Texas has some of the strictest laws in the US around gambling. But that doesn’t mean Texans don’t have options to bet online. In this guide, we’ll review the 10 best platforms for online gambling in Texas and explain everything you need to know about Texas online gambling.
50% match deposit bonus worth up to $1,000 100% deposit match welcome bonus of up to $1,000 100% deposit match up to $500 Up to $2,500 with a 125% deposit match (100% sports bonus and 25% casino bonus) 75% Crypto Deposit Bonus up to $750 Up To $750 Sign Up Bonus 150% welcome bonus up to $300 100% crypto bonus up to $1000 50% deposit match up to $1000 First deposit bonus up to 180% and 1 BTC
The Best Texas Gambling Sites in 2022
Before we dive into the ins and outs of online gambling in Texas, let’s take a brief look at the top 10 Texas gambling sites in 2022:
- BetOnline – #1 Sportsbook Casino for Online Gambling in Texas
- MyBookie – Top-rated Texas Sportsbook with Live Betting
- Wild Casino – Best Online Casino in Texas for Blackjack and Roulette
- XBet – Wager on Horse Races around the World and Get Cash Back
- Bovada – Top Texas Sportsbook for Live Streaming Games
- Intertops – Sportsbook & Casino with Competitive Betting Odds
- Ignition – Best Texas Casino for Live Poker Tournaments
- MYB Casino – User-friendly Slots Casino with Tons of New Games
- Sportsbetting.ag – Simple, Fast Payments for Sports and Casino Gambling
- BetNow – Top Texas Betting Site for NFL and NBA Wagers
Is Gambling Legal in Texas?
Most forms of gambling are illegal in Texas, with a few exceptions. While the state prizes personal freedoms, it takes an extremely conservative attitude when it comes to gambling. So, sports betting, casino games, and poker are all outlawed in Texas, even if you just want to play at home among friends.
That said, there are some exceptions carved out for legal gambling in Texas. The state lottery is legal, as is betting on horse races and greyhound races. There is also one Indian casino currently operating in Texas, which is able to get around state gambling laws since the tribe acts as a sovereign nation on its own land.
Land-based Gambling in Texas
The only option for land-based gambling in Texas is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, TX. The tribe’s casino has survived multiple legal battles with state regulators, who have tried to shut down all legal gambling in Texas.
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes have not been so fortunate. They run the Speaking Rock Casino and Naskilla Gaming casino, respectively, both of which have been shut down by regulators. The tribes and the state of Texas are still in litigation over whether these casinos can reopen, and the case will be heard by the Supreme Court in 2022.
That said, Texas does allow betting on horse racing. There are 3 tracks for legal gambling in Texas, including:
- Lone Star Park (Grand Prairie, TX)
- Retama Park (Selma, TX)
- Sam Houston Race Park (Houston, TX)
Online Gambling Sites in Texas
There are no domestic platforms for online gambling in Texas. The state does not allow US-based online casinos or online sportsbooks to operate in Texas. However, offshore sportsbooks and offshore casinos can operate legally in Texas, and these are the main gambling outlets for many Texas bettors.
It’s also worth noting that Texas does allow daily fantasy sports (DFS) from providers like DraftKings, Fanduel, and Monkey Knife Fight. DFS is considered a game of skill and therefore is not classified as illegal gambling in Texas.
The History of Texas Gambling Legislation
Texas has debated legalizing sports betting in recent years. However, the process has been slow moving not only because of Texas’s conservative stance on gambling, but also because the ban on gambling is written into the state’s constitution.
That means that legalizing sports gambling in Texas would require a constitutional referendum. So, legalizing any new form of gambling needs to pass a two-thirds vote of the state House and Senate, plus get support from a majority of Texas voters.
Here’s how gambling legislation has evolved in Texas in recent years:
2019: Texas state Representative Eddie Lucio III introduced HB 1275, which offered a framework for legal online sports betting in Texas. The bill didn’t go anywhere, but got the conversation around legalizing sports betting started in the legislature.
February 2021: The Texas legislature meets every 2 years, so 2021 was the next opportunity for legislation. Representative Dan Huberty introduced HB 2070, which was similar to HB 1275. He also introduced House Joint Resolution 97, a constitutional amendment that would legalize Texas sports gambling.
March 2021: All existing sports betting bills in the Texas legislature died in committee due to pushback within the Republican Party and from the Governor’s office.
May 2021: The Texas legislative session ended with no bills for gambling in Texas passed. Texans will likely have to wait until 2023, the next legislative session, for any new developments.
Importantly, legislators have made no indications that they are going to approve gambling casinos in Texas in any form. While sports betting is on the table right now, legal casino gaming is not.
