Sports Betting Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, right? Well, that may be true for belt buckles, boots, and 10-gallon hats, but it’s not the case for brick and mortar Texas sports betting options.

1. Sports Betting Laws Texas
2. Sports Betting Sites
3. Sports Betting Legal In Texas

Sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. The frequency of sports bet upon varies by culture, with the vast majority of bets being placed on association football, American football, basketball, baseball, hockey, track cycling, auto racing, mixed martial arts, and boxing at both the amateur and professional levels. The latest bill related to Sports betting is called Texas HJR 61 and calls for a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting in Texas: 'The legislature by law may authorize and regulate the placing of wagers on professional and collegiate sports.” How Texas Sports Betting Compares. April 30, 2019: At present, there are two sports betting bills and one casino gambling bill under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives. The two sports betting bills, HJR61 and HB1275, focus on different aspects of legalizing the practice in the state.HJR61 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would legalize sports betting. Jan 12, 2021 Online sports betting legislation might be on the table in Texas this year and professional sports teams could be the gatekeepers to the sector. According to multiple sources, LSR understands the Texas Governor’s Office has reached out to lobbyists and regulators in states like New Jersey for advice on the best way to legalize sports betting.

With zero betting facilities offering any form of sports betting in the state, your only options for betting on sports in Texas are online sports betting sites accepting Texas bettors or betting apps. Luckily, there are some incredible options that know how to deliver the quality and experience befitting of a Texan.

The Top 3 Real Money Texas Sportsbooks Online

1. MyBookie – Best Texas Sportsbook Option for Beginners

Proudly serving residents of Texas for almost a decade, MyBookie is a top pick for sports bettors looking to make wagers from the Lone Star State.

• Tons of sports to bet on? Check.
• In-game betting? Check.
• Casino options? Check.
• Fast payouts? Check.

We could go on all day (and we happily would), but we know you’re ready to get into the action. We’re confident that Texas sports bettors would thoroughly enjoy this online sportsbook.

If you’re looking for one of the best Texas betting sites that’s great for advanced sports bettors and beginners, check out MyBookie.

2. BetNow – Best Choice for Live In-Play Wagering

Let’s get one thing straight before we start talking about all the extra features that come with joining BetNow—the standard sportsbook experience at BetNow is incredible.

People looking for a top-tier online TX sportsbook get the ability to bet on whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want, and from wherever they want.

But that’s not all you get from BetNow. The Texas sports betting app comes with an expansive in-game betting platform, unique weekly and seasonal sports challenges, huge giveaways, big bonuses, and fast payouts.

If you’re looking for a feature-rich option to place sports bets in Texas, check out BetNow… now.

3. Bovada – Best TX Sportsbook Online for Competitive Odds

While your best bet for getting the most competitive odds on the wagers you want to make is to line shop, that won’t be fruitful if you’re always “shopping at the wrong stores.” One of the best Texas betting sites that we’ve found to have the most competitive lines is Bovada.

It seems like the odds are hit slower by the sharks, and the gap (the vig) between both sides of the wager is fair. You’ll see very few (-115) vs (-115) or (+140) vs. (-110) type matchups. If you’re newer to sports betting and that confuses you, that’s okay.

Here’s the takeaway. Join at least two real money Texas betting sites or apps, and look at each sportsbook every time you bet to get the best lines and the best payouts.

Comparing These Online Texas Sports Betting Sites

Where to Bet on Sports in Texas – Current and Coming Soon Options

1. Online Texas Sports Betting Sites
2. Mexican Casinos Over the Border
3. Upcoming Options Nearby in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas

Take Advantage of Online Texas Betting Sites

As you pour through the top three options to make a bet on sports in Texas, you’ll find that you’re pretty limited.

Unless you feel like heading south of the border or waiting on neighboring states to get it together, you have only one option. The good news? That one option is a great one!

You can make safe, real-money wagers on local sports, Texas sports, national games, or anything and everything from around the globe just by downloading Texas betting apps.

