A good sportsbook should offer secure and flexible ways to deposit and withdraw funds. We prioritize sites that support common banking options such as cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency, with clear limits, reasonable processing times, and minimal fees.
How Sports Betting Works in Texas
Sports betting Texas players currently use offshore sportsbooks like BetUS, Bovada, and Everygame to place bets online. These sites accept Texas customers and offer full access to major sports, competitive odds, and betting bonuses. While Texas does not regulate online sports betting, these platforms continue to operate for players across the state.
This guide to sports betting in Texas explains how betting works today and which sportsbooks are available. You will find an overview of the legal landscape, popular sports and events Texans bet on, and how horse racing fits into Texas wagering rules. The goal is to help you understand your options and choose a sportsbook that fits how you want to bet.
Recommended Betting Sites Available in Texas
Sports betting Texas players have several online sportsbooks to choose from. We highlighted the most reliable options and what each site does best.
- Lucky Rebel — Best All-Around Sportsbook for Texas Bettors. Experience a balanced mix of odds, features, and bonuses tailored for Texas sports fans.
- BetUS — Best Crypto Sportsbook for Texas Players. Bet with crypto confidently thanks to BetUS’s deep coin support and massive bonus options.
- Bovada — Best Mobile Sports Betting App for Texas Bettors. Wager on the go with Texas’s top-rated mobile sportsbook for speed and reliability.
- Everygame — Best Live Betting Platform. Catch every play with dynamic in-game odds and smooth live betting tools.
- BetNow — Best Horse Racebook. Explore top-tier horse racing action with competitive odds across U.S. and global tracks.
- MyBookie — Best Option for Beginners. Start betting with ease using beginner-friendly tools and flexible bet limits.
- BetOnline — Best Option for Props Betting. Dig into deep props markets that cover player stats, game scenarios, and more.
- SportsBetting.ag — Best Option for Banking Methods. Transact with confidence using one of the widest banking menus in offshore betting.
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Lucky Rebel — Best All-Around Sportsbook for Texas Bettors
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the features at Lucky Rebel. From deep betting markets to live wagering and expert-built parlays, it offers Lone Star State players everything they need to bet on local legends like the Cowboys, Spurs, or Aggies. You can even submit your own market, like a bet on who takes the next Red River Rivalry, or whether the Cowboys finally break their playoff curse.
New users can grab a 125% sports bonus up to $1,250, and crypto withdrawals are blazing fast with no limits. Add in active Discord support and a slick interface, and it’s easy to see why this site is quickly becoming the go-to choice for Texas-sized sports betting action.
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BetUS — Best Crypto Sportsbook for Texas Players
BetUS is our top-rated crypto sportsbook for Texas sports fans who want speed, flexibility, and privacy. The site supports deposits in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, with fast crypto payouts and no added fees. Whether you’re betting on the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, or a Red River Showdown rivalry, BetUS delivers a secure, crypto-friendly experience.
New players can score up to $2,625 with a 125% deposit match using promo code JOIN125. The platform is easy to navigate on both mobile and desktop, and extras like BetUS TV and the Locker Room offer expert insights to keep your crypto bets sharp deep into football season.
3
Bovada – Best Mobile Sports Betting App for Texas Bettors
Bovada delivers the top mobile experience for Texas sports fans who want fast, reliable betting on teams like the Cowboys, Longhorns, and Astros. The app is sleek, intuitive, and optimized for live bets—so you can wager mid-game with ease. Unique props, crypto support, and full access to NFL and college football lines make Bovada the go-to app when betting on Texas favorites from anywhere in the state.
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Everygame — Best Live Betting Platform
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BetNow – Best Horse Racebook
6
MyBookie — Best Option for Beginners and Novices
When Texas teams heat up—new bettors are ready to rush in. MyBookie is your top choice as a newbie ready to make your first wager. The Help Center is packed with videos and guides on everything from deposits to payouts, and it’s easy to access right from the homepage—no account needed. With 11 clear categories, plus email support for guests and live chat for members, MyBookie makes learning to bet as easy as ordering brisket at a barbecue joint.
