
| Texas Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Texas | State laws do not permit commercial brick-and-mortar casinos. However, tribes can negotiate to offer casino gaming on their sovereign lands. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe has the largest casino (Kickapoo Lucky Eagle) among the state’s tribes. |
| Online Gambling | Texas Penal Codes do not specifically mention online gambling. Therefore, many online sportsbooks, poker rooms, and casinos serve Texans from offshore locations. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-Based | Lawmakers made a serious effort to legalize online sports betting through HB 1942 in 2023. The measure passed the Texas House but didn’t receive a vote in the Senate. Offshore sportsbooks remain the only viable TX sports betting options. |
| State Lottery | The Texas Lottery launched in 1991 and remains one of the state’s few legal forms of gambling. It offers several in-state games (e.g., Texas Two Step, All or Nothing) and Mega Millions and Powerball tickets. |
| Charitable Gambling | Qualifying charities can offer bingo and raffles to raise funds. However, they cannot run casino nights or poker tournaments like charities can in certain other states. |
| Poker | Land-based poker rooms are not legal under Texas gambling laws. But poker clubs have capitalized on social gambling rules to run successful businesses. They charge membership fees and don’t collect rake, thus making their clubs seem like legal private games. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Pari-mutuel betting was legal in Texas from 1933 to 1937 and banned afterward. Voters approved pari-mutuel betting again in 1987. Horse racing events continue to run in Texas, but the greyhound tracks are inactive. Currently, simulcast off-track betting is permitted at horse race tracks. |
| Fantasy Sports | Daily fantasy sports (DFS) lie in a legal grey area. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed that DFS was illegal in 2015. However, DFS sites continue accepting Texas players. |
| Social Gambling | Texas permits social gambling under certain conditions. All participants must have a fair chance of winning, and nobody can profit from the games through rake or other means (e.g., selling alcohol). |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | You do not pay state taxes on gambling winnings in Texas. Instead, you only need to cover federal taxes. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Texas Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Texas is among the few states that don’t offer one of the following three: legal commercial casinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks.
The Texas Penal Code is tough on gambling, but some games of chance are still available. The following sections provide in-depth details on what is and isn’t legal here.
Land-Based Casinos
Texas is the country’s biggest untapped market for casino resorts. It has four major metropolitan areas (Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) and more than 29.5 million people. Nevertheless, this conservative state has resisted legalizing commercial casinos.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban remains one of the state’s biggest proponents of Texas casinos. His hopes fell short when the Texas House chose not to vote on casinos in 2023.
Now, gamblers must wait until at least 2025 for the legislature to revisit casino resorts. Tribal casinos remain among the few viable gaming options in the state.
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle (Lucky Pass), Naskila (Livingston), and Speaking Rock (El Paso) are the only Texas tribal casinos. Kickapoo is the largest, with 80,000 square feet of floor space and over 3,300 gaming machines.
The latter are not traditional slot machines but Class II slots that use bingo-style results for legal purposes.
Online Gambling
Texas Penal Codes do not specifically mention online gambling.
However, they have a strong stance towards unlawful operators in the state. Their penal code has laws that prohibit people from running and betting at Texas-based illegal gambling businesses. The following excerpts from Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Codes showcase their point of view:
- Sec. 47.01 – [Illegal] “Bet” means an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance.
- Sec. 47.03 – [An illegal gambling promotor] (1) operates or participates in the earnings of a gambling place; (2) engages in bookmaking.
Online offshore operators fall into a grey area and will keep serving Texans.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Pari-mutuel betting has experienced a rocky existence in Texas. It became legal in 1933, only to become unlawful in 1937, mainly over concerns regarding dog racing.
Pari-mutuel wagering finally returned in 1987 after voters approved the matter.
This vote brought back dog and horse racing. Both are still legal today, although horse tracks are the only venues for running races. The dog tracks have been inactive for several years. Available Texas horse racing venues include:
- Gillespie County Fair (Fredericksburg)
- Lone Star Park (Grand Prairie)
- Retama Park (Selma)
- Sam Houston Race Park (Houston)
Simulcast off-track betting is permitted at horse race tracks.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
State voters approved a Texas Constitution amendment that allowed lotteries in 1991.
The Texas Lottery offers in-state tickets, multi-jurisdictional tickets, and scratchcards. Its available games include All or Nothing, Cash Five, Daily 4, Lotto Texas, Pick 3, Mega Millions, and Powerball.
Charities can hold bingo games and raffles but cannot run poker tournaments and casino events.
The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act (HB 2757) limits charities to running four raffles annually. Additionally, no raffle prize can exceed $75,000 in value.
Social Gaming at Home
Penal Code 47.02(b) permits social gambling under the following circumstances:
- (1) the actor engaged in gambling in a private place;
- (2) no person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings; and
- (3) except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Despite being the birthplace of Texas hold’em, the Lone Star State does not allow poker games.
