Texas Sports Betting 2025: Legal Texas Sportsbooks & DFS Options Available
Texas sports betting isn't currently legal — after House Joint Resolution 102 failed to advance to the Senate — but daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests and social Texas sportsbooks have exploded as alternative betting sites in the Lone Star State.
While Texas continues its effort to join the ranks of states with legal sports betting, eager players can activate welcome bonuses from DFS sites like ProphetX, Kalshi, Underdog Fantasy, Thrillzz, Betr Picks, and more.
Top rated DFS and social sites in Texas
24 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- ProphetX Exchange Benefits
- $300 Prophet Cash with 'COVERS' promo code
- Social media contests
- Custom odds via request
Within 24 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- Kalshi Benefits
- Legal sports trading in all 50 states
- Event trading for niche markets
- Excellent mobile app
- Kalshi Sports Review
0-2 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- Underdog Fantasy Benefits
- Top DFS product
- 24/7 customer support
- Quick and secure withdrawals
1-3 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- Thrillzz Benefits
- Diverse gaming options
- User-friendly experience
- Free to play
Within 48 hours
- More details
- Fewer details
- Betr DFS Benefits
- 24/7 customer support
- Fun and interactive
- Various payment options
1-3 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- Novig Benefits
- Top social sportsbook
- Share with friends
- No purchase necessary
1-3 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- GameBlazers Benefits
- Combine fantasy and collecting
- User friendly
- Innovative Platform
5-7 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- Boom Fantasy Benefits
- Fast and Easy
- Great mobile app
- Huge game library
4-5 days
- More details
- Fewer details
- FanBall Winners Benefits
- Daily contests
- NFL, NBA, and MLB
- Simple scoring system
- Population: 29.2 million
- Legal age for sports betting: TBD
- Online sports betting: No
- Retail sportsbooks: No
- Daily fantasy sports: Yes
Texas sports betting updates
Several bills are under consideration by the Texas state legislature. However, positive momentum is not necessarily the springboard to legal Texas sports betting.
Take a closer look at the Lone Star State's sports betting progress and notable events:
Feb. 13, 2025: Texas lawmakers take long shot at bringing sports betting, casinos to the Lone Star State. Two separate bills were filed this week in hopes of getting sports betting and land-based casino gaming on this year’s November ballot.
Feb. 4, 2025: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signaled support for legal sports betting.
Jan. 14, 2025: One of the Lone Star State's most notorious gamblers, "Mattress Mack," lost $2 million wagering on the Texas Longhorns over the last month.
Dec. 23, 2024: Corruption concerns arise after an offshore betting site was caught accepting wagers on the Texas high school state championship game.
Dec. 13, 2024: Sen. Carol Alvarado files Joint Resolution 16 in November that proposes an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize sports betting and casino gaming at "destination resorts".
Nov. 20, 2024: A study by Eilers & Krejcik lays out the possibility of Texas sports betting, with billions in potential economic impact.
Nov. 15, 2024: DraftKings hires a government affairs specialist to ramp up lobbying efforts in Texas sports betting push.
Nov. 13, 2024: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie believes sports betting legalization in Texas will happen next legislative session, but he's not as bullish on California.
Nov. 6, 2024: Texas legal gambling hopes to bring commercial casinos or sportsbooks to the state take a hit after Republican Adam Hinojosa is elected to the State Senate.
Oct. 17, 2024: Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones wants legal sports betting in Texas, stating that regulation is necessary to protect citizens from offshore operators.
Oct. 9, 2024: A Texas resort casino is 'inevitable' according to stakeholders. Texas will seek approval for its first-ever commercial gaming establishment in the coming years.
Sept 26, 2024: FanDuel faces difficult sports betting push in the nation's most populated States, including Texas, California and Florida.
June 19, 2024: The Dallas Cowboys sign an advertisement deal with Aristocrat Gaming in an agreement that will prominently feature the team on the casino's NFL-themed slot machines across the country.
June 17, 2024: The new Dallas Maverick's Governor preaches patience in wait for legalized gambling in Texas.
June 5, 2024: Bettors are going big on the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals over the favored Boston Celtics, as 81% of bets are on the Mavericks to win game one.
May 3, 2024: DraftKings CEO eyes bringing sports betting to Texas in 2025.
March 29, 2024: Las Vegas Sands Corp. files petition to bring legalized casinos to Texas in hopes of building multiple casino hotels in the state.
March 6, 2024: Texas is closer to legalizing sports betting than California, suggests BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt.
Nov. 29, 2023: Mark Cuban agrees to sell the majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to the family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company.