Texas Gambling Minimum Age
The minimum age for most forms of gambling in Texas is 21. You must be 21 to bet on sports, play casino games or poker, or to bet on horse races. The minimum age for bingo and lottery games is 18.
Offshore Gambling Sites in Texas
The best way for Texans to gamble right now is with offshore betting sites. Offshore sportsbooks and offshore casinos are based outside the US, so they’re not subject to Texas’s laws against gambling operations.
For players, offshore gambling sites reside in a legal grey area. There are no specific laws in Texas that prevent residents from betting with them and the state doesn’t typically prosecute individual bettors. That said, sports betting and casino gaming are broadly banned in Texas, so it’s important to be cautious.
Offshore gambling sites are generally quite safe, and many have been offering wagers to Texas bettors for decades. For example, our top pick for online gambling in Texas, BetOnline, has been around for more than 25 years.
What Can You Gamble on in Texas?
Offshore gambling sites in Texas offer a wide range of betting options. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of gambling available in Texas.
Sports Betting
There is currently no land-based or domestic online sports gambling in Texas. However, you can bet on professional and college sports using an offshore sportsbook like BetOnline, MyBookie, or XBet.
These offshore sportsbooks let you wager on the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, golf, tennis, soccer, UFC, rugby, and much more. You can also bet on horse races around the world and on a variety of esports. Most major offshore sportsbooks also accept live bets, so you can wager while matches are underway.
Casino Games
Your only option for land-based casino gaming in Texas is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, TX. However, you can play all your favorite casino games online with offshore casinos like Wild Casino, Ignition, and Bovada.
These online casinos offer slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, keno, and much more. You can play virtual games or connect with a live dealer via real-time video feed.
Poker
You can play virtual and live poker with online casinos like BetOnline, Bovada, and Ignition. These platforms for online gambling in Texas offer daily tournaments.
Gambling Bonus Offers in Texas
One of the best things about betting with an offshore gambling site in Texas is that many platforms offer generous welcome bonuses and promotions. These can add up to a lot of money, so it’s worth understanding what types of offers are on the table.
Matched Deposits
Deposit match bonuses give you cash to bet with based on how much you deposit. For example, at BetOnline’s sportsbook, if you deposit $1,000, the 50% match means you’ll receive $500. If you deposit $2,000, you can claim the full $1,000 bonus amount.
Many of the top gambling sites in Texas also offer deposit matches when you reload your account.
Free Bets
Free bets are a type of bonus you’ll find at some online sportsbooks. With a free bet, you get to place a risk-free wager on a bet of your choice.
Depending on the offer, you may need to make a deposit and wager your own money. If you lose, the sportsbook will reimburse you. Alternatively, some sportsbooks give you money to bet with, so you never even need to make a deposit in order to start wagering.
Free Spins
Online casinos occasionally offer free spins, which let you play a featured slot game risk-free. All the bet lines are loaded and you can spin without putting any of your own cash into the slot game.
Free Poker Chips
Some poker sites give you free poker chips – essentially free cash to play poker with. At Ignition, for example, the amount of free chips you get are based on a deposit match. Other casinos simply give you a set value of free poker chips just for signing up.
With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the welcome bonus offers at the top 10 Texas gambling sites:
| Welcome Bonus | Promo Code | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Odds | |
| BetOnline | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: BOL1000
Casino: BOLCASINO |
Sports: 10X
Casino: 30X |
-200 |
| MyBookie | Sports: 100% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 150% deposit match up to $750 |
Sports: MYB1000
Casino: MYB150 |
Sports: 10X
Casino: 40X |
-250 |
| Wild Casino | 250% deposit match up to $1,000 | WILD250 | 35X | N/A |
| XBet | Sports: 100% deposit match up to $500
Casino: 200% deposit match up to $500 |
Sports: XB100
Casino: XBC200 |
Sports: 7X
Casino: 40X |
-200 |
| Bovada | Sports: 100% Bitcoin deposit match up to $750
Casino: 125% deposit match up to $1,250 |
Sports: BTCSWB750
Casino: BTCCWB1250 |
Sports: 5X
Casino: 25X |
-200 |
| Intertops | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $200
Casino: 125% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: ROOKIE50
Casino: SIGNUP100 |
Sports: 8X
Casino: 60X |
-200 |
| Ignition | 150% deposit match for poker and casino (up to $1,500 each) | No code needed | 25X | N/A |
| MYB Casino | 200% deposit bonus up to $1,000 | MYBC200 | 40X | N/A |
| Sportsbetting.ag | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: SB1000
Casino: No code needed |
Sports: 10X
Casino: 40X |
None |
| BetNow | 100% deposit match up to $500 | BN100 | 15X | None |
Taxes on Gambling in Texas
Texas doesn’t tax winnings from gambling. That’s because gambling winnings are treated like any other type of income, and Texas doesn’t have a state income tax. However, you’ll still need to pay federal taxes on your gambling earnings and report it as ordinary income.