It’s the ultimate option in flexibility and convenience to enjoy real money betting in Texas.

Drive to Mexico

If you happen to live close to the country’s southern border, you may have an option to bet if you’re feeling spicy.

Along the southern border of Texas, just across the state line, you have several different Mexican casinos that offer sports betting.

Some of the bigger options include:

• Casino Petrolero
  • Casino Petrolero Blvd. Poza Rica, Calle Olmo Con, Col. Petrolera, 88640 Reynosa, Tamps., MX
  • 167 miles south of Corpus Christi (2 hours and 48 minutes)
• Casino Intercontinental
  • Prado del Sur, Praderas de Oriente, 88595 Reynosa, Tamps., MX
  • 167 miles south of Corpus Christi (2 hours and 46 minutes)
• Casino Nacional SCP de CV
  • Coahuila 1400 Poninente, Nísperos, 26020 Piedras Negras, Coah., MX
  • 146 miles southwest of San Antonio (2 hours and 28 minutes)
• Juega Y Juega
  • Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez No. 3136 Esq. Veracruz, Electricistas, 88270 Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., MX
  • 161 miles southwest of San Antonio (2 hours and 34 minutes)

Options on the Horizon in Neighboring States

While real money Texas sportsbooks and driving to Mexico are your only two options as of now, you may soon have some new options to toss into the mix. While Texas isn’t showing much promise for in-person sports betting anytime soon, the neighboring states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are. Here’s the current status in each of these states:

• Louisiana – The state’s newest sports betting bill passed in the 2020 election, which means that brick and mortar sports betting is coming to Louisiana soon. While there are still a few things that need to happen before it’s official, many casinos already have implementation plans in the works. For example, the L’Auberge Casino has already begun planning. The casino is only 58 miles from Beaumont, TX, and 142 miles from Houston, TX (about a 2-hour car ride).
• Oklahoma – Many casinos in the state of Oklahoma see favorable movement for the future of brick and mortar sports betting in the state. While no laws have been passed yet, casino operators signal potential movement and implementation within the next one to two years. The largest casino in Oklahoma, WinStar World, is only 75 miles from Fort Worth, TX, and 81 miles north of Dallas, TX.
• Arkansas – In 2019, the state of Arkansas passed legislation legalizing brick and mortar sports betting in the state. Currently, you’ve got construction underway of sportsbooks at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the Southland Casino, and the Saracen Casino Resort. As these properties are expected to start taking action any day now, it’s going to be a new avenue for people living in the northeast parts of Texas to get their gamble on.

If you’d rather do your sports gambling online in each of these states, we’ve got you covered with the best sportsbooks for each!

What Areas of Texas Are the Most Interested in Betting on Sports?

According to recent Google Trends data over the past five years, the metropolitan area of Austin, TX, takes the cake for the most interest in betting on sports.

And coming in third just behind Dallas-Ft. Worth was the Houston, TX area.

When investigated further, these trends have held steady for the past 12 months as well. It looks like there’s something in the water in Austin that makes people excited to bet on sports in Texas. Although, it could be related to the University of Texas or the Circuit of the Americans being in the area.

Here are the top 10 metropolitan areas in Texas based on Google search traffic for sports betting options over the last five years:

1. Austin TX
2. Dallas-Ft. Worth TX
3. Houston TX
4. Victoria TX
5. Lubbock TX
6. San Angelo TX
7. Beaumont-Port Arthur TX
8. Waco-Temple-Bryan TX
9. Tyler-Longview(Lufkin & Nacogdoches) TX
10. San Antonio TX

Professional Sports in Texas – Teams and Popularity Data

A lot can be said about the strength of the online sports betting market in a state that has a strong presence of professional sports teams. While not everyone likes to bet on their favorite teams, the overall effect on the industry is still felt.