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BetOnline — Best Sportsbook for Props Betting
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SportsBetting.ag — Best Payout and Deposit Options
Comparing the Best Texas Betting Sites
| Casinos | | | | | | | |
| Bonus | 125% up to $1,250 | 225% up to $3,625 | 50% up to $250 | 50% up to $250 in Free bets + 100 Free Spins | Up To 125% Welcome Bonus | 100% up to $500 | 50% $250 in Free Bets + 100 Free Spins |
| Number of Deposit Methods | 7 | 7 | 10 | 23 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
| Number of Withdrawal Methods | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 5 | 11 | 20 |
| Live Betting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Poker | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Horse Racing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review |
| Sign Up | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now |
Texas Betting Availability – Quick Overview
Online Sports Betting Available
Online Horse Racing Available
Online Poker Available
Online Casinos Available
Retail Sports Betting Not Available
Retail Casinos Not Available
DFS Available
Tribal Casinos Not Available
Lottery Available
Gambling Age 18+
How to Choose the Best Online Sportsbook for Texas Players
When choosing a sportsbook, sports betting Texas players should focus on sites that are accessible, reliable, and easy to use. We review each option based on the factors that matter most to Texas bettors. This includes availability, security, and overall ease of use.
- Availability in Texas
- Safety & Security
- Payment Options
- Texas Sport & Event Coverage
- Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
- Customer Support
- Mobile Compatibility & Experience
Availability in Texas
Sports betting Texas players need to confirm that a sportsbook accepts customers from within the state. Not all online sportsbooks are available in every location, so we focus on sites that consistently allow Texas bettors to register, deposit, and place wagers statewide.
Safety & Security
Protecting personal and payment information is a baseline requirement when choosing a sportsbook. Since sportsbooks cannot be licensed in Texas, we focus on sites regulated by reputable international authorities that use encryption and standard security tools like identity verification and two factor authentication.
Payment Options
Texas Sports Coverage
Coverage matters when betting on Texas teams and events. We look for sportsbooks that offer a wide range of professional, college, and international sports, including niche markets like esports, so bettors have options throughout the year.
Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
Value comes down to fair odds and consistent pricing. Betting lines are reviewed across major events, including popular Texas races and matchups, with attention paid to vig and how it compares to standard industry ranges.
Customer Support
Reliable support makes a difference when questions come up. The sportsbooks we recommend offer responsive help through options like live chat and email, along with clear support resources that are easy to access.
Mobile Compatibility
Most betting now happens on mobile devices, so performance matters. We prioritize sportsbooks with mobile platforms that match the desktop experience, making it easy to place, adjust, and manage wagers from anywhere in the state.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
Sports betting is not legal under Texas law. The Texas Constitution prohibits most forms of wagering under Article 3, Section 47, which places sports betting outside what the state currently allows.
Interest in regulated sports betting in Texas has grown in recent years. Lobbyists, professional sports teams, and major casino brands have all pushed for legalization. Despite that, passing any state-level laws to legalize it is a massive challenge. Any change to betting laws in Texas requires a constitutional amendment. In Texas, changing gambling laws requires a constitutional amendment. That means approval from two-thirds of the state legislature and a majority vote in a statewide referendum.
This is why the online sportsbooks we recommend at the Sports Geek are regulated and licensed out-of-state by international gaming bodies.
Texas Sports Betting Timeline
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas have continued for several years, with multiple proposals introduced and debated. The timeline below highlights the key legislative moments that explain where legal sports betting stands today.
The Future of Sports Betting in Texas
Most experts do not expect sports betting to become legal in Texas in 2025. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, has been steadfast in defending the Texas GOP’s opposition on betting legislation. This is despite significant time and money spent by lobby groups like the Texas Sports Betting Alliance.
Popular Texas Sports Teams To Bet On
Texas is home to teams across all major professional sports leagues, along with strong college programs and smaller pro leagues. Below is a breakdown of popular Texas teams by league to help you get started.
