Last updated on: March 14th, 2024

Legal Texas Sports Betting 2024

Legal Texas sports betting sites are some of the best in the country, with many of  truly emphasizing the “Everything is Bigger in Texas” saying. That means sports betting sites in Texas offer some of the biggest bonuses, betting catalogs, and payouts in the US. The only legal betting sites that accept Texans are those based internationally, with these world-renowned betting sites often lauded for their trustworthiness, payouts, and versatility. This page covers the best options in the state, what makes them stand out, and the history of legal Texas gambling.

  • Some of the best legal sports betting sites that take Texas players are Bovada and BetOnline.
  • Legislators have started to seriously consider creating a legal Texas sports betting market, but have failed thus far.
  • TX sportsbooks that operate overseas are legal and have provided both desktop and mobile options for many years.

Top Sports Betting Sites

Rank Sportsbook Bonus Offer Play Now
1 Bovada Online Sportsbook Exclusive 50% Bonus Code up to $1000!Read Review BVD1000 in Cashier
2 BetOnline Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000Read Review Visit BetOnline!
3 MyBookie Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review Visit MyBookie!
4 Xbet Online Sportsbook 100% Up To $300Read Review Visit Xbet!
5 Sportsbetting Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review Visit SportsBetting!

#1

Bovada Sportsbook

A Texas-Sized Online Sportsbook

If looking for how to sports bet in Texas, Bovada has you covered. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking this week’s Cowboys spread or odds on the UTPB Falcons. Bovada has quite the range of betting odds on Texas teams. With their mobile betting platform, using Bovada in Texas is rather easy. Sign up through your phone or computer and take a look at Bovada’s bonuses for Texas players. They are sure to keep you happy when betting on sports in Texas.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Exclusive Bonus Code
  • 50% up to $1000
  • Use code BVD1000 in Cashier

BitcoinVisaMastercardAmerican ExpressZelle

#2

BetOnline Sportsbook

Legal Texas Sports Betting Site

Accepting players from every part of Texas, BetOnline is a great choice. With expanded betting offerings, you’ll find two website modes: modern vs traditional. The traditional looks more like a big spreadsheet. The modern one will remind sports betting Texas users of a generic sportsbook app.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Reliable Banking Methods
  • Strong Server Connection
  • 10+ Year Track Record
  • Huge Assortment Of Odds
  • No App Mobile Betting

VisaMastercardBitcoinEtheriumWire Transfer

#3

XBet Sportsbook

Great Prop Bets

Not only can you sports bet in Texas at Xbet, but it is one of best options for new players. XBet provides not only the ability to place sports wagers, but the ability to place wagers on other events as well, such as political wagering, which spiked in 2020. XBet’s offerings are second to none in the state of Texas.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Worry-free Legal Betting
  • Exclusive Bonus Offers
  • Constantly Updated Odds
  • Premier User Experience
  • Full Mobile + Live Betting

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Is Bovada Legal In Texas?

Yes, Bovada is legal in Texas and one of the few online sportsbooks that accept Texas players. As there are no Texas-regulated gambling sites, this leaves Bovada as the best way to bet on sports online in Texas. With no Texas laws battling this issue, there are also no federal laws saying using Bovada can’t happen. From Bovada, no terms and conditions restrict players from Texas using their site. This leaves Bovada as a safe and legal sportsbook in Texas.

How To Sign Up For A Legal Sports Betting Account In Texas

  • Create an Account: In the top right corner of your legal sports betting site, there will be a join button. Click it and enter the requisite information. That may include your name, email, a pin code for security, and more.
  • Select a Bonus: An important step before depositing is taking a sportsbook bonus in Texas. Opt-in for the bonus that applies to you. Enter the code, if needed.
  • Deposit Funds: Whether cryptocurrency another method, players deposit funds after selecting a bonus. For crypto that would mean going to your cryptocurrency exchange and sending. Otherwise, you’ll find easy credit card sportsbook deposits specified for each sportsbook.
  • Bet: Legal Texas sportsbooks offer hundreds of lines and props to bet on every day. Most being an elite-level casino and racebook, you’ll find any gambling style you want.

Bet on the Dallas Cowboys at Bovada

Texas Sportsbook Bonuses

Promotions for Texas gambling are everywhere. But, not every sportsbook promo is equal. Be sure to read the fine print, as some Texas betting bonuses lock you in for the long term. Regardless, signup bonuses are useful yet the biggest sports betting bonuses are with cryptocurrency.