However, poker clubs have found a workaround by charging membership fees instead of rake. They also hold games in a “private place” to benefit from the social gambling loophole. The biggest Texas poker clubs include:
- Shuffle 214 (Dallas) – 31 tables
- Rounders Card Club (San Antonio) – 30 tables
- Prime Social (Houston) – 23 tables
- Champions Social (Houston) – 19 tables
Online Sports Betting and Land-Based Sportsbooks
Texas sports betting is the most likely form of gambling to become legal. Lawmakers have attempted to legalize online sports betting multiple times since PASPA fell in 2018.
HB 1942 was the most recent effort, passing the House by an 82-51 margin in 2023.
This legislation sought to legalize Texas online sports betting. But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick used his position as Senate President to block HB 1942 from receiving a vote. The earliest that TX sports wagering can become legal now is 2025.
Land-Based Casinos in Texas
The Texas casino scene isn’t bursting with options, but it does feature a few locations. You can find available TX tribal casinos and social poker rooms on the map below.
Top Texas Casinos
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
- Naskila Casino
- Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
TX Gambling Summary
- Total Casinos: 3
- Total Poker Rooms: 56
Texas Gambling Vs. Neighboring States
Surrounding states have taken advantage of Texas’ limited gambling offerings. They routinely draw Texans across the border to their casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms.
You can see what the Lone Star State’s neighbors offer in the following table.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal (Limited Tribal) | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Arkansas | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Louisiana | Yes | 21 | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Mexico | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Oklahoma | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
Most of Texas’ neighbors have two things in common: legal casinos and sportsbooks.
Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico are three of the biggest casino markets. All surrounding states besides Oklahoma offer legal sports betting—another aspect missing from Texas.
Louisiana is one of the few states to ban unlawful online gambling.
By not taking action, Texas is at least more progressive than the Bayou State regarding mobile gambling.
A Brief History of Texas Gambling
Take a look at Texas’ most relevant gambling-related events through the years.
Mid-to-late 1800s
Texas saloons become hotspots for card games and other gambling.
1903
Lawmakers ban gambling in response to conservatism sweeping across the state.
1933
Texas legalized pari-mutuel betting (dog & horse racing) to raise money during the Great Depression.
1937
The legislature bans pari-mutuel wagering amid growing outrage over dog racing; horse racing becomes illegal by association.
1987
Voters approve pari-mutuel betting (again), ending a 50-year ban on dog and horse racing betting.
1989
Texans voted to amend the constitution and allow charitable gambling.
1991
Legislation to allow lottery games passes; the Texas Lottery launches the next year.
1993
Speaking Rock Bingo opens on tribal lands despite not having a compact with the state.
Mid-1990s
The earliest offshore gambling sites began accepting Texans.
1996
Kickapoo Casino opens on the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe reservation.
2015
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opines daily fantasy sports are illegal.
2023
An online sports betting bill passes the Texas House but gets blocked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Responsible gaming initiatives develop as a state adds more land-based and online gambling options.
Texas understandably does not have strong, responsible gambling protocols because its legal betting options are limited. Nevertheless, a few outlets do exist for Texans who want to play responsibly:
- Texas Lottery – The Texas Lottery’s website provides tips and resources on responsible gambling.
- Texas Gamblers Anonymous – Hold meetings in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio for gambling addicts.
Play Safely, Stay Informed, and Have Fun!
Texas may not be the friendliest state towards gamblers, but it’s hands-off regarding online gambling. Therefore, you can enjoy offshore casinos, betting sites, and poker sites here.
For peace of mind, state authorities have never prosecuted anybody for gambling online.
Future regulation could come for one or more forms of Texas online gambling. Sports betting appears the closest because legislation for online sportsbooks passed the House in 2023. It will likely need to become legal before online casinos and poker gain serious attention from lawmakers.
Land-based gambling options are limited in the Lone Star State, with only a few tribal casinos and poker clubs available. The Texas Lottery provides another legal outlet for gamblers.
Moving forward, online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks should continue playing a big role in the TX gambling scene. Regulated betting sites and land-based casino resorts could become legal in 2-5 years.
FAQ
The following FAQs provide additional insight into the Texas gambling market. They address everything from online casino no-deposit bonuses to tribal gaming.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Texas?
Tribal casinos are the only legal land-based gaming establishments in Texas. They offer Class II slot machines, which determine results via bingo-style mechanics. Commercial casinos feature Class III slots (random number generators) and are illegal in this state.
Are there real money online casinos in Texas with no deposit bonuses?
Some real money online casinos offer no deposit bonuses in Texas and other states. For example, a gaming site may provide 30 free spins to new TX sign-ups.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Texas?
Online casinos operating in Texas do not hold licensing within the state. Therefore, you risk dealing with an unsavory operator who may pay slowly or have poor customer service. We recommend only playing with the best Texas online casinos to avoid this problem.
Who regulates online casinos in Texas?
Texas does not regulate online casinos nor have a government body that oversees online gaming. All TX online casinos are unregulated within Texas and hold licensing in offshore jurisdictions like Curaçao. You can check out our reviews to find reputable offshore online casinos.