In Texas, there are 10 professional sports teams:

Most Popular Professional Sports in Texas by Fan Attendance (Home Games)

While we know your main goal here is to find the best Texas online sports betting sites for you, we thought we’d have a little fun by looking at what the most popular professional sports and teams in the state are. There are a million ways to do this, but a method we prefer is by looking at how well each team within each sport is able to fill its stadium or arena.

Below, we’ve ranked the professional sports leagues in Texas based on the average capacity percentage of their stadiums or arenas during home games from the 2017 or 2018 season. Newer seasons were not selected due to data skewed by world events.

Below are the most popular by:

• There were over 5 million attendees to Astro and Ranger games during the studied season (2018).
• The NBA is the most popular sport in the state based on fan attendance (average capacity).
• The Texas Rangers may have had the second most number of fans attend games, but the team also had the lowest percentage of capacity for games, with nearly half the stadium empty.
• The Dallas Mavericks had the best individual team showing reaching over 100% of capacity on average for the season (2017-2018 season).
• The Dallas Cowboys had the highest number of total attendees in the entire NFL during the studied period (2018 season).

We’ve included the raw data below for your convenience. Each season studied was either the 2017 or 2018 season, as newer seasons may have expected fluctuations due to world events.

Other Popular Sports to Bet on In Texas

Outside of the big five sports, there are several other options you can bet on at the top Texas sports betting apps. Here are a few of the more popular options and why they matter to the state of TX:

NASCAR and Auto Racing

Texas is a great state for racing! Whether you’re enjoying the mile and a half track at Texas Motor Speedway or catching a road course race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the action is bigger and better.

If you find yourself wanting to bet on a NASCAR race, Indy Car race, or any other form of auto racing, you’ll be able to do just that through the real money Texas sportsbook apps outlined in this guide.

College Sports

• Baylor Bears
• Houston Cougars
• North Texas Mean Green
• Rice Owls
• SMU Mustangs
• TCU Horned Frogs
• Texas Longhorns
• Texas A&M Aggies
• Texas State Bobcats
• Texas Tech Red Raiders
• UTEP Miners
• UTSA Road Runners

We felt it necessary to lead with the laundry list of collegiate powerhouses in the state of Texas. With so many strong competitors on the NCAA scene, it provides a ton of great betting opportunities for local fans to get in on the action.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to bet on teams from all over the country, but in case you have some insider knowledge from being a Texas local, you’ll be able to cash in on that.

Entertainment, Politics, and Special Events

Texas is a hot-bed for entertainment, politics, and special events. Did you know that the best Texas betting apps let you wager on these things? You betcha’ they do!

Whether you vote for the red team or the blue team, are on Team Blake or Team Adam on The Voice, or you think the U.S. will clean up at the Olympics—these are just a few of the betting options you’ll find available on these TX sports betting apps.

Is Betting on Sports in the Texas Legal?

Yes, betting online in Texas is legal, however, there are still a few concerns in the grey area that require investigating.

Sports Betting Laws Texas

In early 2019, Texas Senator Eddie Lucio III proposed a bill to begin fully regulating sports betting across the state. The bill, HB 1275, looks to remove the gray area surrounding the industry and make the laws clear as day with legislation, permits, taxes, and even criminal penalties for violators.

Currently, the bill is still waiting to get its shot at passing in the House and the Senate with a two-thirds majority to make it onto the ballot. Until then, Texas sports betting sites operating oversees will continue to ride in limbo. If passed, some of the major implications of the bill include:

• Five permits for TX betting sites with two skins (versions) available with each
• Full clearance for online and mobile betting sites
• Limitations that betting must take place within the state of Texas
• A 6.25% tax collected by the license holders and operators

Prior to the potential passing of this bill, should you use these sports gambling sites in Texas? The final call is yours, but hundreds of thousands of Texans have used these safe and time-tested sites for decades.

