The best sports betting sites in Texas 2024
Texas has the second largest population of any US state and the fourth most major league sports teams. It’s fair to say the state loves its sport, so it’s a little surprising that sports betting is not yet legal. Read our complete guide to Texas sports betting below, with details on Daily Fantasy Sports, the latest betting legislation, and the most popular sports.
Our top recommended Texas sportsbooks
Sites for Texas bettors to avoid
There are many excellent betting sites in the US, but there are some our experts highlight that bettors should not use. This may be because the sportsbook has a history of not paying out, poor customer support, insufficient security, or unfair bonuses. Any betting site on the list below does not meet the high standards we set for our readers.
Top online sportsbooks in Texas
Even though there is no online sports betting in Texas, you can still enjoy making sports predictions and even get prizes. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) allows you to create teams of athletes from the major leagues and get points from their performances. See our top picks for DFS sites in Texas below.
BetRivers.NET
BetRivers.NET is the brand’s social sportsbook site which allows you to make predictions and place bets for free. You earn free betting credits every four hours and spin the prize wheel to claim bonuses every day. There are more than 20 sports covered, with thousands of markets available. Just like a regular sportsbook, you can bet on these games pre-game or in-play.
Boom Fantasy
The winner of the ‘Best Fantasy Sports App’ award in 2018, Boom Fantasy is available through the Apple App Store. All the major league sports have Daily Fantasy Sports games and leagues, and you can create teams with a few taps. The app also offers a game where you have to answer multiple questions about a sports event, and you win prizes if you get them all correct.
ESPN Fantasy
There is no Daily Fantasy Sports at ESPN, but you can create fantasy teams and manage them throughout the season. Create leagues with your friends and family or compete against all other players. There are fantasy competitions for the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and more sports. If your team is one of the best in the US by the end of the season, you can win real-life prizes.
Yahoo! Fantasy
You can play Daily Fantasy Sports and season-long fantasy games at Yahoo! Fantasy. There are options for all the major leagues and some niche sports too, which you can play on your desktop or by downloading its mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices. Yahoo has a dedicated team of experts producing insights and tips for all its fantasy sports options.
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Popular sports to bet on in Texas
The Lone Star State residents are crazy about sports, from the college level all the way to the professional franchises. Our experts have collected some of the most popular sports in the state and provided details on what will be available with legal sports wagering.
Football
There are two NFL franchises in Texas that have had almost polar opposite experiences. The Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable sports team in the world in 2022, has won five Super Bowls. While the most recent of these victories was in 1995, the team has remained competitive, winning the NFC East multiple times since that triumph.
The other NFL franchise in the Lone Star State is the Houston Texans, an expansion franchise founded in 1999. The Texans have never won a playoff game on the road and remain the only team in the NFL never to play in a conference championship game. However, the Texans did win the AFC South six times in the 2010s with players like J.J. Watt.
The NFL is the biggest betting sport in the US and will almost certainly be available for wagering in Texas if sports betting becomes legal. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “the handwriting is on the wall,” and called sports betting in Texas inevitable in 2021. He also outlined many of the positives betting would bring.
Basketball
There are millions of basketball fans in Texas with plenty to get behind as there are three major league sports franchises. The San Antonio Spurs have been the most successful, with five NBA Championships, six conference titles, and 22 division titles. The team also had the best overall win percentage of any US franchise by the 2021/22 season at 0.611%
The Houston Rockets won two NBA Championships back to back in 1994 and 1995 and also had a great period of success in the 2010s led by James Harden. The Dallas Mavericks have struggled for success compared to the other two Texas NBA teams but still won an NBA Championship in 2011.
If online sports betting is legalized in Texas, you will likely be able to bet on your favorite NBA franchises
Baseball
You can watch two MLB major league franchises in Texas if you’re a baseball fan. The Houston Astros have found the most success, winning the World Series in 2017 along with three AL pennants and four division titles. However, the team struggled to find success before moving to the American League West Division in 2013. The Texas Rangers play at Globe Life Field and have won the Al pennant twice. The Rangers are yet to capture the World Series.
Baseball betting will likely be available to Texas bettors because local sports teams support legal wagering. The Astros became the first Texas franchise to partner with a sportsbook after signing a deal with BetMGM in May 2022. While Texas residents can’t currently benefit from this partnership, it shows teams and sportsbooks are interested in Texas sports betting.
Ice Hockey
Even in the hot temperatures of Texas, ice hockey is still very popular with the state’s only NHL franchise, the Dallas Stars. The most significant period of success for the Stars came between the late 1990s and early 2000s when it won its only Stanley Cup final, along with two President’s Trophies, three conference championships, and six division titles. The team returned to the Stanley Cup in 2020 but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
When online sports betting is available in Texas, wagering on the NHL will be available. You’ll be able to add pucklines, totals, player props, and more to your bet slip and wager on the Dallas Stars.