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Best Texas Sportsbooks in 2022 Reviewed
Now that you know more about how Texas gambling works, let’s take a closer look at some of the top online casinos and sportsbooks available in Texas today.
1. BetOnline – #1 Sportsbook Casino for Online Gambling in Texas
BetOnline is our top pick for online gambling in Texas in 2022. This combined sportsbook and casino offers something for everyone. You can wager on 20 different sports markets, including the NFL, NBA, and college sports. You can also play live dealer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. BetOnline even offers daily poker tournaments, and winners can move onto month-long tournaments with $1 million prize payouts.
Despite the wealth of gambling options, BetOnline is simple to navigate and very easy to use. You can also play on the go with the BetOnline mobile betting apps for iOS and Android. The platform supports live sports betting, but it doesn’t have live streaming available.
BetOnline offers separate $1,000 welcome bonuses for its sportsbook and casino. At the sportsbook, BetOnline promo code BOL1000 will earn you a 50% deposit match with a 10X wagering requirement and minimum odds of -200. At the casino, you can use promo code BOLCASINO to claim a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with a 30X wagering requirement.
Sign up for BetOnline today to bet on sports, casino games, poker, and more!
What we like:
- Sportsbook with live betting and 20+ markets
- Online casino with live dealer games
- Daily poker tournaments with big payouts
- Two $1,000 welcome bonus offers
What we don’t:
- Doesn’t offer live streaming of sports matches
2. MyBookie - Top-rated Texas Sportsbook with Live Betting
MyBookie is one of our favorite Texas online sportsbooks, especially for live betting. This bookie platform lets you make in-game wagers on a huge variety of games, and prop bets are often available even after games get underway. MyBookie also lets you create complex parlays, teasers, and if bets, and offers an odds boost feature so you can get even bigger payouts when you win.
MyBookie also has an online casino complete with slots, table games, and virtual poker. The casino doesn’t offer live poker tournaments, but you’ll find live dealer blackjack and roulette as well as weekly blackjack tournaments.
This online gambling site has separate bonuses for sports betting and casino play. Sports bettors can claim a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with MyBookie promo code MYB1000 (minimum odds of -250). Casino gamblers can claim a 150% deposit match up to $750 with promo code MYB150.
Sign up for MyBookie today to claim your welcome bonus!
What we like:
- Live betting options including live props
- Odds boost for parlays and teasers
- Weekly blackjack tournaments
- $1,750 in total welcome bonuses
What we don’t:
- No live poker games
3. Wild Casino - Best Online Casino in Texas for Blackjack and Roulette
Wild Casino is one of the most comprehensive online casinos in Texas today. At this online casino, you’ll find more than 250 slot games, dozens of blackjack and roulette tables, virtual poker, and specialty games like keno and craps. Wild Casino lets you wager up to $5,000 on a single hand of blackjack, which makes this casino ideal for high rollers.
Another thing we like about Wild Casino is that it’s incredibly easy to use. You can access the casino online or through mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. The casino accepts most major cryptocurrencies in addition to credit and debit cards, and payouts are speedy. All live dealer tables are open 24/7, so you can jump on and start playing anytime.
Wild Casino offers new players a 250% deposit match up to $1,000. That means that you only need to deposit $400 to claim the full bonus. The funds come with a 35X wagering requirement.
Use promo code WILD250 to claim your Wild Casino welcome bonus today!
What we like:
- 24/7 live dealer tables
- Bet up to $5,000 per hand
- Mobile casino apps for iOS and Android
- 250% deposit match welcome bonus
What we don’t:
- No live poker tournaments
- Doesn’t offer sports betting
4. XBet - Wager on Horse Races around the World and Get Cash Back
XBet is another combo sportsbook-casino with a lot to offer for gamblers. We think this online gambling site especially stands out for off-track betting, since you can wager on races from tracks around the world - including in the UK, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Better yet, XBet offers 7% cash back on every horse bet you make, regardless of whether your bets win or lose.
XBet’s sportsbook and casino are well-stocked with gambling options. The sportsbook covers more than 21 markets, including college sports, esports, and all professional US sports leagues. You’ll find live sports betting and live dealer tables, a parlay builder, and virtual poker games. The only things we found missing were live sports streaming and live poker tournaments.
XBet offers a 100% deposit match up to $500 at the sportsbook and a 200% deposit match up to $500 at the casino. The sports bonus requires you to play minimum odds of -200. Use promo code XB100 at the sportsbook or promo code XBC200 at the casino.
