Best Texas Sports Betting Sites: First Look
BetOnline
Best overall sportsbook for Texas bettors
★★★★★ 4.9/5
Bovada
Best for casual TX bettors & player props
★★★★★ 4.8/5
BetAnything
Fastest-growing TX-friendly book
★★★★★ 4.7/5
Everygame
Longest track record — online since 1996
★★★★★ 4.6/5
BetWhale
Best for high-roller Texas bettors
★★★★★ 4.6/5
SportsBetting.ag
Sharpest lines & deepest markets
★★★★½ 4.5/5
VoltageBet
Best modern crypto sportsbook
★★★★½ 4.4/5
MyBookie
Best reduced-juice lines
★★★★½ 4.4/5
BUSR
Best for horse racing + sports
★★★★ 4.3/5
XBet
Best mobile-first interface
★★★★ 4.2/5
Thunderpick CRYPTO
Best for esports betting
★★★★ 4.2/5
BetUS
Largest headline welcome offer
★★★★ 4.1/5
MyStake CRYPTO
Best sportsbook + casino combo
★★★★ 4.0/5
Jackbit CRYPTO
Fastest crypto payouts
★★★★ 3.9/5
Vave CRYPTO
Best crypto-native experience
★★★★ 3.8/5Gambling involves risk. Offshore sportsbooks are not regulated by Texas or any U.S. authority. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and confirm all bonus terms with the operator before depositing.
Every book above accepts players registering from Texas, processes both card and crypto deposits unless noted, and was verified live by our team this month. Bonus figures and codes reflect our latest February 2026 audit; always confirm the offer on the operator's page before depositing.
Sports betting in Texas sits in a strange spot. The appetite is enormous — Texas is the second-most-populous state in the country and home to some of the most valuable franchises in American sports — yet there is still no legal, regulated online sportsbook operating within state lines. Apps like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM that dominate headlines in New Jersey or Ohio simply do not serve Texas. That gap is exactly why offshore sportsbooks, licensed in jurisdictions such as Panama, Curaçao and Costa Rica, have become the practical home for Texas bettors. This guide ranks the books that actually accept Texans, pay out reliably, and offer the kind of bonuses and markets that make betting worthwhile.
Texas Sports Betting at a Glance
- Legal status (2026)
- Not legalized — no in-state online sportsbooks
- How Texans bet now
- Offshore sportsbooks, DFS & sweepstakes
- Minimum betting age
- 18+ at most offshore books (21+ advised)
- TX-friendly books reviewed
- 15 offshore sportsbooks
- Typical crypto payout
- Same day — often under 1 hour
- Pending legislation
- HB 134 (filed, not passed)
- Top welcome offer
- Bovada — 125% up to $3,750
- Best for fast payouts
- Jackbit & VoltageBet (crypto)
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
No. As of May 2026, online sports betting is not legal in Texas. The state has no regulatory framework that authorizes mobile or retail sportsbooks, and the major U.S. operators — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and the rest — do not accept Texas customers. Texas remains one of the largest states in the country without a legal betting market, alongside California.
The reason is structural. Texas has one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the nation, with a constitution that broadly prohibits most forms of wagering. Legalizing sports betting would require either a constitutional amendment (which needs a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers plus statewide voter approval) or, at minimum, enabling legislation that has so far failed to clear the Texas Senate. Because the legislature meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, the practical windows for change are limited.
What this means for the everyday bettor: there is no licensed Texas app you can legally download. The sportsbooks Texans actually use are based offshore, operating under licenses from regulators such as the Panama Gaming Control Board or the Curaçao Gaming Authority. These books accept Texas players, but they are not overseen by any U.S. or Texas agency — a distinction that matters for the sections on safety and payouts below.
Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in Texas?