Sportsbook: Bonus: Percent Bonus:
Bovada Bitcoin Welcome Bonus 75%
BetOnline Sports Welcome Bonus 50%
MyBookie First Deposit Bonus 100%
BetUS 200% Crypto Sign Up Bonus 150% Sports + 50% Casino
SportsBetting Sports Welcome Bonus 50%

Texas Attempts To Legalize Sports Betting

Texas has not seen much progress to regulate the betting market. In fact, every single sports betting bill in Texas has not made it past its first reading. Every regulation measure went to a committee, where it would die. The 2023 Texas legislative session could legalize betting, but it hasn’t done much in the past.

  • In 2015, Rep. Abel Herrero (D-34) filed two measures. One would have required sportsbooks to have a license if they accepted Texas players. The other would make it a criminal offense to bet online in Texas.
  • In 2017 and 2019, Rep. Eddie Lucio (D-27) filed two measures as well. One would have sent betting on sport to the Texas ballot while the other would create a committee to begin sportsbook regulation.
  • In 2021, legislators looked to ask residents to approve a gaming agreement between Texas and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The companion bills – TX SJR 41 and TX HJR 112 both died in their branch’s State Affairs Committee.

Other States That Have Not Regulated Sports Betting

The Texas sports betting market is very similar to other states that have massive fan bases for various college and professional sports. Georgia sports betting and sportsbooks in California have not been regulated at the state level. They both have attempted to legalize the hobby but nothing has passed. All three of these states will keep pushing for commercial books but they do not have to be successful for you to bet on sports. Bovada, BetOnline, and other offshore betting sites take players from almost every state, including TX, FL, and CA.

Where is Sports Betting Legal?

Bovada NBA Betting

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NFL Betting at BetOnline

Past Texas Bills Related To Sports Betting

Year Bill Goal Result
2021 TX HJR 97 To propose an amendment on the constitution allowing Texas legislators to bring in a legal Texas sports betting industry. Underwent public hearing, Died in House State Affairs Committee
2021 TX HB 2070 The companion bill to Texas gambling measure HJR 97. It would have allowed Texas voters to approve a 10% sportsbook tax. Underwent public hearing, Died in House State Affairs Committee
2021 TX HB 1121 To regulate and tax sports wagering in Texas at 6.25% with a ban on betting college Texas college teams. Died in the House State Affairs Committee
2019 TX HB 1275 To create a department to license and tax sports betting in Texas with the exception of Texas college sports. Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee
2017 TX HJR 61 To add a proposition to the November 5, 2019 Texas ballot permitting the legislature to legalize sports betting in Texas. Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee
2015 TX HB 4040 To require online sportsbooks to receive a yearly license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee
2015 TX HB 4019 To make it a misdemeanor criminal offense to bet on sports online in Texas or operate an online sportsbook. Died in House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?

Texas gambling laws are rare because they are one of the few states with sports betting explicitly talking about sports betting. Sec. 47.02 in the Texas Penal Code makes it so that making bets on the “outcome of games” is a Class C misdemeanor. Now, a Class C misdemeanor is the least serious type of criminal offense, typically punishable by a fine of up to $500. So, whether betting on political events or any other sports contest, there is a risk; however, policing this seems nearly impossible, meaning it’s unlikely to be caught and the result won’t be jail time.

Endorsements For Legal Sports Betting In Texas

Mark Cuban:

“I am for legalizing all betting.”

Jerry Jones:

“I certainly know that gambling as it pertains to our games is here. Frankly, it’s been here. Yes, I do see gambling being a common thing. The handwriting is on the wall. Gambling has been here a long time.”

Beto O’Rourke:

“It would also help us address some of the challenges we have in reducing inflation and property taxes in the state… so I think that warrants a very close look and it’s something I’m inclined to support.”

Charlotte Jones:

“Legalized sports betting would regulate the industry and generate hundreds of millions of dollars of new revenue for the state which will help fund critical programs without raising taxes.”

What Is the Sports Betting Age In Texas?

Legal sports betting sites that allow Texas residents set a betting age at 18. Since Texas does not have a regulated market, there is no sports betting age in Texas. Some may feel better betting at 21, but this age is in somewhat of a grey area. Until betting on sports in Texas is regulated by the state, feel free to bet at 18.

Ways To Bet In Texas

  • Spreads – Spread bets are wagers placed on handicapped lines, that allow you to wager on margins of victory.
  • Moneylines – Moneylines are simply picking winners – like taking the Cowboys over the Commanders.
  • Totals – Totals bets are wagers on the total number of times something happens – total points in the game is the most common.
  • Parlays – Parlays put two or more wagers together to get bigger payouts – at the risk of the whole bet failing if one leg falls apart.
  • Props – Props are wagers on individual players, and can take many forms. An example would be taking Dak Prescott to pass for more than 200 yards in a game.