Soccer
Three MLS teams were launched in the Lone Star State, most recently Austin FC. Created in 2018, the team plays in the 20,738 Q2 Stadium. Houston Dynamo was one of the most dominant teams in the mid-2000s, winning the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007. The oldest franchise in Texas is FC Dallas, but it has never won the MLS Cup. However, Dallas has won two US Open Cups.
There is also an NWSL franchise based in Texas, Houston Dash. The team is associated with Houston Dynamo, including sharing the PNC Stadium with the MLS franchise. The Dash was founded in 2013 and won its first trophy in 2020, claiming the NWSl Challenge Cup.
Two of the MLS teams in Texas have partnered with sports betting brands. Houston Dynamo has partnered with Fubo Sportsbook, and Austin FC joined with PointsBet. Both sports teams are now encouraging lawmakers to legalize sports betting.
NCAA Football
College football is just as big as the professional game in Texas, as shown by the University of Texas Longhorns having the 9th largest stadium for any sport globally. The Texas Memorial Stadium holds more than 100,000 people, and the team has won four national titles. The Texas A&M University Aggies have won three national championships, and the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs have won two.
Every state in the US with online sports betting has different regulations for college sports. Some states don’t allow you to wager on in-state teams, while others limit the wagers you can place. As Texas has never had successful sports betting legislation, it is impossible to know what will be available.
NCAA Basketball
The history of college basketball in Texas is long and significant for fans and the rest of the US. The University of Texas at El Paso Miners won the NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament in 1966, the first team from Texas to ever do so. However, it was also the first college team to start an entirely African-American lineup in an NCAA Tournament final. Other teams have also found success, with the Texas Tech University Red Raiders women’s basketball team winning the NCAA Tournament in 1993.
Just like with college football, college basketball regulations are hard to predict. When Texas lawmakers pass legislation, it will be easier to make a prediction.
Horse Racing
Horse racing and greyhound racing are the only non-lottery types of gambling legal in Texas. You can place pari-mutuel wagers, where rather than betting against a sportsbook, you win a share of all the bets placed.
Online horse racing betting is not available in Texas. Instead, you can place pari-mutuel wagers by visiting one of the state’s four horse racing tracks. You can only bet in these locations, and there are no off-track betting sites in TX.
Golf
Five different PGA Tour events are held in Texas, including the AT&T Bryon Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney. The competition which usually has the biggest prize purse is the World Golf Championships at Austin Country Club, Austin. These events contribute to PGA rankings and the overall winner of each PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour has four betting partners in the US, with PointsBet, FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM tied to the golf tournament. These sportsbooks are very likely to launch in the Lone Star State if sports betting is legalized and bring a wide range of PGA Tour markets. You’ll also be able to bet on other golf tournaments worldwide.
Motorsports
Texas welcomes a wide range of motorsports across lots of different competitions. The Texas World Speedway hosts many of these events, including the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar Series, and a handful more NASCAR events. The Formula 1 US Grand Prix is also held in Texas, and the state will continue to host races until at least 2026.
Most US sportsbooks expected to launch in Texas will provide markets for lots of different motorsports. You’ll be able to wager on NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, and more events if online sports betting is legalized.
Texas sports betting facts
Even though sports betting is not available in Texas, the industry’s potential is still very interesting. Here are some facts about Texas sports betting to give you an idea.
2023
The next time lawmakers can create sports betting legislation (because Texas lawmakers meet every other year)
6
The number of sports betting bills introduced to the House and Senate, none of which have passed
21
The current legal gambling age in Texas, which includes pari-mutuel betting
4
The number of horse racing tracks in Texas where you can place pari-mutuel wagers
Bet types and markets
If online sports betting launches in the Lone Star State, a massive range of markets and sports will be available for wagering. Here are some of the best markets you can expect in Texas if sports wagering is legalized.
- Moneylines
- Point Spreads
- Totals
- NBA
- NFL
- MLB
A moneyline is the simplest type of bet, where you pick the winner of an event. If you are correct, you get your stake back with a profit based on the odds. However, you lose your stake if you are incorrect.