There is no Texas statute that makes it a crime for an individual to place a bet at an offshore sportsbook; enforcement has historically targeted operators, not bettors. That said, you should be of legal age — offshore books generally require players to be at least 18, though many compliance teams and most U.S. norms point to 21+. If you are physically located in Texas and over the legal age, the offshore books listed here will accept your registration. You do not need to be a Texas resident, but you do need to provide accurate identity details for withdrawals.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas, and When Will It Pass?
There is no confirmed timeline. The most-watched vehicle is HB 134, a bill filed to authorize sports wagering, but it has not passed and faces strong opposition in the Texas Senate. Even under an optimistic scenario, a constitutional amendment would need to clear the legislature and then go to voters at a statewide election, meaning a legal, regulated Texas market is unlikely before 2027 at the earliest — and quite possibly later. We track the bill's status in the HB 134 tracker below.
What Texans Can't Bet On Right Now
Because there is no regulated market, Texans cannot legally place bets at a brick-and-mortar Texas sportsbook (there are none), cannot use the mainstream U.S. apps, and cannot wager at the state's pari-mutuel horse tracks on anything other than horse racing. In-state college sports betting, single-game wagering at a physical casino, and retail kiosks are all unavailable. The offshore route remains the only practical option for mobile sports betting, with daily fantasy sports and sweepstakes books filling part of the gap.
How We Rank the Best Texas Sportsbooks
Our rankings are built on hands-on testing, not marketing copy. Each sportsbook was scored across five weighted criteria, and we re-verify the list every month to catch changes in bonus terms, payout speed, and Texas acceptance.
- Texas acceptance & reliability (25%): Does the book consistently accept Texas registrations and process withdrawals without friction? Books with a history of delayed or denied Texas payouts are demoted.
- Payout speed (25%): We time real withdrawals across crypto, card and bank methods. Crypto books that pay within an hour score highest. See our withdrawal-speed log.
- Odds & line quality (20%): We compare moneylines, spreads and reduced-juice pricing on the same events. Sharper, lower-vig pricing pays you more on the same bet.
- Bonus value & fairness (20%): Headline numbers matter less than play-through requirements, minimum deposits and how the offer unlocks. A 50% bonus at 10x can be worth more than a 250% bonus at 40x.
- Markets, props & live betting (10%): Depth of NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, soccer and esports markets, plus the quality of in-play wagering and player props.
Texas Sportsbook Reviews: Our Top 5 Picks in Depth
1. BetOnline — Best Overall for Texas Bettors
4.9BetOnline is our top pick for Texas because it does almost everything well: deep markets, fast crypto payouts, a stable mobile site, and a welcome package that pairs a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with 100 no-wagering free spins. Licensed in Panama, it has been operating for two decades and rarely gives Texas players trouble at the cashier. Live betting is excellent, with quick-settling player props across the NFL, NBA and college football that matter most to Texas fans.
Payout speed: Crypto withdrawals typically clear in under an hour; card/check methods 24–72 hours. Min deposit: $10. Bonus code: FREE250.
Pros
- No-wagering free spins in the welcome offer
- Fast, reliable crypto cashouts for TX players
- Deep live-betting and player-prop menu
- Low $10 minimum deposit
Cons
- Card deposits can carry processing fees
- Bonus rollover applies before withdrawal
2. Bovada — Best for Casual Bettors & Player Props
4.8Bovada is the most recognizable offshore brand among American bettors, and for good reason: a clean interface, a huge prop and parlay menu, and a famously simple crypto cashier. The crypto welcome bonus runs 125% up to $3,750 — the largest headline figure on our list — at a reasonable 25x play-through on the first deposit. Bovada also runs poker and a casino under one wallet, and its Parlay Booster is popular with Texas fans loading up on Cowboys and Astros multipliers. Note Bovada restricts a number of states; Texas is not among them.
Payout speed: Crypto same day; voucher/match-pay options available. Min deposit: $20 · 25x first-deposit play-through. Bonus code: BTCSWB750.