Nov. 7, 2023: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban calls for casino gaming at resorts in Texas.
Oct. 25, 2023: Texas furniture salesman ‘Mattress Mack’ was hit with a $6.9 million loss from backing the Astros.
May 25, 2023: With the 2023 legislative session wrapping up on May 29, there will be no last-ditch effort to legalize Texas sports betting.
May 13, 2023: Texas Gov. Dan Patrick shuts down any optimism for legal sports betting in 2023, stating he will not call HB 1942 to the Senate floor.
May 10, 2023: HJR 102 — a referendum to amend the state constitution to allow online sports betting — passed 97-44 but needs 100 yeas on its third reading to move to the Senate.
April 18, 2023: House Bill 1942, the Texas sports betting bill that would authorize legal online sports betting sites, inches forward in the Texas Legislature.
April 13, 2023: Representatives from 11 Texas professional teams make a push as the deadline looms for Texas sports betting legislation.
April 3, 2023: Two sets of sports betting bills — for retail and online sports betting, collectively — pass the Texas House State Affairs Committee.
March 22, 2023: The Texas House of Representatives' state affairs committee holds a Texas sports betting legislation hearing. Supporters of retail and online sports betting sites make their case to bring event wagering to the Lone Star state.
Feb. 21, 2023: Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Cara Gustafson says that the organization believes it has the support of state voters and the legislature to approve a bill that would legalize online Texas sports betting.
Feb. 6, 2023: Bills are filed by Senator Lois Kolkhorst (SB 715 and SJR 39) and Rep. Jeff Leach (HB 1942 and HJR 102) to commence the legalization and regulation of Texas online sports betting. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is in full support of the bills.
Jan. 30, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook confirms it is a founding member of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, joining the lobbying group with pro teams in the state and operators, including Barstool, BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Jan. 27, 2023: New poll reveals strong support for Senate bill to legalize Texas sports betting.
Jan. 15, 2023: Jerry Jones, co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, offers his support for legalizing sports betting in Texas.
Jan. 12, 2023: House Speak Dade Phelan states that he is open to the idea of bringing resort-style casinos to Texas.
Dec. 6, 2022: In an email to Covers, Texas Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Cara Gustafson says the coalition is "fully focused on legalizing mobile sports betting in Texas during the upcoming legislative session beginning Jan. 10, 2023.”
Nov. 17, 2022: Texas senator Carol Alvarado pre-files sports betting and casino bill SRJ 17, providing a sense of optimism for hopeful Texas bettors.
Nov. 8, 2022: Rep. Greg Abbott is reelected Texas governor. Regarding the legalization of Texas sports betting, Abbot has hinted he would be open to creating a "professional entertainment option for Texans."
Nov. 5, 2022: The Houston Astros claim their second World Series title in six years, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. The 'Stros (+600 at DraftKings) will be among the betting favorites yet again in 2023.
Oct. 23, 2022: The Houston Astros claim the AL pennant and advance to their fourth World Series since 2017, where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies.
July 21, 2022: Mattress Mack places a massive $2 million wager at Barstool Sportsbook on his hometown Houston Astros to win the 2022 World Series.
July 13, 2022: Speaking on a panel during the SBC North America summit, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale predicts that sports betting will come to Texas within five years.
June 13, 2022: In a memo, Amy Cook, the executive director of the Texas Racing Commission, reasserts that the import and export of pari-mutuel simulcast signals will not be conducted at Texas racetracks should the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) take control over regulatory supervision. The decision is certain to deliver a significant economic blow to the industry.
May 25, 2022: The Texas Racing Commission threatens to shut down all horse racing and pari-mutuel betting by July 1, 2022. If the federally-run Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) asserts control, there will be no pari-mutuel or simulcast wagering in Texas.
May 9, 2022: The Houston Astros announce they are entering a sports betting partnership with BetMGM.
April 21, 2022: Gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke (Democrat) voices his support for legal Texas sports betting and casino gambling but faces stiff opposition from Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
March 2, 2022: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who opposes sports betting legalization, won the Republican primary in a landslide and stands as the favorite for re-election this fall.
Feb. 9, 2022: PlayUp becomes the sports gaming partner of Panther City Lacrosse Club, marking the largest team sponsorship in National Lacrosse League history. The agreement includes market access covenants, earning PlayUp a seat at the table should Texas legalize sports betting.
July 1, 2021: Despite the efforts of gaming companies, sports franchises, and bipartisan support, lawmakers won't reconvene the Texas sports betting debate until 2023.