What we like:
- Wager on horse racing tracks around the globe
- 7% cash back on every horse wager
- Live sports betting and live dealer casino
- $500 bonus each at sportsbook and casino
What we don’t:
- Relatively limited selection of slot games
- No live dealer poker or poker tournaments
5. Bovada - Top Texas Sportsbook for Live Streaming Games
Bovada is another one of the top online gambling sites in Texas. It offers a sportsbook and casino with poker tournaments, so it has virtually every gambling option that bettors could ask for.
What really makes Bovada stand out is that the sportsbook offers live HD streaming for most matches. So, you can watch games unfold and bet on them in real-time without ever switching screens. That makes live betting a more immersive experience. However, we’ve found that Bovada does capitalize on this by offering less competitive odds than some other online sportsbooks.
Bovada rewards new players with up to $2,000 in welcome bonus cash. To claim the cash, however, you must make a deposit using cryptocurrency. At the sportsbook, use promo code BTCSWB750 to claim a 100% deposit match up to $750 (minimum odds of -200). At the casino, use Bovada promo code BTCCWB1250 to claim a 125% deposit match up to $1,250.
Sign up for Bovada today to start streaming and betting live!
What we like:
- Live streaming for most sports matches
- Supports live betting and live dealer casino games
- Daily poker tournaments
- $2,000 in welcome bonus offers
What we don’t:
- Must deposit cryptocurrency to claim welcome bonuses
- Live sportsbook odds can be slightly expensive
More on gambling in Texas...
Learn about all types of online gambling in Texas in our expert guides below:
Texas Gambling Sites Comparison
We put together the table below to help you compare the best Texas online gambling sites and choose the one that’s right for you:
| Types of Gambling | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code | Number of Sports Markets | Payment Methods | |
| BetOnline | Sports, racebook, esports, casino, poker | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: BOL1000
Casino: BOLCASINO |
20 | Credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin |
| MyBookie | Sports, racebook, esports, casino | Sports: 100% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 150% deposit match up to $750 |
Sports: MYB1000
Casino: MYB150 |
18 | Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum |
| Wild Casino | Casino | 250% deposit match up to $1,000 | WILD250 | N/A | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, USD Coin |
| XBet | Sports, racebook, esports, casino | Sports: 100% deposit match up to $500
Casino: 200% deposit match up to $500 |
Sports: XB100
Casino: XBC200 |
21 | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin |
| Bovada | Sports, racebook, esports, casino, poker | Sports: 100% Bitcoin deposit match up to $750
Casino: 125% deposit match up to $1,250 |
Sports: BTCSWB750
Casino: BTCCWB1250 |
22 | Credit card, debit card, MatchPay, Zelle, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin |
| Intertops | Sports, racebook, esports, casino, poker | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $200
Casino: 125% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: ROOKIE50
Casino: SIGNUP100 |
17 | Credit card, debit card, wire transfer, Skrill, Neteller, EcoPayz, Bitcoin |
| Ignition | Casino, poker | 150% deposit match for poker and casino (up to $1,500 each) | No code needed | N/A | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash |
| MYB Casino | Casino | 200% deposit bonus up to $1,000 | MYBC200 | N/A | Credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple |
| Sportsbetting.ag | Sports, racebook, esports, casino, poker | Sports: 50% deposit match up to $1,000
Casino: 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Sports: SB1000
Casino: No code needed |
16 | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple |
| BetNow | Sports, racebook, esports, casino, poker | 100% deposit match up to $500 | BN100 | 10 | Credit card, debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash |
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How to Start Playing with a Texas Online Gambling Site
Ready to start betting with the top platform for online gambling in Texas? We’ll show you how to sign up for BetOnline and place your first sports bet.
To get started with BetOnline, head to the BetOnline website and click ‘Join Now. Then enter your name, email, phone number, birthday, and a password to create your new gambling account.
Next, it’s time to fund your new account and take advantage of BetOnline’s welcome bonus offer. For sports betting, enter promo code BOL1000 and deposit at least $2,000 to claim the full welcome bonus. BetOnline accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, or Litecoin.
After funding your account, you’re ready to start gambling online in Texas. Head to the sportsbook lobby to see all available bets. You can also search for your favorite team to find upcoming wagers.
Once you find a bet you want to take, click on the odds to add it to your bet slip. Then enter the amount of money you want to wager and click ‘Place Bets.’
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Conclusion
Texas has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the country, but you can still bet on sports, casino games, and poker with an offshore gambling site. All of the top 10 sites we reviewed for online gambling in Texas offer safe, exciting betting options.
We especially recommend BetOnline for new players, which offers a sportsbook and casino with daily poker tournaments and a $1,000 welcome bonus. Sign up today to start gambling in Texas!