Texas NFL Teams
- Dallas Cowboys
- Houston Texans
Texas NBA and WNBA Teams
- Dallas Mavericks
- Houston Rockets
- San Antonio Spurs
- Dallas Wings
Texas MLB Teams
- Houston Astros
- Texas Rangers
Texas NHL Teams
- Dallas Stars
MLS Soccer in Texas
- Houston Dynamo
- Austin FC
- FC Dallas
Texas NCAA Teams
- Longhorns
- A&M Aggies
- Tech Red Raiders
- Baylor Bears
- TCU Horned Frogs
- SMU Mustangs
- Houston Cougars
- North Texas Mean Green
- Rice Owl
- Sam Houston Bearkats
- Texas State Bobcats
- UTEP Miners
- UTSA Roadrunners
Horse Racing Legislation in Texas
Retail horse racebooks and pari-mutuel wagering on live races are legal and regulated in Texas, along with race simulcasting and historical racing machines. Texas law does not provide for licensed online racebooks, so there are no state-regulated options available online. Some offshore horse betting sites, which are licensed by international regulators, continue to accept wagers from Texas players.
Popular Texas Racetracks
- Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie — Live racing season April–July and September–November
- Sam Houston Race Park in Houston — Live racing season January–April
- Retama Park in Selma — Live racing season May–October
- Gillespie County Fairgrounds — Live racing over four weekends in July and August
Online Sports Betting for Texans by Location
Seeing as Texas is the second-largest state in the US by both size and population, we’ve narrowed down some recommendations based on regional interest.
Houston — BetNow
Often described as Texas’s most diverse city, we’re recommending BetNow for Houston residents looking for international leagues to wager on — from Polish basketball to South Korean baseball to Brazilian soccer.
Ready to play at BetNow?
Dallas — Bovada
While Dallas is home to teams like the Mavericks (NBA), Cowboys (NFL), Rangers (MLB), and Stars (NHL), it’s also a major hub for professional e-sports with teams and organizations like the Fuel, Empire, Team Envy and Complexity based there. Our rec for Bovada is based on its e-sports offerings of 10 different games and coverage of major tournaments.
Ready to play at Bovada?
San Antonio — BetUS
With 64% of residents identifying as Hispanic, for San Antonio, we’d recommend BetUS for its variety of Latin American and European Spanish leagues with betting lines — particularly for soccer. Bettors will find multiple leagues from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
Ready to play at BetUS?
Austin — Bovada
Sports bettors can Keep Austin Weird with a variety of entertainment, political, and special wagering events at Bovada. Sports bettors looking for something a little different can bet on the outcome of Eurovision, Kim Kardashian’s next boyfriend, and gas prices.
Retail Sports Betting in Texas
Texas does not have in-person sportsbooks, so bettors need to travel out of state to place a retail wager. Some options are available in nearby states or just across the border in Mexico.
Sports Betting in Neighboring States
For those in northern Texas, three of Texas’ four neighbor-states have licensed land-based sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks: Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.
Sports Betting in Mexico
If you’re in southern Texas, you might find it easier to travel across the US-Mexico border. If you don’t mind a road trip, you’ll be able to conduct your sports betting there at several reputable retail brands:
- Casino Caliente in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua — 30 minutes from El Paso, TX
- PlayCity in Monterrey, Nuevo León — 2h 45 minutes from Laredo, TX
- Codere in Monterrey, Nuevo León — 2h 45 minutes from Laredo, TX
Other Ways to Wager in Texas
If you prefer daily fantasy sports or poker, there are still online options available for Texans to play safely and responsibly.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
As of 2023, popular DFS platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo are available in Texas, offering paid contests for users to participate in. There are some legal challenges to DFS as it is not formally regulated or legalized in the state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in particular, released an official opinion in 2016 arguing that DFS should fall under the Texas Constitution’s general betting prohibition. Despite this, companies continue to offer paid contests for real money on DFS platforms, the only caution being you must be 18+ to participate.
Native American Casinos
There are three tribal casinos in Texas that operate on reservation land: Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casinos in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston and Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso. The casinos operate in accordance with the federal Indian Gaming Regulation Act (IGRA) which allows Class I and Class II gaming on tribal land — despite challenges from the Texas state government. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle is the biggest casino, offering slot machines, poker rooms, and bingo.