Free bets, bonuses, and promotions
Betting sites are always trying to find new players and keep existing ones, which is why promotions are so popular. A betting promo improves your betting somehow, whether by giving you free opportunities to wager or boosting your odds. Every bonus is different, so we’ve listed some of the most common offers below.
| Bonus | Bonus description |
|---|---|
Welcome bonus | A welcome bonus is a promotion only available to players registering with a betting site for the first time. You may need to meet a minimum deposit or minimum bet or other terms and conditions to get your promotion. You can get free bets, bonus funds, and other bonuses from welcome offers. |
No deposit bonus | While many promotions require a deposit, a no-deposit bonus is a reward you can earn without one. Instead, you may need to opt-in or claim this promotion while registering. You can get rewards like bonus funds, free bets, and more. |
Risk-free bets | A risk-free bet will allow you to place a qualifying wager, and the betting site will reward you with free bets equal to your stake if it loses. If your qualifying wager wins, you keep your stake and your profits. |
Cashback | Unlike a risk-free bet offer, which gives you free bets if a qualifying wager fails, cashback offers return your stake as cash. You can use this cash to bet or withdraw it from your account. |
Enhanced odds | With an enhanced odds offer, a sportsbook will boost the odds on a particular market or bet type. Therefore, you can get more profit from your wagers. Many enhanced odds offers are easily available but may have terms like maximum bets. |
Loyalty offers | Many betting sites will encourage you to bet more through loyalty offers. These promos are unlocked the more you wager and include rewards like free bets and real-life experiences. |
Legal sports betting in Texas
Online and retail sports betting are both illegal in Texas. There have been several attempts to pass legislation, including 2019’s HB 1275 and 2021’s HB 2070. However, no bill has ever passed the House or the Senate. There are signs that support for sports betting is growing, with three major league franchises partnering with online sportsbooks. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is also a vocal betting supporter, and gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke declared his interest in sports betting in April 2022.
When will sports betting launch in Texas?
The earliest Texas lawmakers can pass any sports betting legislation is 2023. This would set up online sports betting to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. If no bill is successful in 2023, the state will need to wait until 2025 for legal sports betting.
Online casinos and sports betting in the US
Find the latest online gambling legislation updates for your state below.
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How we rate the best sports betting sites
Every sports betting site our experts recommend goes through our detailed 25-step review process. We consider every aspect of a betting site, starting with its security and fairness. However, we also look at bonuses, customer support, the range of betting options, and many more factors to deliver the best judgments. You can see a more detailed breakdown of our ranking system below.
Responsible gaming in Texas
Sports betting is a lot of fun, but sometimes it can become harmful. If gambling habits start to impact your personal or professional life or seriously damage your finances, you should seek help. While there is no legal sports betting in Texas, there are support organizations that can help problem gamblers. We’ve also listed some tips below to help you keep your betting safe.
- Do not bet with money you can’t afford to lose. Make a budget for yourself based on expendable finances.
- Don’t take out loans or borrow money to place wagers.
- Don’t place bets when under the influence of alcohol or substances that impair your judgment.
- Don’t treat betting as a way to make money. Online gambling is a form of entertainment, so you shouldn’t expect to profit.
FAQs
When is Texas likely to legalize online sports betting?
The earliest that online sports betting can be legalized in Texas is in 2023. This is because the lawmakers meet every other year and previously met in 2021. There is support for online sports betting in Texas, with three major league franchises already partnered with online sportsbooks.
Can I bet on horse or greyhound racing in Texas?
Yes, you can place pari-mutuel bets on horse races by visiting one of the state’s four racetracks. The Texas Racing Commission oversees all pari-mutuel betting facilities and any wagers you place. Online horse racing betting is unavailable.
Does Texas offer betting via online sportsbooks or apps?
No, you cannot bet using online sportsbooks or betting apps in Texas because sports betting is not legal. There have been several attempts to legalize wagering, but no bill has passed the House or the Senate yet. Some of our top Daily Fantasy Sports sites have mobile apps you can use.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal for players in Texas?
Yes, you can play Daily Fantasy Sports in Texas. Yet, this wasn’t always the case, as Texas Attorney General Ken Patton declared the games illegal in 2016 under section 47.02 of the Penal Code. However, this decision was not upheld, meaning you can play with our recommended Daily Fantasy Sports sites.
What is the legal gambling age in Texas?
The legal gambling age in Texas is 21, which is how old you’ll need to be to place pari-mutuel wagers. This minimum gambling age is the same as in many other US states.
Will I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Texas?
Yes, everyone in the US has to pay taxes on betting winnings. You must declare everything you win to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if you win more than $600. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. In addition, you need to include your sports betting winnings when filling out your state income taxes. Luckily for Texas bettors, there is no state income tax.
What sports will be legal to bet on in Texas?
When sports betting is legalized, you’ll be able to wager on all major league sports and the vast majority of professional US sports. This list includes teams in Texas, many of which are partnered with sports betting brands. Whether college sports betting is available and what type of wagering is legal won’t be clear until sports betting legislation passes.