Get Started With Texas Online Betting Now

FAQs About Sports Betting in Texas

Texas has every opportunity to become a major playing in the US gambling
scene. Unfortunately, lawmakers here have implemented strict regulations over
both land-based and online sports gambling. Today, our team of experts is
explaining how you can find the best Texas sports betting sites
currently available.

We are also going to take a close look at what separates a good Texas sports
betting website from a bad one. Later on, we’ll be going over the current laws
and regulations of the internet gambling industry in this state. To make things
easier for new players, we’re listing five of our favorite Texas betting sites directly below.

What Should I Look for in Texas Sports Betting Sites?

Texas, like the majority of US states, have not yet regulated its online
sports betting market. Fortunately, there are still a number of incredible sites
operating here that provide odds on just about every major sport. There are a
few important features that every sports betting site should always offer.

It can seem a little confusing to try to find a good sports betting website
for the first time. Finding an amazing online sportsbook should be easy,
provided you know what to look for. Here are the four most important features to
look for in all sports betting sites in Texas.

Safe and Easy Payment Options

Safety is, without a doubt, the most important thing to look for in a TX
gambling website. A site may offer a massive list of incredible betting odds,
but if it doesn’t provide you with security, it’s not even worth checking out.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to determine whether or not an internet
sportsbook is safe to join.

One great way is to head over to our
casino and sportsbook reviews
page. Our experts have looked through hundreds of different online sports
betting sites over the years. We have come up with a unique system to rank and
review the Texas sports betting sites that operate. If there are any reports of
unusual fees or shady payment dealings, we will let you know about it in our
reviews.

Another simple way to find out more about a website’s payment system is to
simply check out the sites for yourself! At the top of this page are the five
sports betting sites in Texas that we highly recommend. You can head over to
these sites today and look into their cashier page. Reputable websites will
clearly list which payment options are available.

We highly recommend playing at sites that allow deposits to be made using
both credit and debit cards. Make sure that these deposits are credited into
your betting account instantly. It’s important to note that most
US betting sites
only allow payouts to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this turn you off!

Bitcoin payouts generally come with extremely low fees and are processed
within just a few days.

Take the time to find a website that will provide you with safe payment
options. Nothing is more important than your security while betting online in Texas!

Helpful Customer Support System

This ties into the safety aspect of online sportsbooks. We feel strongly that
the better an online betting site’s customer service, the better the website is
overall. Unfortunately, many people overlook how important a helpful customer
support system really is.

There’s a very good chance that the first website you join is perfect, and
you never need to use the customer support options. If, however, you need a
question answered during your betting experience, it’s important to know that
the site you play through will have your back. This is another feature you can
check out quickly and easily.

All of the top Texas sports betting sites will allow you to
scroll through them before you’ve even joined. You can head over to a number of
different websites and find exactly which help is available. Some websites today
provide a live chat feature that allows you to speak directly with a site
representative over text.

Other sites will provide you with a direct phone line support option. Both of
these are fantastic. We generally recommend that you avoid sites offering only
email support, as it can sometimes take weeks to have your questions answered.

You may be surprised to find how many sports bettors join a website before
looking into its support options. Only join the sports betting sites in Texas that will offer help whenever you need it.

Solid Design and Functionality

Once you have found a few sites that provide safe payment options and a great
customer support system, take a look at their designs. Every online
sportsbook in Texas has a different design. The very best online sportsbooks in Texas
provide designs that make it extremely easy to find the sports you want to bet on.

It’s not easy to say that one design is better than another. Some online
sportsbooks, such as
MyBookie.ag, have sleek, modern designs that are fairly simplistic. Other sites
like
Sportsbetting.ag have slightly older designs but still provide a somewhat
complex user interface.

The most important thing is to find a design and interface that fits your
needs. If you prefer busy websites offering hundreds of different betting odds
on the homepage, find a site that offers it! You can look through a couple of
the Texas sports betting sites that we recommend at the top of this page to see
some of the best designs available today.

Make sure that the functionality of these sites is up to par as well. Good TX
internet sportsbooks should never crash or make it difficult to actually place
bets. Checking to see if parlay and trifecta bets are available is also a good
idea.