Pros
- Largest welcome bonus on the list ($3,750)
- Best-in-class props and parlay tools
- Beginner-friendly interface and cashier
- Sportsbook, casino and poker in one account
Cons
- Restricted in many states (TX is fine)
- Limited e-wallet support outside crypto
3. BetAnything — Fastest-Growing TX-Friendly Book
4.7BetAnything is the newcomer making the strongest case in 2026. It pairs a straightforward 100% up to $500 welcome bonus with a modern interface and a Friday Happy Hour reload that rewards regular bettors. Markets are broad enough to cover everything a Texas fan needs — NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA and major soccer — and the cashier supports both card and crypto. As a younger brand it doesn't yet have the two-decade track record of BetOnline or Bovada, but its payout reliability has been solid in our testing.
Payout speed: Crypto same day; card 1–3 days. Min deposit: $25 · 35x casino / 10x sports play-through.
Pros
- Clean, fast modern interface
- Friday Happy Hour reload for regulars
- Both card and crypto deposits accepted
Cons
- Shorter operating history than rivals
- Smaller headline welcome bonus
4. Everygame — Best Track Record
4.6Everygame (formerly Intertops) has been taking bets online since 1996, making it one of the longest-running sportsbooks on the internet. That longevity is its calling card: Texas bettors who prioritize trust over flash will appreciate the consistency. The 100% up to $500 sports welcome bonus comes with a low 12x play-through — among the most beatable on this list — and a separate casino offer for crossover players. The interface is dated compared with newer rivals, but the cashier is dependable.
Payout speed: Crypto 1–24 hours; bank methods slower. Min deposit: $50 · 12x sports play-through. Bonus code: WELCOME500.
Pros
- Nearly 30-year operating history
- Low 12x sports play-through
- Reliable, no-drama withdrawals
Cons
- Dated interface and app feel
- Higher $50 minimum deposit
5. BetWhale — Best for High-Roller Texas Bettors
4.6As the name suggests, BetWhale is built for bigger bankrolls. Its 250% up to $2,500 welcome bonus is one of the most generous match rates available, and a 50% daily reload keeps the value coming for active bettors. High limits and a strong live-betting product round out the appeal. The 30x play-through is steeper than Everygame's, so the bonus suits players who bet volume rather than those chasing a quick clear. Texas players are accepted; only Michigan is restricted.
Payout speed: Crypto same day. Min deposit: $20 · 30x play-through. Bonus code: POWERDRIVE.
Pros
- Huge 250% match for big bankrolls
- 50% daily reload bonus
- High betting limits
Cons
- 30x rollover suits high-volume bettors
- Newer brand, smaller reputation
Runners-Up: 10 More Texas-Friendly Sportsbooks
The five books above lead our rankings, but the rest of the top 15 each bring something specific to the table. Here's the quick read on books 6 through 15.
- 6. SportsBetting.ag (4.5) — A sister site to BetOnline with some of the sharpest lines and deepest markets on the list. The 100 free-bet welcome spins offer is modest, but the pricing is where you make your money back. Visit →
- 7. VoltageBet (4.4) — A modern crypto-forward book with a 100% up to $1,000 welcome and $50 in weekly free bets. Fast cashier, sleek mobile experience, code POWERUP. Visit →
- 8. MyBookie (4.4) — Known for reduced-juice lines that quietly beat the standard -110, plus a steady 50% up to $500 welcome at a friendly 10x rollover. Code MB50. Visit →
- 9. BUSR (4.3) — The pick for bettors who also play the horses; BUSR pairs a full racebook with sports and a 100% up to $1,500 welcome. Code 100SPORTS. Visit →
- 10. XBet (4.2) — A genuinely mobile-first sportsbook with 35% sports reloads on top of the 100% up to $200 welcome. Code XBCRYPTO100. Visit →
- 11. Thunderpick (4.2) — The standout for esports — CS2, Dota, League and Valorant markets are deep — alongside traditional sports. Crypto-only, code WELCOME. Visit →
- 12. BetUS (4.1) — Big headline numbers (100% up to $2,000) and a long U.S.-facing history, though the $100 minimum deposit is the highest here. Code JOIN125. Visit →
- 13. MyStake (4.0) — A crypto-only sportsbook-and-casino combo with a 300% up to $1,500 welcome; ideal if you bounce between slots and the NFL slate. Visit →
- 14. Jackbit (3.9) — The fastest payouts on the list; crypto cashouts are often near-instant, with 100 no-wagering free spins and a 3+1 free bet. Code WELCOME. Visit →
- 15. Vave (3.8) — A fully crypto-native book with a 325% up to 4 BTC welcome and weekly reloads; the best fit for bettors who live entirely on-chain. Visit →
Texas Sportsbook Comparison: Bonuses, Payouts & Odds
Use this table to compare the headline terms side by side. Bonus figures reflect our latest February 2026 audit; confirm current offers on each operator's page.