 

Live Betting In Texas

Live betting lets you wager on all sorts of props and lines related to teams in Texas. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for Longhorns live odds and Aggies in game bets. If those games are happening, you’ll explore a whole world for live betting Texas sports teams. This lets you hedge and double down on your pregame bets on the Cowboys, Texans and other teams!

  • Betting on spreads, moneylines, props and O/Us as they are adjusted due to in-game events.
  • Betting on the next events to occur in the game, such as who will score the next touchdown.

How Do I Bet Live In Texas?

All you have to do is visit an online sportsbook, and select the live sports betting option from their menu. This will look different at different sportsbooks, so here are examples from Bovada and BetOnline, respectively, with the live betting button highlighted.

Bovada

Bovada

BetOnline

BetOnline

Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Texas?

Betting real money on sports in Texas is possible at online sportsbooks. Without any legal sportsbooks in Texas or commercial casinos, this is the only way. Use credit cards, cryptocurrency, or more when real money sports betting in Texas. Make sure the book has a license, like the ones on our page.

Mobile Sports Betting Apps In Texas

Texas’ residents have access to mobile sports betting sites too. It would take too much time to list every device that can access legal sports betting Texas. Nearly every device can. Any smartphone made in the last decade has an internet browser. All internet browsers can load Texas mobile sports betting sites that are legal. Among the options for devices are:

  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Microsoft Surface
  • LG Wing
  • Apple iPhone
  • Motorola 5G
  • Google Pixel
  • Samsung Flip Z
  • Huawei
  • And More!

 

Can I Deposit On iPhones In Texas?

You can easily make iPhone sports betting deposits when you are in Texas. Access the deposit menu and the deposit process is the same. For more on that, check out our sportsbook deposits page. One note when depositing into your sportsbook with crypto. You’ll have to switch between the mobile site and your crypto wallet. This can be a bit tricky for less experienced users.

Bet on the Houston Texans at Bovada Sportsbook

Texas Sportsbook Deposit And Withdrawal Information

Getting money into a Texas sportsbook is easy with crypto or credit cards. While Bitcoin tends to be the best, there are many legal sports betting deposit methods on the table. This form allows depositing and withdrawing without any fees and great bonuses. Litecoin and other cryptos work the same way at sportsbooks in Texas. Be sure to check out the sports betting withdrawal options as well.

Bovada Deposit Methods In TX

Method: Minimum: Maximum: Time Frame:
Visa/ Mastercard $20 $1,500 Up to 48 hours
Bitcoin $10 $5,000 Up to 24 hours
Bitcoin Cash $10 $5,000 Up to 1 hour
Litecoin $10 $5,000 Up to 1 hour
Ethereum $50 $5,000 Up to 30 seconds
Bitcoin SV (BSV) $10 $5,000 Up to 1 hour
Player Transfer $10 $15,000 Up to 1 Hour
MatchPay $20 $1,000 15 Minutes
Voucher $10 $3,000 Variable

Cryptocurrencies are a major deposit method of choice at online sportsbooks, but they also accept a variety of more traditional methods such as Visa and Mastercard. The books tend to prefer you using crypto, as you can see from the fees applied to them as well as the deposit limits and time frames.

Bovada Withdrawal Methods In TX

Method: Maximum: Time Frame: Fees:
Bitcoin No Limit 24 Hours 0%
Bitcoin Cash No Limit 1 Hour 0%
Litecoin No Limit 1 Hour 0%
Ethereum No Limit 15 minutes 0%
Player Transfer $15,000 Up to 15 minutes variable
MatchPay $1,000 Up to 15 Minutes variable
Voucher $3,000 2 Business Days 0%
Check by Courier $3,000 10-15 Business Days 0%

Best Texas Banks For International Transactions

Depositing into legal Texas gambling sites requires international transactions. This is for the deposit methods that are not crypto or a person-2-person service. There are specific banks in Texas that allow these types of transactions. This helps make bank transfers or sportsbook credit card deposits manageable in Texas. With their help, you’ll be able to fund your account quick to bet on Texas sporting events.

Best Texas Banks For International Wire Transfers

  • Texas Capital Bank – Allows for wire transfers to be sent and received by international markets. Funds can be sent in US or international currencies.
  • BTH Bank – This Texas bank offers same-day electronic wire transfers to domestic or international receivers. BTH also allows the funds to be sent in the form of US or international currencies.