May 31, 2021: The 2021 legislative session came to a close with no resolution to legalize sports betting in Texas.
April 2021: Las Vegas Sands launches a multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push Texas to add casinos.
February 2021: The Sports Betting Alliance, comprised of Texas' professional sports teams, betting platforms, and fans, mobilizes to legalize and regulate sports betting.
January 2021: The Texas state legislature assembles to discuss and review HB 1275.
February 2019: Representative Eddie Lucio III details proposed Texas sports betting regulations via HB 1275.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling each U.S. state to formally legalize and regulate sports betting.
Is sports betting legal in Texas?
No. Texas does not rank among the states with legal sports betting, and no legal channels or outlets exist in gambling-shy Texas. The Lone Star State purports to support personal freedoms, but conservative values and the Republican-held Senate and House of Representatives have stalled momentum for legalized sports betting.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is allegedly warming to the idea, and his support would provide enough political cover for fellow Republicans to formally back the initiative. Sen. Juan Hinojosa, a Democrat, has led the state's most recent legalization efforts, filing Texas sports betting bills SB 736 and SJR 39 in early 2021.
The Sports Betting Alliance, a consortium of Texas-based professional sports teams, pledges support for HB 2070, SB 736, and SJR 39, which would legalize online and retail sports betting in the Lone Star state.
Democratic Rep. Eddie Lucio III introduced HB 1275 in the Texas House in 2019. The sports betting bill sought to regulate retail and online sports betting, but it failed. Despite appeals from gaming companies and the major professional sports franchises, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and fellow Republican lawmakers nixed the efforts.
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas necessitate a constitutional referendum. As a result, sports betting enthusiasts in Texas face a standstill.
Who can bet on daily fantasy sports in Texas?
Currently, no form of legal Texas sports betting exists in 2025, but daily fantasy sports are available to anyone at least 18 years of age or older. Should a sports betting industry arrive in the state, individuals 21 years of age or older would be permitted to wager.
Legal age
While Texas sportsbooks will almost certainly be reserved for adults 21 and older, the minimum age to play DFS is 18. Some operators hold a minimum age of 21, so be sure to confirm the relevant terms.
Mobile betting
Most top DFS betting sites are accessible on mobile devices, enabling you to play from anywhere if you are physically located within Texas state borders.
Remote registration
It's unclear whether Texans will have the ability to complete the sportsbook registration process in-person versus remotely online. Most states with legal sports betting allow bettors to complete the entire sign-up process from anywhere within state lines.
Within state borders
Texas adheres to federal guidelines, meaning individuals cannot access Texan DFS sites while traveling outside the state.
Retail sportsbooks
Despite the federal ban on sports betting being lifted, no legal retail sportsbooks operate in Texas. The state lacks a dedicated or centralized retail gaming network, largely because there are no legal casinos in operation. Texas is better suited for online betting.
Taxable winnings
Texas is one of a handful of U.S. states with no state income tax. However, stipulations of HB 1275 include how a 6.25% tax rate would be imposed for any sports bet. That figure is in addition to the 24% federal tax applied to all gambling winnings.
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2025
Texas missed a golden opportunity to implement legal sports betting. Now, neighboring states Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico have become legitimate sports betting markets.
Each of those markets offers retail or in-person wagering only, but Louisiana is on the cusp of rolling out online sports betting. Retail betting is limited in the states above, highlighting Texas' need to push for online betting.
Latest Texas betting news
Texas: Sports betting vs. DFS betting
Conservative politicians continue to oppose Texas sports betting, citing infighting and competition among stakeholders. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who carries significant influence in the Republican-held Senate, had this to say about sports betting: "...it's not even an issue that's going to see the light of day this session."
Realistically, Texas bettors are looking at 2025 before any movement is made. Despite the political red tape, sports betting interest groups have made headway and are seeking to capitalize on what could be a highly lucrative market.
In the meantime, we'll showcase the major disparities between Texas' daily fantasy sports betting and traditional sports betting in 2025.
Texas sports betting is still illegal in 2025.The Republican party holds a majority in all chambers.How to start DFS betting in Texas
State-regulated Texas sportsbooks are still prohibited, but TX punters can create accounts with the best daily fantasy sports betting sites available in 2025.
We've outlined the registration process for Texas DFS betting sites below:
Select a DFS site
Choosing a daily fantasy sports betting site involves reading reviews from reputable sources and evaluating the best bonuses, betting lines, and available bet types. We also advise new players, in particular, to read the fine print of each DFS operator that is available in Texas.