| Sportsbook | Rating | Welcome bonus | Min deposit | Payout speed | Crypto? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 4.9 | 100% to $1,000 +100FS | $10 | <1 hr (crypto) | Yes |
| Bovada | 4.8 | 125% to $3,750 | $20 | Same day | Yes |
| BetAnything | 4.7 | 100% to $500 | $25 | Same day | Yes |
| Everygame | 4.6 | 100% to $500 | $50 | 1–24 hrs | Yes |
| BetWhale | 4.6 | 250% to $2,500 | $20 | Same day | Yes |
| SportsBetting.ag | 4.5 | 100 free-bet spins | $50 | <1 hr (crypto) | Yes |
| VoltageBet | 4.4 | 100% to $1,000 +$50 FB | $20 | Same day | Yes |
| MyBookie | 4.4 | 50% to $500 | $20 | Same day | Yes |
| BUSR | 4.3 | 100% to $1,500 | $50 | Same day | Yes |
| XBet | 4.2 | 100% to $200 +35% reloads | $50 | Same day | Yes |
| Thunderpick | 4.2 | 100% to $600 | $20 | <1 hr | Crypto only |
| BetUS | 4.1 | 100% to $2,000 | $100 | Same day | Yes |
| MyStake | 4.0 | 300% to $1,500 | $20 | Same day | Crypto only |
| Jackbit | 3.9 | 100FS +3+1 free bet | $20 | Near-instant | Crypto only |
| Vave | 3.8 | 325% to 4 BTC +100FS | 20 USDT | Near-instant | Crypto only |
Texas Sportsbook Bonuses & Promotions
Offshore books lean heavily on bonuses to win business, and the value is real — but only if you read the terms. A headline percentage means little without the play-through requirement, minimum deposit and qualifying-bet rules attached to it. Here are the bonus types you'll encounter.
Welcome / Match Deposit Bonuses
The standard offer matches a percentage of your first deposit, from 50% (MyBookie) up to 325% (Vave). The key number is the play-through: at 10x you must wager the bonus ten times before withdrawing, at 40x forty times. A 50% bonus at 10x is often more valuable in practice than a 250% bonus at 40x. Several books split casino and sports terms — Everygame's sports side is just 12x.
Reload Bonuses
Reloads reward repeat deposits. BetWhale's 50% daily reload and XBet's 35% sports reloads are the standouts, effectively topping up your bankroll every time you deposit during a betting weekend.
Risk-Free Bets & Free Bets
Free bets and "no-wager" promotions are the most bettor-friendly because they sidestep heavy rollover. BetOnline and Jackbit both include no-wagering free spins, and VoltageBet hands out $50 in weekly free bets to active players.
Odds Boosts & Bet Insurance
Most books run seasonal odds boosts on marquee events — think Cowboys primetime games or the World Series — and occasional bet-insurance promos that refund a losing parlay leg as a free bet. These are situational but worth checking each week during football season.
Popular Sports & Bet Types for Texas Fans
Texas is a multi-sport state, and the offshore books cover every league that matters here in depth.