You can find some great online casinos for Texas residents based offshore.
Poker Rooms
Poker rooms have been legal and regulated in Texas since 2019. Under these regulations, game hosts can’t profit or take a cut from buy-ins or winnings. While some poker rooms face regulatory challenges at the municipal level in Texas, poker is definitely one of the more accessible forms of playing available. There are around 60 poker rooms open and many major poker tours make stops in Texas, including the World Poker Tour. The Texas State Poker Championship is also hosted annually in Austin, attracting top players from across the US.
Popular Betting Events in Texas
Texas hosts a wide range of major sporting events that attract plenty of betting interest each year. Here are a few events you should keep an eye out for in your favorite online sports betting books.
NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament, or March Madness as it is better known as, was well represented by the state of Texas in 2025. The Houston Cougars went all the way to the final before losing to the Florida Gators 65-63. Meanwhile, Texas Tech reached the Elite Eight.
NASCAR Cup Series
The NASCAR Cup series currently features two races in Texas if you want to do some NASCAR betting.
- The Texas Grand Prix, called the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in 2023, is a road course race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It debuted in May of 2021, and has since moved to late March. It is one of five road-course races on the NASCAR schedule.
- Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400. Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth hosts the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 — the first race for the Round of 12 in the playoffs in September. Since 1997, the Texas Motor Speedway has also been hosting races in the Cup series and is generally known as one of the best tracks in NASCAR because of its high speeds. Texas Motor Speedway was the site of the first Cup win for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2000.
PGA and LPGA Tours
Texans love golf, and golf betting. The PGA Tour has long been associated with Texas and of course, the great Byron Nelson hailed from the Lone Star State. Jordan Spieth is born and raised in Texas, while Fred Couples went to the University of Houston (where his roommate was great CBS commentator Jim Nantz), and Scottie Scheffler went to the University of Texas (as did Spieth), which is one of the best university golf programs in the United States.
- AT&T Byron Nelson is played just outside of Dallas and has been since 1944. It was also the first golf tournament to be named after a player, and is still only one of two tournaments, along with the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
- Houston Open has been played in Texas since 1946, and it used to be the tournament played the week before The Masters.
- WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play features 64 players playing match play, similar to the NCAA Tournament’s March Madness. However, 2023 will be the final time it is played altogether.
- Valero Texas Open took over for the Houston Open in that it is a week before the Masters, and as it was established in 1922, it is the third-oldest tournament on the PGA Tour, and the longest to be played in the same city.
- Charles Schwab Challenge was first played in 1946, and Colonial Country Club is consistently called one of the top courses on the PGA Tour.
- The LPGA also heads to Texas as the Chevron Championship is one of their five annual major championships, and The Volunteers of America Classic is played in the state.
Texas Esports
Texas has a major presence in Esports, with several active professional organizations and teams that compete nationally and internationally. The state is also home to the largest Esports stadium in the US, Esports Stadium Arlington, which is 100,000 square feet with seating for up to 2,500 spectators.
DreamHack is a travelling gaming festival that stops in Texas annually. The 2023 festival took place in June at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas and featured a tournament for CounterStrike, the Collegiate Rocket League Championships and a Halo Championship Series invitational (among others).
Professional Texas Esports organizations like the Dallas Fuel, OpTic, Envy Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Complexity spend a lot of time out-of-state as well, competing in events like the ESports Championship Series for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (which has been hosted in Texas before).
Whether the teams are competing at home or abroad, the benefit of online sportsbooks will be tracking their progress for bettors. Bovada is a great choice if you follow the Houston Outlaws, for instance.
Most Popular Teams to Bet on in Texas
Data we’ve been able to collect through popular sportsbook Bovada shows that Texans don’t always want to root for the home team — or bet on them at least. Here are a few of bettors’ favorite pro teams to wager on:
NFL Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buffalo Bills
Green Bay Packers
NBA Teams
Dallas Mavericks
Milwaukee Bucks
Golden State Warriors
Boston Celtics
LA Lakers
Banking Options at Texas Sports Betting Sites
Before recommending a sportsbook, we review its banking options to make sure they meet basic standards for Texans. These are basic requirements that are the consumer standard for any online transaction in any state:
- Are there are a variety of payment options available for deposits and withdrawals?