Register online
Texas players can complete the DFS sign-up process quickly from anywhere in the Lone Star State via a website or mobile app. Simply provide some personal information like your date of birth, address, and email, and, in some cases, your Social Security Number, to verify your identity.
Claim a bonus
Today's daily fantasy sports betting platforms serve up a plethora of offers, specifically welcome or sign-up promotions, no deposit bonuses, and generous bonus bets that provide extra virtual currency for wagering. Make sure to claim a welcome bonus with every DFS platform you sign up for in Texas. As always, it is paramount to carefully analyze the terms and conditions of each offer before claiming.
Deposit funds
Funding your DFS account is generally optional before placing a wager, as there are free-play avenues. Texas DFS sites allow players to use the best deposit and withdrawal options, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, digital payment types like PayPal, and more. Typically, the withdrawal options are similar or match those used for deposits.
Choose your bet types and contests
DFS platforms feature a variety of contests. Pick'em games are the most popular, allowing you to choose which team will score the most points on a given day. These contests can typically be entered using either real money or virtual currency, often referred to as "sweep coins." In addition to DFS contests, you can access popular betting markets, including moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, live bets, and more.
Start betting
Now that you've selected a daily fantasy site, claimed a bonus, and loaded up your account, it's time to start betting. Be well aware of all conditions before submitting your picks or joining a DFS contest.
Withdraw funds
Withdrawals are not instant, as processing times vary by operator and withdrawal method, but most DFS platforms aim to process your request within 24 hours in 2025.
Reading the odds
American betting odds are the default selection found at U.S. sportsbooks, and Texas sports betting sites would adopt that format, too.
Spot the favorite in any matchup by identifying the minus sign (-); the number immediately following the value displays the sum of money you need to bet to win $100. For example, if the over for Kyrie Irving's point total for a game is -170, you would need to risk $170 to win $100.
The underdogs are identified by the plus sign (+) and highlight the monetary amount you would win if you wagered $100. Let's imagine a scenario where the Dallas Mavericks enter a game with +110 odds, meaning that a $100 bet would return $110 in profit.
Input your selections to our odds converter to see potential payouts. Plus, you can toggle between American, fractional, and decimal odds.
What you can't bet on in Texas
Lone Star State bettors do not have access to locally regulated Texas sportsbooks. Should legal sports betting come to Texas, wagering on all professional, college, and Olympic sports will be in play.
Politics
Wagering on political outcomes, like presidential elections, will not be permitted at the state or federal level. Texas betting sites will not post betting lines on politics.
Entertainment award ceremonies
Betting lines for celebrity-laden events and awards shows may be available from Texas sportsbooks. It's too early to tell.
esports
HB 1275 includes provisions for regulated online and mobile wagering, but it's unclear where esports falls with regulators. Of note, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also owns an esports betting platform called Unikrn.
What about Texas college sports?
Texans have a healthy appetite for college sports. While some states have imposed significant limitations on collegiate sports betting, including limiting all wagering to out-of-state teams and games, we are skeptical that Texas would place such restrictions on Lone Star State bettors.
Home team advantage: Texas sports
Eliminate any hometown bias by conducting relevant research on prospective bets at Texas DFS and social betting sites. This due diligence is a great way to manage your bankroll smartly and will help you avoid blindly backing your favorite teams or players.
Review our how to bet guides for actionable intel aimed at new and intermediate bettors.
Although no scheduled Formula One races are coming to the Lone Star State anytime soon, the best F1 betting sites easily allow you to back drivers you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Other types of gambling
Texas lacks a dedicated or centralized retail gaming network, largely because no legal casinos are in operation. However, the state does operate a state lottery, and there's likely no appetite for upending the current system.
Casino
Texas is home to two casinos operated by Native American tribes that both offer electronic games. Still, you can’t wager on sports at these Texas tribal casinos.
Texas online casinos are illegal. Sweepstakes casinos are a legal online iGaming option available in the state. The sweepstakes model abides by the CA criminal code, allowing players to earn real money using virtual currency.
Poker
Poker players can find several poker rooms in Texas' major cities like Dallas and San Antonio. It is not illegal to play poker in Texas, but state laws dictate that it is illegal to profit from the game itself. Poker room operators have skirted the law by charging access fees to play, but they do not turn a profit from the games themselves.
Horse racing
On the legal side of things, pari-mutuel betting is legal in Texas, but online horse racing betting is prohibited. Locals can wager on horse races at one of the state’s three racetracks: Retama Park, Sam Houston Race Park, and Lone Star Park. Those venues also simulcast races, allowing you to bet on races held across the U.S. and around the globe.