Odds on the Sports You Plan to Bet On

Of all the features here, this may seem the most obvious to check for. If the
site you decide to join doesn’t offer betting odds on the sport you want to bet
on, what’s the point? Take the time to check exactly which betting odds are
available.

Many of the sports betting sites in Texas will offer
different odds on different sports. Are you a hardcore football fan? Make sure
there are betting odds on every NFL and NCAA game of the season.

Don’t be concerned if you don’t know exactly which sport you want to bet on.
Good sportsbooks will provide their members with thousands of different odds on
a wide variety of different sporting events. Some sites even offer unique
betting options on things like politics and entertainment.

This is an extremely easy thing to look for. Almost all TX sports betting
sites clearly list which sports are available on their homepages. Check out a
few sites and make sure there are good odds on the different sports you want to
throw some money on.

Why Are Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas Becoming so Popular?

As we mentioned earlier, Texas has taken a hardline anti-gambling stance over
the years. Despite having one of the most passionate sports fan bases in the
country, officials here have shown no desire to open up the sports betting
market. It’s unfortunate, as this industry would likely bring the state millions
in additional revenue every year.

Even without regulation, TX sports betting sites are
continuing to grow more popular every year. We’ve talked to a number of bettors
and listed their reasons for making wagers online. Two reasons continue to come
up time and time again.

Safest Option Available Right Now

The US online sports betting industry is safer now than ever before. There
was a time when the only option for Texans to bet on sports was through an
illegal bookie. Today, there are a number of amazing websites that provide
players with completely secure payment options.

Fans of sports betting in Texas don’t need to track down a local bookmaker
anymore. The sites currently operating in Texas allow players to make bets from
anywhere with an internet connection. It’s without a doubt the safest and best
option available at the moment and is getting better every year.

Massive Range of Betting Options

Even the biggest sportsbooks in gambling hubs like Las Vegas can’t offer as
many betting options as the top Texas betting websites. There are simply
more options available over the internet. Texans are known to love their sports,
and the best online sportsbooks here provide thousands of amazing odds on
everything from the NFL to UFC.

As we just mentioned, many of these betting sites also allow members to bet
on random things like politics. The sheer amount of different betting options
will keep even the most hardcore bettors busy. There’s nothing more exciting
than throwing some money down on your favorite sports, and internet sportsbooks
here allow you to do this every single day of the year.

Are Texas Sports Betting Sites Actually Allowed Right Now?

The US has been liberalizing its stance towards sports betting for some time
now. Back in May of 2018, the Supreme Court ruled against PASPA. Now, every
state has the ability to set its own laws on sports gambling. Texas took its
time, and finally has some pending legislation to open up this huge market.

In February of 2019, State Representative Eddie Lucio III
presented a bill that would allow for the regulation of sports betting. It
proposes a 6.25% tax rate on sports betting operators. Companies offering
betting odds here would need to pay an annual $250,000 fee.

There are still a number of steps that will need to be taken in order for
sports betting in Texas to become regulated. It needs to be approved by both the
House and Senate. If this happens, it will head to the Governor for final
approval. Many feel that within a few years, Texas sports betting sites will
finally be regulated.

At the moment, land-based sports betting is considered illegal here. The
State Constitution Statutes define a “bet” as, “an agreement to win or lose
something of value solely or partially by chance.”

(a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the
performance of a participant in a game or contest;

(2) makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or
election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or

(3) plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with
cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.

It’s important to note that there are no laws here that specifically cover
the legality of online sports betting. Like most states, this
industry lies in somewhat of a legal gray area.

Will I Face Legal Trouble for Playing at Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas?

It’s extremely unlikely. Texas has a massive online sports betting market.
Our team has not come across a single case of anyone being prosecuted for online betting in Texas.
It’s very possible that the state government will begin regulating internet sports betting in the near future.