- Are those options secure?
Minimal fees and short processing times are additional considerations. User preference will make the difference in some instances — some might prefer the anonymity of a crypto exchange where others prefer the familiarity of using a check — but the options should be there either way.
Some of the more popular banking options for Texans that online sportsbooks offer are:
Visa
American Express
MasterCard
MoneyGram
Bitcoin
Check
Note that online sportsbooks do not offer credit options for payouts.
How to Bet on Sports in Texas
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Select an online sportsbook that we’ve recommended for Texans. If you’re not sure what to pick, BetUS is an excellent all-around choice.
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Click the “Sign Up” or “Join” button on the sportsbook landing page. On a desktop view, this is typically located in the top-right corner of the page.
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Follow the prompts and enter required information. This might include name, address, an original username, strong password, email address, and phone number. You may have to check a box that says you agree to the terms and conditions.
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Verify your account via email or text. Some sportsbooks will also allow you to enable ongoing two-factor authentication (2FA) from your account settings.
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Log in with your confirmed username and password.
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Identify your preferred welcome bonus on the promotions and bonuses page. Be sure to select a welcome bonus that makes sense for your bankroll (e.g., many online sportsbooks have specific crypto offers).
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Follow a link from the promotions page or navigate to the cashier to redeem your chosen bonus and make a deposit. You’re ready to make your first wager!
Texas Sports Betting Sources
Learn more about Texas sportsbook laws from these cited sources:
Responsible Betting in Texas
We recommend sportsbooks that accept Texas players so bettors have safer options when choosing to wager online. Responsible sports betting means setting limits, paying attention to how much you spend, and making sure betting stays enjoyable rather than stressful.
If betting stops feeling fun or you feel uncomfortable with your spending, it may be time to step back. The following resources offer confidential support for Texans who want help or guidance:
Texas Lottery Commission
The National Council on Problem Gambling
Texas Gamblers’ Anonymous
Gam-Anon Texas
Key Takeaways for Sports Betting in Texas
Sports betting Texas players have limited in-state options, which is why many turn to offshore sportsbooks that accept Texas customers. This page explained how sports betting works in Texas today, including the current legal landscape, the types of bets available, and the sportsbooks that Texans commonly use. It also covered popular teams and events, betting availability by location, and how retail betting works for those willing to travel.
By comparing betting sites, understanding banking options, and knowing what to expect from mobile platforms and customer support, bettors can make more informed choices. Reviewing alternative wagering options like daily fantasy sports and poker, along with responsible betting resources, helps Texans approach sports betting in a way that fits their preferences and comfort level.
Sports Betting Texas FAQs
No, there are no retail sportsbooks in Texas.
Yes, online sportsbooks are available in Texas through international providers. The sportsbooks we recommend are licensed by international commissions and accept Texas bettors.
Sports betting will not be legalized in Texas in 2023. Top research firm EKG estimates 2025 as the best case scenario.
MyBookie and BetUS can be used anywhere in the United States. Bovada has certain restrictions in place that prevent users from accessing the site from New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Nevada. You can always do a quick search online to see if your sportsbook will be available in whatever state you’re traveling to.
Currently, the top three best Texas betting sites are BetUS, Bovada, and Everygame. These three sites have held the top spots for some time. The design and layout of these top three betting sites make Texas sports betting easy and enjoyable.
No, Texas residents cannot use DraftKings for sports bets. You can sign up and view odds, but if you live in Texas you cannot wager at DraftKings.
No, FanDuel is not legal to use in Texas at this time.
Yes, MyBookie is a sportsbook that permits online betting in Texas.
Yes, there are several casinos within Mexico that take sports bets. As we’re not as up to speed on the Mexican sports betting market, we do recommend calling first to get details about what type of action the book is taking. Some of the more popular Mexican sportsbooks on the border include Casino Petrolero, Casino Intercontinental, Casino Nacional SCP de CV, and Juega Y Juega.
Sports betting winnings of more than $600 are subject to US federal income tax and must be reported.