NFL — the Cowboys & Texans
Football is king in Texas, and NFL markets are the deepest at every book on this list. Beyond the moneyline, spread and total, you'll find extensive player props (passing yards, anytime touchdown, receptions), same-game parlays, and live in-play markets that update snap to snap. Cowboys and Texans games draw the heaviest action and the most boosted odds.
NBA — Spurs, Mavericks & Rockets
With three NBA franchises, Texas basketball betting is busy all winter. Player-prop menus (points, rebounds, assists, threes) are extensive, and live betting on the NBA is among the most responsive markets offshore.
MLB — Astros & Rangers
Baseball's daily slate is ideal for offshore betting, with run lines, totals, first-five-innings markets and a deep prop menu. Astros and Rangers fans will find every game priced, often with reduced-juice options at MyBookie and SportsBetting.ag.
NCAA Football & Basketball — Longhorns & Aggies
College sports are enormous in Texas. Offshore books carry full Longhorns, Aggies, Red Raiders and Horned Frogs markets, including conference futures and live in-game betting — markets that regulated U.S. books sometimes restrict.
NHL, UFC, Golf, Soccer & Esports
The Dallas Stars draw NHL action, UFC and boxing cards are fully priced, and golf majors get round-by-round and outright markets. Soccer coverage spans the major European leagues and Liga MX, and Thunderpick leads the pack for esports.
Live Betting at Texas Sportsbooks
Live (in-play) betting is where offshore books have made the biggest strides. The best books on this list — BetOnline, Bovada and SportsBetting.ag — offer fast-updating markets that let you bet on the next drive, the next at-bat, or the next quarter as the game unfolds. Look for low latency (how quickly the lines refresh), cash-out options that let you settle a bet early, and a clean mobile interface, since most live betting happens on a phone. Crypto books like VoltageBet and Thunderpick also offer responsive live markets with quick bet settlement.
Best Texas Sports Betting Apps: Which Are Legal & How to Bet on Mobile
First, the legality question Texans actually ask: no sports betting apps are licensed or legal in Texas — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and the other regulated U.S. apps all block Texas, so there are no state-licensed options. The offshore sportsbooks on this list are the apps Texans use instead. Because they aren't in the Apple App Store or Google Play, there are no native downloads to install. Instead, every book on this list runs a mobile-optimized website that works exactly like an app in your phone's browser — and most let you save a home-screen shortcut for one-tap access. XBet and VoltageBet have the most polished mobile experiences, while BetOnline and Bovada offer the most complete feature sets on mobile. You don't sacrifice markets, live betting or the cashier by playing on your phone; the mobile sites mirror the desktop product.
How to Sign Up at a Texas Sportsbook
Getting started takes about five minutes. Here's the process from registration to your first cashout.
- Pick your sportsbook. Choose a book from our top 15 that matches your priorities — fastest payouts (Jackbit), biggest bonus (Bovada), or best lines (SportsBetting.ag).
- Create your account. Click through, enter your name, email, date of birth and address. Use accurate details — they must match your ID for withdrawals.
- Make your first deposit. Choose crypto (fastest, lowest fees) or card. Enter the bonus code where prompted (e.g., FREE250 at BetOnline) to trigger the welcome offer.
- Claim your welcome bonus. The match or free bet is credited automatically once the deposit and code conditions are met. Note the play-through requirement.
- Place your bets. Browse to your sport, add selections to the bet slip, set your stake, and confirm. Track live bets in the in-play section.
- Withdraw your winnings. Once any rollover is met, request a withdrawal. Crypto is fastest — often under an hour. Complete identity verification on your first cashout to avoid delays.
Deposits & Payouts at Texas Sportsbooks
Banking is the area where offshore books differ most from regulated U.S. apps. Crypto is the default for a reason: it's faster, cheaper and more reliable for Texas players.