How Can I Stay Safe Gambling Through Sports Betting Sites in Texas?

There is no direct regulation over the sports betting sites in Texas. This
means that, in many ways, it’s up to you to protect yourself while betting
online in Texas. Fortunately, some of the very best online sportsbooks in the country are
available in this state.

Texas sports betting sites are generally very safe. It’s easy to have a
completely secure and lucrative experience while online betting in Texas. There are still a few
easy steps that you can take to ensure you stay completely safe while making
sports wagers over the internet.

Only Play Through Reputable Websites

The most important thing you should do is only play through websites that
have good reputations. Reputable websites will offer safe payment options, a
good customer support system, and a simple betting interface. Do a little
research and make sure that the Texas sports betting sites you are looking at
are safe and secure.

Never Bet More Money Than You Can Afford to Lose

Let us be the first to tell you that online sports betting is extremely fun.
It’s so fun, in fact, that some players accidentally wager more money than they
probably should. It’s always a good idea to track how much you are spending, and
never exceed your betting limits.

Wager on Sports You Understand

With thousands of different betting odds available every single day, it can
be extremely tempting to throw money down on a sport you know nothing about in
hopes of winning big. This can sometimes pay off, yet it’s recommended to stick
to sports you know about. This applies particularly to those new to
sports wagering.

Look Into the Details of Every Promotion Offer

If you’ve already checked out a few sports betting sites in Texas, there’s a
good chance you’ve come across a promotion. In case you’re unaware, these are
bonus offers that a website will offer. They can be a fantastic way to boost the
money you deposit into your account. Occasionally, they can make it difficult to
actually withdraw your money. Always read up on the details of every promotion,
because once you’ve utilized the offer, you’re stuck with the terms and
conditions.

Be Willing to Change Betting Sites, If Necessary

If you follow the steps that we listed above, you’ll probably find a number
of incredible Texas sports betting sites. If you decide that
you don’t enjoy the site you’ve joined, always be willing to change. The sites
that we recommend at the top of this page are fantastic. Check out each one
today.

FAQ on Online Sports Betting in Texas

What Feature Should I Look for in Texas Sports Betting Sites?

Texas sports fans have access to some of the very best internet sportsbooks
in the country. Before signing up to one of these Texas sports betting sites,
make sure that it offers safe payment options, a helpful customer support
system, a great design, and betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.

Why Are Sports Betting Sites in Texas Growing so Popular?

There are hundreds of reasons why online sports betting continues to grow
around the country. Many Texans claim that online sportsbooks are the safest
option available, and provide more betting options than even the very best
land-based sportsbooks in nearby states.

Are Online Sports Betting Sites in Texas Actually Lawful?

Texas has not officially regulated its sports betting industry. There is
pending legislation to begin regulating the sports gambling market, yet it may
be years before these laws are passed. No laws here specifically mention the
legality of making sports wagers online, and we have not come
across a single case of anyone facing legal trouble for making internet sports
bets here.

How Can I Stay Safe Betting Sports Online in Texas?

There are a few basic steps that everyone can take to ensure their betting
experience is nothing but fun. Play through reputable Texas sports betting
sites, never bet more money than you can afford to lose, stick to sports you
actually know about, understand the details of every promotion before you decide
to use them, and always be willing to change to a different online sportsbook if
necessary.

Sports Betting Sites

Conclusion

Texas is in a strange position. It has one of the biggest sporting fan bases
in the country yet doesn’t seem too eager to begin regulating its sports
gambling industry. The recent bill proposed by Eddie Lucio III may make some
changes here, yet some analysts feel it will be years before regulated sports
betting becomes a reality in Texas.

Sports Betting Legal In Texas

The good thing is that sports fans in this state have access to some truly
incredible online sportsbooks. Make sure to check out our list of Texas betting
sites that we recommend at the top of this page, and follow our gambling blog page for expert
tips on major sporting events taking place around the country. Good luck making
your bets!