Texas Cities With A Wire Transfer Bank Location

  • Dallas (Texas Capital and BTH)
  • Austin (Texas Capital)
  • Forth Worth (Texas Capital and BTH)
  • Houston (Texas Capital)
  • San Antonio (Texas Capital)
  • Carthage (BTH)
  • Hawkins (BTH)
  • Henderson (BTH)
  • Holly Lake Ranch (BTH)
  • Kilgore (BTH)
  • Longview (BTH)
  • McKinney (BTH)
  • Mineola (BTH)
  • Plano (BTH)
  • Quitman (BTH)
  • Tyler (BTH)

Can I Use Western Union For Legal Texas Sports Betting?

Western Union is a secure international money transfer service. Using Western Union for sports wagering Texas is still possible. Usually, you’ll have to talk to a customer service rep at the sportsbook you choose. They will walk you through the steps to get Western Union into your sportsbook account.

Bovada Sportsbook

What Texas Sports Teams Can I Bet On?

All four major leagues in the US have a sports team in Texas. In fact, some leagues even have multiple sports teams. Not only can you bet on sports in Texas at the professional level but these sites shine when it comes to betting on college sports. There are plenty of legal CFP betting sites available in Texas. This allows you to wager on the Longhorns to win it all every year. But, sportsbooks also have odds on the Dallas Baptist Patriots and more. Keep in mind that betting sites TX have bets available for teams all over the world, including those who want to learn where to bet on sports In Dallas. But for locals, these are the sports teams to bet on.

List Of Team Names

Dallas Cowboys (NFL) Houston Texans (NFL) Houston Astros (MLB)
Texas Rangers (MLB) San Antonio Spurs (NBA) Houston Rockets (NBA)
Dallas Mavericks (NBA) San Antonio Stars (WNBA) Dallas Stars (NHL)
FC Dallas (MLS) Houston Dynamo (MLS) Abilene Christian Wildcats (NCAA-D1)
Baylor Bears (NCAA-D1) Houston Cougars (NCAA-D1) Houston Baptist Huskies (NCAA-D1)
Incarnate Word Cardinals (NCAA-D1) Lamar Cardinals and Lady Cardinals (NCAA-D1) North Texas Mean Green (NCAA-D1)
Prairie View A&M Panthers and Lady Panthers (NCAA-D1) Rice Owls (NCAA-D1) Sam Houston State Bearkats (NCAA-D1)
SMU Mustangs (NCAA-D1) Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks (NCAA-D1) Tarleton Texans (NCAA-D1)
TCU Horned Frogs and Lady Frogs (NCAA-D1) Texas Longhorns (NCAA-D1) Texas A&M Aggies (NCAA-D1)
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders (NCAA-D1) Texas Southern Tigers and Lady Tigers (NCAA-D1) Texas State Bobcats (NCAA-D1)
Texas Tech Red Raiders and Lady Raiders (NCAA-D1) UT Arlington Mavericks (NCAA-D1) UTEP Miners (NCAA-D1)
UTRGV Vaqueros (NCAA-D1) UTSA Roadrunners (NCAA-D1) Angelo State Rams (NCAA-D2)
Dallas Baptist Patriots (NCAA-D2) Lubbock Christian Chaparrals (NCAA-D2) Midwestern State Mustangs (NCAA-D2)
St. Edward’s Hilltoppers (NCAA-D2) St. Mary’s Rattlers (NCAA-D2)
Texas A&M–Commerce Lions (NCAA-D2) Texas A&M International Dustdevils (NCAA-D2) Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas (NCAA-D2)
UT Tyler Patriots (NCAA-D2) UTPB Falcons (NCAA-D2) Texas Woman’s Pioneers (NCAA-D2)
West Texas A&M Buffaloes (NCAA-D2) Austin College ‘Roos (NCAA-D3) Concordia Tornados (NCAA-D3)
Dallas Crusaders (NCAA-D3) East Texas Baptist Tigers (NCAA-D3) Hardin–Simmons Cowboys (NCAA-D3)
Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (NCAA-D3) LeTourneau Yellow Jackets (NCAA-D3) Mary Hardin–Baylor Crusaders (NCAA-D3)
McMurry War Hawks (NCAA-D3) St. Thomas Celts (NCAA-D3) Schreiner Mountaineers (NCAA-D3)
Southwestern Pirates (NCAA-D3) Sul Ross State Lobos (NCAA-D3) Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (NCAA-D3)
Trinity Tigers (NCAA-D3) UT Dallas Comets (NCAA-D3)

NFL Sports Gambling Sites In Texas

NFL Betting

Whether you are a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan or a super fan of the Houston Texans looking for the best sportsbooks in Houston, there are legal NFL sportsbooks that will take your action in Texas. While Bovada is the best option for online NFL betting in TX, there are other options available. From these trusted sites, you can place future or live bets on the NFL season.