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT)
Crypto is the recommended method at every book on this list. Deposits are near-instant, withdrawals usually clear the same day (often within an hour at Jackbit and VoltageBet), and there are typically no fees. Three books — MyStake, Jackbit and Vave — are crypto-only.
Credit & Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard deposits are widely accepted, but they sometimes fail at the bank's end and can carry processing fees. Cards are convenient for deposits but a poor choice for withdrawals, which are slower and may route through check or crypto anyway.
E-Wallets, Bank Transfers & Vouchers
Some books support player-to-player transfers, vouchers or bank wires for larger amounts. These are useful for high rollers but slower than crypto. Always check the minimum and maximum withdrawal limits for your chosen method before depositing.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Texas
Texas has no state income tax, so there is no state-level tax on gambling winnings. However, gambling winnings are still federally taxable. The IRS treats net winnings as income, and you are responsible for reporting them on your federal return regardless of whether the sportsbook issues paperwork. Offshore books generally do not send a W-2G or withhold taxes the way regulated U.S. operators might, which means the reporting burden falls entirely on you. Keep records of your deposits, withdrawals and net results. This is general information, not tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.
Legal Alternatives to Offshore Betting in Texas
If you'd rather stay inside clearly legal channels, Texas offers a few regulated or quasi-regulated options that don't involve offshore sportsbooks.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS operators serve Texas, letting you draft player lineups for cash prizes. DFS occupies a legal gray area nationally but remains widely available to Texans, and skill-based contests scratch a similar itch to traditional betting.
Social & Sweepstakes Sportsbooks
Sweepstakes books let you play with virtual currency that can be redeemed for prizes, operating under sweepstakes law rather than gambling law. They're legal in Texas and a no-risk way to follow the action, though the experience differs from real-money betting.
Prediction Markets
Federally regulated event-contract platforms have begun offering sports-related markets nationwide. Their legal standing is evolving, but they represent a U.S.-regulated alternative for some event outcomes.
Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing
Texas does permit pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing at licensed tracks and via approved advance-deposit wagering platforms. It's the one form of real-money sports-adjacent betting that is unambiguously legal in the state.
How Texas Compares to Neighboring Betting States
Texas is surrounded by states at very different stages of legalization, which is why cross-border betting trips are common for fans near the state line.
| State | Online sports betting? | Notes for Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Legal (online & retail) | Closest fully-legal market; popular for Houston & East Texas bettors |
| Arkansas | Legal (limited online) | Online tied to in-state casinos; viable near the NE border |
| New Mexico | Retail only (tribal) | In-person sportsbooks at tribal casinos; no statewide online |
| Oklahoma | Not legal | No legal market; same situation as Texas |
| Texas | Not legal | Offshore, DFS & sweepstakes only |
For most Texans, Louisiana is the relevant comparison — and the basis for the cross-border decision we break down below.
Tested Withdrawal-Speed Log: How Fast Texas Books Actually Pay
Bonus size means nothing if you can't get your money out. We track real withdrawal times for the top books across methods, because payout speed is the single most common complaint about offshore sportsbooks. The figures below reflect our team's recent test cashouts; individual times vary with verification status and network congestion.
| Sportsbook | Crypto (BTC/USDT) | Card/Check | First-cashout note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackbit | ~15–40 min | n/a (crypto only) | Fastest tested; near-instant once verified |
| VoltageBet | ~30–60 min | 1–2 days | Quick crypto, smooth verification |
| BetOnline | under 1 hr | 24–72 hrs | Reliable; ID check on first withdrawal |
| Bovada | same day | 3–5 days (voucher) | Crypto best; one free cashout per period |
| SportsBetting.ag | under 1 hr | 24–72 hrs | Mirrors BetOnline's cashier |
| BetWhale | same day | 2–4 days | Smooth for mid-size cashouts |
| Everygame | 1–24 hrs | 3–7 days | Slower bank rails; crypto recommended |
The takeaway
Across every book we tested, crypto withdrawals were dramatically faster and more predictable than card or check. If payout speed matters to you — and it should — fund your account with crypto and withdraw the same way.
The Texas Bettor's Cross-Border Question: Is It Worth Driving to Louisiana?
Because Louisiana offers fully legal online and retail sports betting, some Texans near the eastern border consider crossing state lines to use a regulated U.S. app. Whether that's worth it depends entirely on where you live and how you bet. Here's a simple decision framework.
→ A regulated app activates the moment you cross into Louisiana via geolocation. An occasional drive can be practical for placing or settling bets, but you must be physically in-state each time you wager.
→ A dedicated betting drive of 2–5+ hours rarely makes sense. The mileage, time and fuel outweigh the benefit for all but the largest bettors. Offshore books are the practical choice.
→ The appeal of a regulated market (consumer protections, clear tax paperwork) can justify a Louisiana app you use during regular trips. But remember you cannot legally place a bet from inside Texas on a Louisiana app — geolocation blocks it.
→ Offshore sportsbooks win outright. No driving, no geofencing, bet anytime from Texas.
The honest math: for the vast majority of Texans, the time and cost of crossing into Louisiana to bet doesn't pencil out, and you can't take the regulated app home with you. That's precisely why offshore books dominate Texas betting — and why our top 15 list exists.
HB 134 Tracker: What a Legal Texas Market Would Actually Look Like
Every conversation about legalizing Texas sports betting eventually lands on a bill number. Here's where things stand and what would change if a market ever opened.
Current status
HB 134 has been filed but not passed. Sports-betting legislation has repeatedly cleared committee or the Texas House in past sessions only to stall in the Senate, where leadership has been openly opposed. Because legalizing online betting likely requires a constitutional amendment, any path forward involves a two-thirds legislative vote and then statewide voter approval at a general election.
Who would run the market
If Texas legalizes, the most likely operators would be the major U.S. apps (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars) partnered with the state's pro franchises and existing pari-mutuel tracks. The pro teams have publicly backed legalization through industry coalitions, viewing in-state betting as a revenue and engagement opportunity.
Realistic timeline
With the legislature meeting in regular session only in odd years and a constitutional amendment required, a legal, live Texas market is improbable before 2027 and could be later. We'll update this tracker as HB 134 — or any successor bill — advances.
What would change for bettors
A regulated market would bring consumer protections, dispute resolution, clearer tax reporting, and the mainstream apps to Texas. The trade-offs: potential geofencing, state tax on winnings if an income-tax framework were ever attached (currently none), and the disappearance of some of the aggressive bonuses offshore books use to compete. Until then, the offshore route remains the only mobile option.
A Houston Bettor's Calendar: Betting Around the Texans, Astros & Rockets Seasons
Houston is a year-round sports city, and the local calendar shapes when and what its bettors wager. Here's how a Houston-based bettor's year tends to flow.
- Fall — Texans & college football: The NFL season anchors betting interest, with Texans games and Saturday college slates (think Houston Cougars and statewide programs) driving the heaviest action. Odds boosts and same-game parlays peak here.
- Spring & summer — Astros baseball: The long MLB season is perfect for the daily-slate betting that offshore books handle so well — run lines, totals and first-five markets night after night, building toward playoff futures.
- Winter — Rockets basketball: NBA player props and live betting fill the cold months, with the Rockets' schedule giving Houston bettors a nightly local rooting (and betting) interest.
- Year-round — soccer, UFC & combat sports: Houston's diverse fan base keeps Liga MX, Premier League and big fight cards active across the calendar.
The practical upshot: a Houston bettor benefits most from a book with deep, well-priced markets across all four major leagues and responsive live betting — which is exactly why BetOnline and Bovada top our rankings for local fans.
Responsible Gambling & Help Resources in Texas
Betting should be entertainment, never a way to make money or chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, help is available — confidentially and free.
Where to get help
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-522-4700 — 24/7, confidential.
- 1-800-GAMBLER: Support and resources for problem gambling.
- Texas Council on Problem Gambling: State-specific resources and treatment referrals.
- Gamblers Anonymous: Local meetings and peer support across Texas.
Set deposit and time limits, never bet money you can't afford to lose, and take breaks. Most sportsbooks offer self-exclusion and limit-setting tools — use them.
Texas Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Texas in 2026?
No. There are no legal, regulated online or retail sportsbooks operating in Texas as of 2026. The mainstream U.S. apps don't serve Texas. Texans who bet online do so through offshore sportsbooks licensed outside the United States.
When will sports betting become legal in Texas?
There's no confirmed date. The main bill, HB 134, has been filed but not passed and faces Senate opposition. Because a constitutional amendment is likely required, a legal market is improbable before 2027 and may take longer.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal for Texans to use?
Offshore books operate under licenses from outside the U.S. and are not regulated by Texas. No Texas law makes it a crime for an individual to place a bet at one; enforcement has historically focused on operators, not bettors. They are not, however, overseen by any U.S. authority.
Who regulates sports betting in Texas?
No one — there is no Texas sports-betting regulator because the activity isn't legalized. The Texas Lottery Commission oversees the lottery and the Texas Racing Commission oversees pari-mutuel horse racing, but neither regulates sportsbooks.
What is the legal age to bet at a Texas-facing sportsbook?
Offshore sportsbooks generally require players to be at least 18, though many recommend or require 21+. Always check the specific book's minimum age before registering.
What is the fastest way to deposit at an offshore sportsbook?
Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum or USDT) is the fastest and cheapest method. Deposits are near-instant and typically carry no fees, unlike cards which can be declined or charged a processing fee.
How long do withdrawals take?
Crypto withdrawals usually clear the same day, often within an hour at fast books like Jackbit and VoltageBet. Card and check methods are much slower — anywhere from one to seven days. See our withdrawal-speed log above.
Can I bet on the Cowboys, Texans or Longhorns from inside Texas?
You cannot use a regulated U.S. app from inside Texas, but offshore sportsbooks accept Texas players and carry full markets on the Cowboys, Texans, Longhorns, Aggies and every other Texas team.
Are there any tribal casinos in Texas?
Texas has a very limited number of tribal gaming venues with restricted offerings; they do not provide statewide legal online sports betting. For mobile betting, offshore books remain the practical option.
Will college football betting be legal in Texas first?
There's no indication college betting would be carved out ahead of pro sports — any legalization would likely cover both, though some proposals have floated restrictions on in-state college props. Nothing is settled until a bill passes.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, so there's no state tax on winnings. However, gambling winnings are federally taxable and you're responsible for reporting net winnings to the IRS. Offshore books typically don't issue tax forms, so keep your own records and consult a tax professional.
What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?
No sports betting apps are legal or licensed inside Texas — DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM all block the state. The apps Texans use are offshore sportsbooks, accessed through a mobile browser rather than the app stores. BetOnline, Bovada, XBet and VoltageBet have the best mobile experiences.
Is DraftKings or FanDuel legal in Texas?
No. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and every other regulated U.S. sportsbook are unavailable in Texas because the state hasn't legalized online sports betting. They block registrations and wagers from inside Texas. Their daily fantasy sports products are offered in Texas, but their sportsbooks are not.
The Bottom Line on Texas Sports Betting
Texas hasn't legalized online sports betting, and there's no firm timeline for when — or whether — that will change. Until it does, offshore sportsbooks are the practical way for Texans to bet on the Cowboys, Texans, Astros, Rockets, Longhorns and everyone else. Of the 15 books we reviewed, BetOnline is our top overall pick for 2026, combining deep markets, fast crypto payouts and a fair welcome bonus. Bovada is the best choice for casual bettors and the biggest headline offer, while Jackbit and VoltageBet lead on payout speed. Whichever you choose, fund with crypto for the fastest cashouts, read the bonus terms before you deposit, and always bet within your means.