Daily fantasy sports
In 2019, the Texas House voted to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) fully, deeming it a game of skill and not chance. Texas sports fans can get their fill of DFS via industry heavyweights DraftKings, FanDuel, Thrillzz Sportsbook, or the Monkey Knife Fight app. You can sign up and claim the best social sportsbook bonuses, including the ProphetX promo code, the Underdog Fantasy promo code, and the Fliff promo code today.
Quick facts: Texas sports betting
No legal Texas sports betting options exist, including online sportsbooks or retail locations. Major sports betting operators have set their sights on Texas, but we do not expect any movement before 2025.
Consult our quick facts table for relevant and timely Texas sports betting updates.
| Launch date | TBD |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | No ❌ |
| Number of betting licenses | TBD |
| Number of betting sites | TBD |
| Remote registration | TBD |
| Retail sportsbooks | No ❌ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | No ❌ |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | TBD |
| Betting on esports | TBD |
| State population | 30.5 million |
| Total handle (2021) | N/A |
| Tax rate | TBD |
| State regulator | TBD |
| Last Verified | Feb. 19, 2025 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Texas
Texas has historically shied away from all forms of gambling. Still, there are many Texans who succumb to gambling addiction. The Texas Lottery provides educational opportunities and support to raise awareness of problem gambling.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
If Texas eventually follows through with legalized sports betting, it would join the ranks of these already legalized jurisdictions:
Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches
Missouri sports betting is the focus in 2025 after MO voters approved Amendment 2 during the 2024 U.S. Election, setting the stage for a legalized betting market to launch later this year. The legal Missouri sports betting scene is expected to include up to 14 top online sportsbooks, with the launch anticipated in June 2025.
North Carolina was the 39th U.S. state to legalize sports betting, with online sportsbooks going live on March 11, 2024. Users can now register with top operators to access lucrative sign-up bonuses.
Legal Vermont sports betting launched on Jan. 11, 2024, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook going live in the state.
Maine sports bettors now have legal wagering options online. Maine sports betting arrived on Nov. 3, 2023.
Kentucky sports betting entered the legal landscape on Sept. 7, 2023, with the arrival of retail operations. Legal online and mobile sports betting launched on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Since Texas is still a far cry from joining the number of states moving toward legal sports betting, we haven't added it to our list below. The regions that are listed may potentially offer legal sports gambling to those within their borders soon:
Sportsbook to avoid in Texas
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
Texas residents have faced a long wait for legal sports betting, but frustrated gamblers need to avoid using unregulated offshore sportsbooks. Any site claiming to be a legal Texas sports betting platform is misleading and should not be trusted. Steer clear of these offshore operators entirely
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
DFS sites to avoid in Texas
While many top Texas DFS and social betting sites are available in 2025, it's important to avoid certain operators for reasons like a questionable track record, limited payment options, poor customer service, or lack of industry credibility.
Always play responsibly and stick to trusted daily fantasy sports and social sites to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Texans should refrain from registering with unregulated DFS sites due to their unlawful business practices.
Texas sports betting FAQs
No, Texas sports betting is not legal. There is still hope that Texas will legalize sports betting in the coming years, but it still faces an uphill battle. Until then, you can access daily fantasy sports (DFS) and social betting sites.
In Texas, you can participate in real-money daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests through various operators. These platforms offer a range of contest types, allowing you to win cash prizes based on your selected players' performances.
The most popular DFS platforms are ProphetX, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr Picks.
You must be at least 18 years old to use Texas daily fantasy sports and social betting platforms. These guidelines are subject to the operator's requirements, though.
Yes, you can enjoy daily fantasy sports for free, as many Texas operators let you use on-site virtual currency to join contests and make wagers.
You can support your favorite Texas sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks by making wagers through the DFS and social betting sites listed on this page. However, since sports betting is not yet legalized in Texas, sportsbooks cannot offer these markets, and wagers on both in-state and out-of-state teams remain unavailable for now.
You can participate in DFS contests and place wagers on top North American sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and UFC.
While daily fantasy sports and social betting sites are fun, they are still forms of gambling and come with inherent risks. To enter many contests or add to your virtual currency, you'll need to make real money deposits, which means real risks are involved — so it's crucial to play responsibly and within your limits. Covers have vetted all DFS operators listed on this page.
Yes, the top daily fantasy sports and social betting sites in Texas offer responsible gambling resources, such as spending limits, self-exclusion options, reality checks, account monitoring, access to external helplines, and educational resources.
Pages related to this topic