 

Betting On The MLB In Texas

Legal MLB betting sites in Texas have had to pay out large over the past few seasons. This is true because of bets on the Houston Astros. Whether it was Mattress Mack or his customers, the Astros made nearly everyone some money in 2022. Add Jacob DeGrom on the Rangers and Texas betting sites have a lot to offer for MLB games.

Betting On The NBA In Texas

With three NBA teams to bet in Texas, there is action at legal NBA betting sites all season. During the offseason, you’ll even find future odds on the Mavericks, Rockets and Spurs. Aside from NBA Draft bets and free agency news, sports betting Texas can have you going all year. The Dallas Maverick are the current best Texas NBA team to wager on. Luka Doncic was looking like one of the best players in the whole NBA and was the favorite in the odds to win the 2022-23 league MVP at one point.

How To Bet On The Texas Longhorns In Texas

Whether Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning, legal online sportsbooks have Longhorns betting odds. Find individual game lines or bets for Texas to win the National Championship. Legal sportsbook sites offer Texas Longhorn player betting props and more. No matter the CFB betting odds, they’ll have you covered. For college betting or any betting at all, finding out how to bet on sports in Texas is simple.

 

Horse Race Betting In Texas

Betting on horse races in Texas is the oldest form of gambling. Also called pari-mutuel wagering, Texas legalized it in 1933. While TVG and Twin Spires are available, shop horse racing odds with Bovada too. This ensures you get the best payout no matter what Texas horse race you are betting on. Keep in mind, legal Texas betting sites like Bovada will have races from all over the world.

Daily Fantasy Sports In Texas

Unlike sports betting sites in Texas, daily fantasy sports is in a grey area. Texas AG Ken Paxton found DFS to be illegal in 2016. But, DraftKings and FanDuel challenged this decision. Legal Texas gambling includes real money DFS. Even if there aren’t laws around DFS in the state, it is open for playing.

Legal Texas Sports Betting FAQs

Is Online Sports Betting Safe In Texas?

Online sports betting in Texas is safe so long as you go through the proper channels. Since there are no sportsbook in Texas, using an online sportsbook in Texas is the way to bet. But, make sure the site has a license like the ones of our page. A safe sportsbook in Texas is Bovada, which always pays out their winnings. They also have security standards that keep your information safe.

Will Sports Betting In Texas Ever Be Legal?

Betting on sports in Texas is legal already. Using an online sportsbook that accepts Texas players is the way to go about it. Just make sure you aren’t using a local bookie in Texas. This method is not approved in Texas. Likewise, don’t use any business inside Texas that offers sports betting lines. They do not hold a license.

Will I Get Arrested For Sports Betting In Texas?

Nobody has gotten arrested in Texas for betting on sports… at least not that we have found. As long as you use a sportsbook in Texas located out of the US, you are fine. There are no Texas sports betting laws that can get in your way.

Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In Texas?

The best place to bet on sports in Texas is Bovada. They offer a reliable online sportsbook for Texas residents. Unless you want to travel to New Mexico, Louisiana, or Arkansas, you will have to use an online book. That is fine since Bovada is the best Texas sportsbook.

Is It Safe To Use A Local Bookie In Texas?

You should not use a local bookie in Texas. While there are no laws against betting with a bookie, there is no accountability. Being a bookie is against the law in Texas, though. This means that you can place bets with a bookie in Texas but it may not work out in the end. The safest way is to use an online sportsbook in Texas like Bovada.

Do Any Casinos In Texas Have Sports Betting?

There are only two casinos in Texas, in Livingston and Eagle Pass. But, neither of these Texas casinos have sports betting. Using a sportsbook in Texas can only happen with online books. These Texas casinos have poker rooms and slots but for now, there is no sportsbook.

Can I Bet On Sports With My Friends In Texas?

Betting on sports in Texas with friends is just fine. Texas gambling laws focus on operators and those offering the sports betting lines. As long as there is no “house” taking a cut, betting with friends in Texas is ok.

How Many Sportsbooks Are In Texas?

There are no Texas sportsbooks that you can visit in person. But there are many legal Texas online sportsbooks that you can bet with. Expect some local sportsbooks in Texas to launch soon. Until then, take advantage of one of the legal sportsbooks in Texas like Bovada.