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Background on Texas sports betting laws

While even discussing gambling expansion in Texas has caused rifts, a two-tiered proposal emerged in February 2019.

• 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.
• Texas Sports Betting. Sports betting is illegal in Texas and there have been no major pushes to change that since the Supreme Court overturned the federal sports betting prohibition in 2018. There are some lawmakers in Texas who would like to legalize sports betting.

The 15-page bill, HB 1275, arrived courtesy of Rep. Eddie Lucio III and would authorize online and mobile wagering. In addition, the measure would tab the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to oversee the industry, which would see a 6.25% tax rate imposed “on each bet placed by a sports bettor.”

Under HB 1275, bettors would have the ability to wager on professional and college sports.

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. Sports betting in Texas can be a whole lot of fun with BetOnline Sportsbook. This is a sportsbook that keeps pushing the envelope in so many different ways and provides arguably the best customer experience in the business. Online Sports Betting Options for Texas Bettors. Texas residents who still want to be able to participate in online sports betting always have the option of signing up with a licensed offshore online sportsbook. Many Texas online sportsbooks have most of the same betting lines that the sportsbooks in Las Vegas have, including Texas football.

As the bill would require a referendum to amend the state constitution, one needing approval from voters, Lucio also introduced House Joint Resolution 61.

In order to move forward, the referendum would need two-thirds support in both the House and Senate. Only then can the order be placed on the ballot for public vote.

Both proposals were referred to Licensing & Administrative Procedures. As the Texas Legislature only convenes every two years, the two proposals have sat in limbo, though they could be reviewed in early 2021.

A total of five permits would become available if sports betting is legalized under this bill, with two skins authorized for each holder.

Of course, people go crazy for sports in Texas, which could obviously help sports betting thrive in the Lone Star State. That said, there has been plenty of pushback on previous proposals.

For years, bills authorizing casinos and daily fantasy sports have stalled.

Will sports betting be legalized in Texas?

Most people do not realize that the Texas Legislature meets only in odd years. As such, the two bills have gone untouched for nearly two years.

The earliest lawmakers can revisit the pair of proposals is January 2021. Voters would need to approve the referendum for a constitutional amendment in fall 2021. Then the state could move forward to shaping the Texas sports betting industry.

But even advancing legislation to the November ballot appears to be an improbable situation.

For years, bills have been cast to the side due to a variety of factors, ranging from disagreement with what measures attempt to accomplish or simply because of party affiliation. These sports betting proposals, for example, were introduced by a Democrat in a Republican-filled state, which does not bode well for the future of the bills.

Where would I be able to make legal sports bets in Texas?

Only two casinos operate in the state. And any efforts to add more have quickly been rebuffed in the past.

While the existing casinos remain difficult to access, the latest proposals would allow for online and mobile sports betting.

As a result, and if somehow legislation passes to legalize sports betting, those located within Texas’ borders would potentially have access to up to 10 online sportsbooks.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical, as plenty of work — and wishful thinking — remains for the proposed legislation.

What sports could I bet on in Texas?

As the bill is written, operators would be authorized to offer wagering on professional and college sports.

Other states with legalized sports betting typically feature a multitude of wagering options, including American and international sports.

Visit any number of legal sportsbooks, and you will see common betting market threads:

• Boxing

On top of all this, operators also offer markets on more niche sports, including Australian rules football, cricket, rugby, table tennis and darts.

Betting on Texas sports teams

If Texas ever does legalize sports betting, it would behoove lawmakers to allow bettors to wager on Texas-based teams. After all, the state does feature some of the most recognized professional and college teams in the country.

In the four major North American professional leagues alone, Texas boasts eight franchises:

• Houston Astros (MLB)
• Texas Rangers (MLB)
• Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
• Houston Rockets (NBA)
• San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
• Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
• Houston Texans (NFL)
• Dallas Stars (NHL)

If that weren’t enough, Texas also features 12 Division I colleges competing in the FBS and a host of others in the FCS.

• Baylor (Big 12)
• TCU (Big 12)
• Texas (Big 12)
• Texas Tech (Big 12)
• Texas A&M (SEC)
• Houston (AAC)
• SMU (AAC)
• North Texas (C-USA)
• Rice (C-USA)
• UTEP (C-USA)
• UTSA (C-USA)
• Texas State (Sun Belt)

What would be the minimum age for sports betting in Texas?

While each state that legalizes and launches sports betting differs in many ways, several shared traits do exist.

Among them is the minimum age for individuals to participate in regulated sports betting.

No doubt, then, Texas would follow the trend and require bettors to be at least 21 years old in order to place regulated wagers.

How do I deposit money into an online sports betting account?

Online sportsbooks elsewhere offer many methods for funding a sports betting account. Often, the list includes:

• Credit/debit cards
• Prepaid cards
• Check/money order
• Bank wire transfer/e-check/ACH
• PayPal/Skrill/Neteller
• PayNearMe
• Cash at cage of casino affiliated with an online sportsbook

Sportsbooks also frequently offer deposit bonuses, so paying attention to bonus codes to receive said bonuses is recommended.

Withdrawal options

Gaining access to winnings is usually fairly simple. Many online sportsbooks in other states allow customers to use similar methods for withdrawal.

Online Sports Betting Texas Legal

Popular options include PayPal and similar online payment processors. Sportsbooks also offer bank transfers and e-checks as well as paying via cash at the casino cage.

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.

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

Sports Betting For Texas

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.

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