Texas Sports Betting 2023 | Guide To TX Legislation

Texas remains one of the few states in the U.S. where legalized sports betting isn’t permitted. Although its neighbor to the east, Louisiana, has been enjoying sports betting revenue since 2021, Texas still hasn’t caught up. Several prominent figures in the sports betting industry have signaled that 2025 may be the year the Lone Star State adopts sports betting so if you live in Texas, stay tuned to this page and check back often for updates. Texas doesn’t currently have any legal casinos, so online sports betting language is likely to be included in any new laws.

While Texans can’t bet on the Dallas Stars puckline or Houston Texans point spreads, they can place wagers in Daily Fantasy Sports contests.

Is sports betting legal in texas?

No. Sports betting in Texas isn’t a reality yet, but lawmakers made a major push in 2023 and there is optimism that 2025 may be the year Texans can bet on sports legally. It is legal to participate in Daily Fantasy Sports contests through apps like FanDuel, however, so sports fans in Texas can win money with a fantasy roster consisting of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Texas Quick Facts

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Launch Date: Not Legalized
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Legal Betting Age: N/A
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Online Sports Betting: No
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Online Casino Sites: No
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Online Poker Sites: No
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Best Available Sportsbook: N/A
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Regulatory Body: American Gaming Association
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Legal online sportsbooks: 0
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College Sports Betting: No
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Political or entertainment betting: No
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High School sports Betting: No
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Esports betting: No
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NFL Draft: No
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Remote registration: No
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Daily Fantasy Sports: Yes

Timeline of betting legislation & latest news

Despite a strong effort from lawmakers in 2023, Texas has still not legalized sports betting. Because the state currently has no legal casinos operating, Texas would be more suited to be an online sports betting state. Bills launched in 2023 sought to accomplish that, but ultimately they failed. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has publicly stated that Texas has a real shot at legalizing sports betting in 2025, so check back here for updates

may 1, 2019
Texas lawmakers vote 116-27 in favor of Daily Fantasy Sports legislation, deeming it a game of skill (not chance).
feb. 6, 2023
Jeff Leach files HB 1942 and HJR 102, which would legalize and regulate online sports betting in the state.
may 10, 2023
HJR 102 passes 97-44 in the house, but 100 yes votes were required to move it to the senate.
may 13, 2023
Lt. Governor Patrick announces he won’t call HB 1942 to the senate floor.
may 29, 2023
The legislative session ends with no last-minute effort to legalize sports betting in Texas.

How to start betting in texas

Unfortunately, sports betting is not legal in Texas. However, if that changes, this page will be updated with all the information you need to get betting in the Lone Star State. With no casinos operating in the state, Texans need to travel to neighbors like Louisiana or Oklahoma for the retail betting experience.

It’s worth noting that Daily Fantasy Sports have been legal in Texas, so fantasy contests on apps like FanDuel are permitted.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in texas

While sports betting isn't legal in Texas, sports fans over 18 years old in the state can wager on Daily Fantasy Sports thanks to lawmakers clarifying in 2019 that DFS contests are a game of skill, and not luck. This means operators like FanDuel were allowed to continue operating DFS contests in the state after some lawmakers expressed these contests may not be legal under state law.

Home field advantage

It should be no surprise the state that brought us Friday Night Lights and the University of Texas, loves sports. Texas boasts three successful NBA franchises, two MLB teams, two NFL teams, and an NHL squad. Some of the greatest athletes ever have donned jerseys for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs and others.

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NFL - Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys have captured the Lombardi Trophy five times, but they’ve come up short every year since 1995. The Cowboys have won 12 games and made the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, but haven’t made it past the divisional round. Dallas brought us some of the most iconic names in NFL history like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Tom Landry, and Michael Irvin. If Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb want to join that list, they’ll need to win a ring.
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NFL - Houston Texans: The Texans are the youngest franchise in the NFL, although NFL games were being played in Houston before the Oilers moved to Tennessee. Since the Texans burst onto the scene in 2002, they’ve had mixed success. On one hand, Houston has missed the playoffs 15 of their 22 seasons, but on the other hand they’ve given us greats like Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt. The future is bright in Houston as the Texans have one of the best young QBs in C.J. Stroud.
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MLB - Houston Astros: Astros fans have been spoiled recently, watching their team capture eight consecutive playoff berths and two World Series Titles. Jose Altuve has been one of the best MLB players of the last decade and the Astros have fielded some all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, Craig Biggio, and Jeff Bagwell. Houston picked up its fourth straight AL West crown in 2024.
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MLB - Texas Rangers: The Rangers are the defending World Series Champions after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 last season. The championship came after six subpar seasons in a row under .500 but the Rangers have had their moments in baseball history thanks to names like Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez, and Rafael Palmeiro.
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NHL - Dallas Stars: Mike Modano isn’t walking through that door, but the future is bright for the Stars. Dallas has qualified for the playoffs in five of the past six seasons and has lost in the conference finals the past two seasons. Coach Peter DeBoer is hoping to get his squad up over the hump next season and bring Dallas its first Stanley Cup since the 1998-1999 season.
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NBA - San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan. David Robinson. Dennis Rodman. The Spurs were once synonymous with basketball success and won five NBA Titles between 1998 and 2014. From 1989 to 2019, the Spurs only missed the playoffs once thanks to coaching legends Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich. Recently, it’s been rough for Spurs fans as they’ve haven’t won more than 34 games since the 2018-2019 campaign.
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NBA - Houston Rockets: James Harden led the Rockets to eight-consecutive playoff berths from 2012 to 2019, but the Rockets haven’t finished above .500 since then. As coach Ime Udoka enters his second season, there is reason for optimism as the Rockets appear to be turning a corner. Hakeem Olajuwon brought the Rockets back-to-back NBA titles in 1993 and 1994 and fans in Houston would love to return to those glory days.
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NBA - Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic is sensational and there’s no doubt he’d be popular in the player prop market if sports betting was legal in Texas. The Mavericks last won an NBA Title during the 2010-2011 campaign thanks to Dirk Nowitzki and friends. The Mavericks lost in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics last season, but they have a dependable roster and will be looking to take the crown next season.

Texans struggling with gambling addiction can contact the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM. Gamblersannonymous.org also provides phone numbers to get in touch with local chapters in your area. For instance, Dallas (214-890-0005), Houston (855-442-7105), and Austin (512-860-2958) all have chapters.