Wondering if sports betting is legal in Texas? You’re not alone. Many Texans are confused about whether they can legally bet on sports, especially with so many online apps and ads popping up.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
No, as of 2025, sports betting is still illegal in Texas.
Whether it’s betting on the NFL, NBA, or college football, you cannot legally place bets in-person or online within the state of Texas.
What’s Not Allowed?
- You can’t bet at casinos or racetracks in Texas
- You can’t use legal online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars
- Mobile sports betting apps are not licensed in Texas
- Online betting with offshore sites is risky and not protected by Texas law
Why Isn’t It Legal?
Texas has strict gambling laws. The state constitution bans most forms of betting. Legalizing sports betting requires new laws to pass through the Texas Legislature — and so far, those bills have not been approved.
Even though many lawmakers and sports fans support legal betting, the state has not changed the law yet.
Will Sports Betting Become Legal Soon?
There’s hope for the future. Some Texas lawmakers have pushed for legal sports betting in recent years. Big sports teams in Texas (like the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Astros) also support it.
But until a new law is passed:
Sports betting remains illegal in Texas.
The next chance to legalize it might come in the 2025 or 2027 legislative session.
What Can Texans Do Now?
If you live in Texas and want to bet legally:
You can travel to a nearby state where it’s legal, like:
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- New Mexico
Use fantasy sports apps like DraftKings Fantasy or Underdog, which are legal in Texas
But remember: real-money sports betting is not allowed in Texas right now.
Is It Safe to Use Offshore Betting Sites?
Many websites claim you can bet from Texas. These are offshore sportsbooks, and using them is risky.
- They are not regulated by U.S. law
- You have no legal protection if something goes wrong
- You could lose your money without any way to recover it
It’s safer to wait until sports betting is fully legal in Texas.
Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is sports betting legal in Texas? | No, it’s currently illegal |
| Can I use apps like FanDuel? | Not in Texas |
| Can I travel to bet legally? | Yes, nearby states like LA & AR |
| Will it be legal soon? | Maybe, but no law passed yet |
If you’re asking, “Is sports betting legal in Texas?”, the short answer is no — not yet. While there’s growing support and talk of change, