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Texas Sports Betting – How To Bet On Sports Legally In TX in 2024

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  • Online Sports Betting In Texas Available Via Offshore Sportsbooks
  • Domestic Texas Sportsbooks Not Available As Of April 2024
  • Legislative Movement Toward Legal Sports Betting: Yes

Legal Texas sports betting through state-regulated sportsbooks has struggled to gain traction in the Lone Star state. Lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has been passed or enacted.

Despite the failed efforts of the state legislature, Texans can access sports betting lines offered by international sportsbooks that operate legally outside of the United States.

Here you will find helpful information relevant to Texas sportsbooks, the legal landscape of online sports betting in Texas, and where the state stands on creating a locally-licensed sports gambling market to compete with other states allowing sportsbook gambling. We also provide access and insight concerning the most trusted online sportsbooks that accept Texas residents right now.

Table Of Contents

    Legitimate Online Sportsbooks For Texas Bettors

    The brands listed below have been in the business for years and have worked hard to build up positive reputations upheld by industry analysts and bettors alike. You can browse through the sportsbooks for yourself by clicking on the links provided.

    If you are still looking for more information about the brands listed below, check out our USA sportsbook reviews page for an unbiased review of today's top industry

    Bovada Icon

     Is Bovada Legal In Texas?

    Yes, Bovada is legal in Texas, and in fact, Bovada has been providing legitimate sports betting action to Texas for over a decade. Bovada has met all requirements and holds all necessary credentials to operate legally according to the Costa Rican government, where they are based. Bettors in the Lone Star State can place bets online at Bovada Sportsbook without violating any domestic gambling laws. There are no state or federal gambling laws prohibiting Texans from betting at Bovada.

    Bovada Sportsbook #1 USA Betting Site

     ✔ Pros

    • Welcome Bonus of 50% up to $1,000
    • Operating From The Legal Jurisdiction Of Costa Rica
    • Same Day Payouts with Bitcoin
    • Options to Use Venmo, Paypal with Vouchers
    • Also Offers Casino, Poker, and Horse Racing
    • Wide Selection of Sports Coverage & Wagering Options

     ✘ Cons

    • Does Not Accept Players From NJ, NV, DE, NY, or MD

    Best Sports Betting Sites In Texas 2024

     Site NameCurrent BonusAgeU.S.Visit Site
    Top Rated #1 IconBovada Sportsbook50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    2BetUS125% Max $3,12518+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    3Betonline Sportsbook50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    4sports betting logo50% Max $1,00018+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    5MyBookie Sportsbook50% Max $1,00021+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review
    6xbet logo50% Max $50021+USA Players Legally AcceptedVisit Site Review

    Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas in 2024?

    Locally, it is not legal to own or operate a sportsbook, sports betting site, or mobile betting app within Texas borders as of April 2024. State lawmakers have made some efforts to move towards state-regulated sports betting but have yet to get any meaningful legislation passed.

    The TX legislature only meets every other year, so the next opportunity for lawmakers to pursue state-regulated sports betting will be in 2025.

    Alternatively, there are no state gambling laws barring online sportsbook gambling in Texas through legitimate sports betting sites operating legally outside of the United States, such as the ones you see listed on this page.

    Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Texas in 2024?

    Yes! While state-regulated online sportsbooks may be a few years off, there are no restrictions contained in TX gambling laws that make it illegal for Texans to place bets online at legitimate sports betting sites operating outside of the USA. The sportsbooks featured on this page are all operating legally and regulated by a respected governing jurisdiction located overseas.

    Texas Sports Betting Bills

    The Status of Texas Sports Betting Legislation for 2024

    The 2023 legislative session in Texas produced HB 1942, which was passed by the House but appears positioned to fail in the Senate. 

    The bill will allow for online and mobile sports betting in TX and appear to be on the fast track in April 2023. Unless negotiations pick up in the Texas Senate, domestic sports betting in TX efforts will die on the floor. 

    Keep up with pending TX sports betting legislation with our bill tracker tool.

    TX Sports Betting Details

    Below are Texas sports betting details. Since there are no state-licensed services at this time the following facts are based on offshore sites and their services.

    Options for Legal Sports Betting in TX

    Where Can I Bet On Sports In Texas?

    Texans have one primary option for betting on sports without leaving the state, and that is offshore sportsbooks. International sportsbooks have more betting lines and wagering options than most domestic sportsbooks operating in other states and offer more substantial perks, such as bonus offers and seasonal promotions, support for crypto transactions, and no geofencing restrictions. Should the state ever authorize state-licensed sportsbooks to operate, we will update this information accordingly.

    Where Can I Bet on Sports Online in Texas Without Breaking the Law?

    The online sportsbooks you see listed on this page are all legitimately operating outside of the United States, and are regulated by a respected governing jurisdiction. Sports fans in the Lone Star State can enjoy any of them without violating any state gambling laws or federal gambling laws, none of which prohibit their use.

    • Is Bovada legal in Texas? Absolutely. Based in Costa Rica, Bovada is compliant with all regulatory requirements for operating legally and holds all necessary credentials for doing so. Being regulated outside of the US places them under international trade laws that do not make it a crime to offer services to US bettors, including those in Texas.  Visit Bovada Now.
    • Is MyBookie legal in Texas? Yes, they are. MyBookie is another premium sportsbook that is operating legally outside of the US, regulated by the government of Curacao.  Visit MyBookie Now.
    • Is BetOnline legal in Texas?  A resounding yes. Betonline is one of the very first online sportsbooks to accept action online from bettors all around the world, including Texas. They are licensed in Panama City, Panama, and are one of the most trusted international sportsbooks out there.  Visit BetOnline Now.
    • Is XBet legal in Texas? Yes. As a sister site to MyBookie, XBet is also located, licensed, and regulated in Curacao, overseen by the gambling authorities in the country, allowing sports bettors in the state to place bets without fear of violating any type of gambling laws in the US.  Visit XBet Now.
    • Is BetUS legal in Texas? They sure are!! Having made a comeback and impressive turnaround under new management, BetUS has earned its spot back at the table. Like several other trusted brands, BetUS is regulated by the government of Curacao.  Visit BetUS Now.

    Texas Sports Betting App Options

    Mobile sports betting on Apple and Android devices in Texas does not require a download from the Google Play or App Store. The web-based sportsbook apps offered by our featured offshore betting sites can be accessed using mobile browsers like Chrome/Google, Safari, Firefox, and Opera.

    All betting lines and odds that are featured on the desktop sportsbook site are ported over to these mobile sports gambling applications so that Texas patrons aged 18 and older aren't missing out on any of the action.

    As long as your smartphone or tablet is connected to the Internet via cell or Wi-Fi, mobile sports betting in Texas is just a few clicks away.

    iPhone Sports Betting in TX

    If you're an iPhone user, sports betting is just a few clicks away. The top-ranked iPhone sportsbooks listed on this page can be legally accessed by current iPhones inside of Texas at the age of 18, and there is no download required. Click on any sportsbook link we've provided at SBL and watch as your iPhone screen instantly pulls up the latest odds and betting lines for pro and college sports. 

    Android Sports Betting In TX

    Major Android tablets and smartphones (Samsung, Google, Motorola) can access sports betting apps in Texas through one of the web-based, mobile-optimized offshore sportsbooks we endorse in this guide. Using your current mobile web browser, click on the sportsbook links we've provided and sign up as a member of the best betting apps in TX for Android.

    Best TX Sportsbook Promo Codes for April 2024

    If you'd like an extra boost to your bankroll for betting at a Texas online sportsbook, you might be interested in claiming one of the sportsbook promotions or bonus offers. Each online sportsbook handles bonuses differently, but they almost always involve matching a percentage of the deposit total and adding it to members' accounts.

    Completion terms for rollover requirements are usually attached to these bonus offers that require additional playthrough before payouts can be requested. Once the requirements are met, these TX sportsbook promo codes become free cash to bet on the NFL, NBA, NHL, or any other popular sport that interests you.

    Below you'll find a list of the current sportsbook bonus codes at our recommended online betting sites.

    PRO TIP:  Bitcoin deposits used to fund your account often earn you enhanced bonuses for both sign-up bonuses and reload bonuses. We recommend considering BTC or other relevant altcoin accepted at the online sportsbook that you end up going with.

    Anderson A. - Sports Bettor Since 2014

    Best Online Sportsbook Payment Methods Available in Texas

    Crypto Sportsbook Deposits

    Texas sportsbook sites that operate overseas allow for cryptocurrency deposits with Bitcoin, Cardano, Tether, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and other popular altcoins. We rate crypto above all other methods because their lack of enhanced regulatory oversight allows for speedy and secure transactions for both deposits and withdrawals.

    P2P Sportsbook Deposits

    P2P – Some offshore gambling sites now include third-party services within their website that allow the buying and selling of sportsbook vouchers loaded with USD. Person-to-person voucher sales are by far the fastest way to deposit or withdraw USD at online betting sites, and they allow for sportsbook banking using Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, and others.

    Credit Card Sportsbook Deposits

    Most people use their credit cards online daily. If crypto isn't quite up your alley, using your credit card or debit card to fund your sports betting action is possible, it just isn't the fastest, cheapest, or easiest, so that puts it on the bottom of our list. Transactions are handled quickly once initiated, but you are unable to request any payouts using credit cards, regardless of where you are. You can learn a lot more about this in our guide to funding your sportsbook account.

    How To Bet On Sports In Texas

    Currently, there are no domestic sportsbooks available in Texas, leaving offshore betting sites as the best and only legal option in the state. Before you can place a bet at an offshore sportsbook that caters to TX gamblers, you must first sign up as a member, which can be done in a matter of minutes.

    1. The first step is to determine which online sportsbook you want to join. Read through our sportsbook reviews to find out what each of our recommended bookmakers has to offer.
    2. On any page in the online sportsbook you’re visiting, there will be a "join" or "join now" button at the top that you can click to initiate the signup process.
    3. The next page will ask you to enter your account information and create a sportsbook login.
    4. Now you are ready to submit your first sportsbook deposit. This step can be skipped at first to give you a chance to get to know the site and how they do things, but no bets can be placed until your account is funded.
    5. Once the money is uploaded to your bankroll, you can then click on the sportsbook tab and locate the game, team, or player that you want to lay some action on. Good luck!

    Pro Tip: Joining more than one online sportsbook allows you the option to quickly shop the odds before placing your bet to ensure you get access to the most advantageous betting lines.

    Marcus W. - Sports Bettor Since 2011

    Popular Sports To Bet On In TX

    Texas Online Sports Betting: What Can I Bet On Right Now in TX in April 2024?

    This is a sample of a few of the sports categories currently covered in the betting lines at online sportsbooks. However, when you visit any of the betting sites we recommend, you'll see a much wider range of options available to you.

    • PGA Tour Betting
    • NBA Playoffs Betting
    • UFC 301 Betting
    • Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Betting
    • 2024 Presidential Election Betting
    • Stanley Cup Playoff Betting
    • NASCAR Betting
    • UFL Betting
    • Ketucky Derby Betting
    • MLS Betting

    Biggest Sports Betting Cities In TX

    The Texas Rangers play out of Arlington, TX, and are a popular team among sports bettors in the region. All of the sportsbooks you see on this page cover the Rangers regular season and post-season odds, however, sports bettors in the Lone Star State can bet on any domestic or international teams they enjoy following, not just local teams. Arlington sportsbooks found on this page are among the best bookmakers in the industry. 

    Austin is the capital city of the Lone Star State and home to the University of Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns play in the Big 12 Conference and are one of the most prolific college football programs in the country. Fans of the Longhorns (or any sport/team) can bet on their games all season long through any of our provided sportsbooks. Austin online sports betting has been available from our featured bookmakers for decades.

    Dallas holds 3 major professional franchises: the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). The Cowboys play in the NFC East and are among the most popular NFL. The Mavericks won a championship several years back, but have since been towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

    Naturally, Dallas sports betting is not limited to local teams, and bettors in the state can bet on any US or international team and sport that is covered in the betting lines.

    Legal sports betting in El Paso is available to 18 and older bettors both online and through the use of mobile devices like Phones, iPads, Samsungs, Google Pixel, and more. The largest regional sports program is represented by the University of Texas El Paso Miners and their college football team that competes in Conference USA. 

    Even though El Paso is located as far west as you can travel in the state of Texas, odds are available for all professional and major college teams around the USA via offshore sportsbooks that allow for betting on the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and other top sports in the country

    The city of Fort Worth, Texas, is located within an hour’s drive of Dallas, and together, they represent one of the largest metropolitan complexes in the United States.

    Gamblers that want to legally bet on sports in Fort Worth can do so with any online sportsbook listed on this page at the age of 18. These legal TX sportsbook sites cater to the entire state and allow for Fort Worth-based gamblers to bet on major sports and contests around the globe using laptops, PCs, smartphones, and tablets.

    Houston also has 3 major sports franchises: the Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Astros (MLB), and Houston Texans (NFL). The Rockets are the most successful out of all 3 teams, qualifying for the Playoffs in the Western Conference in multiple seasons. 

    The Texans play in the AFC South and are one of the better teams within the division. The Astros have also seen some successful postseason performances. The legitimate sportsbooks we feature all provide a suitable environment for betting on sports in Houston legally and safely.

    San Antonio contains the best Texas-based NBA team: the San Antonio Spurs. However, sports fans in San Antonio are not limited to betting only on local teams. The offshore sportsbooks we list on this page provide betting lines for all major US leagues as well as leagues and sports from around the globe. Betting on sports online in San Antonio has never been easier or more popular than right now. 

    Local Texas Sports Teams To Bet On

    Texas likes to go big with everything they do, especially in the realm of pro and college sports. Below, we have provided a list of local teams that call the Lone Star State home. Each of these TX-based teams will feature game lines, futures odds, and prop bets at our most preferred sportsbook sites.

    NFL

    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Houston Texans

    NBA

    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Houston Rockets
    • San Antonio Spurs

    MLB

    • Houston Astros (MLB)
    • Texas Rangers (MLB)

    NHL

    • Dallas Stars (NHL)

    College Football And Basketball

    • Texas Longhorns
    • Texas A&M Aggies
    • Texas Tech Red Raiders
    • Baylor Bears
    • Houston Cougars
    • Rice Owns
    • SMU Mustangs
    • TCU Horned Frogs
    • UTEP Miners

    More TX Teams To Bet On

    • Austin FC (MLS)
    • FC Dallas (MLS)
    • Houston Dynamo (MLS)
    • Houston Gamblers (USFL)
    • Houston Roughnecks (XFL)
    • Dallas Renegades (XFL)
    • Dallas Wings (WNBA)

    Local Sportsbooks in Texas

    Domestic sports betting has not been legalized in Texas as of April 2024. There has been some movement in recent legislative sessions, but no bills for state-regulated sportsbooks have made it to the Governor’s desk. Local pro sports franchises are on board, so it could only be a matter of time before domestic Texas sportsbooks become a reality.

    Nearby States with Online Sports Betting

    If you are in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston, the closest state that has domestic online sports betting is Louisiana. If you’re in Amarillo or other parts of northern Texas, Colorado is the closest state with domestic online sportsbooks. There’s no need to travel, however, as offshore sportsbook sites like the ones we mention on this page allow for legal online Texas sports betting.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Sports Betting

    Betting On Football In Texas In 2024

    How To Bet On NFL Football in Texas

    The Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans reside in TX, inspiring legions of fans to root them on to victory on Sunday afternoons. NFL betting is also popular in Texas, and if you want in on the action, any of the sportsbooks we've listed on this page will take good care of you. Bet on regular season games, the NFL Playoffs, and Super Bowl odds from anywhere in TX using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

    How To Bet On College Football in Texas

    The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies are just two of many major NCAAF programs that call TX home. Gamblers located inside of Texas that are interested in legally betting on college football can easily get started at any of the trusted sportsbooks you see featured on this page. Betting lines, props, and futures for the Aggies, Longhorns and all major teams around the nation are available year-round at these top online sportsbooks.

    Texas Legislative Resources

    Legislative Timeline of Sports Betting in Texas

    • January 10, 2023 - The next Texas Legislative Session will not convene until 2023. No new sports betting bills in Texas can be considered until then.

    • May 31, 2021 – Session ends without any Texas sports betting bills reaching the debate floor in either chamber.

    • January 2021 – HB 1121 is introduced, which would legalize 18+ mobile sports betting in Texas. More bills were introduced once pro sports teams in Texas came on board.

    TX Gambling Resources

    If you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling addiction, you can reach out to the Texas National Council on Problem Gambling to seek help. The TNCPG has been helping people overcome their addictions for over a decade and can help assist you on your road to recovery.

    Texas News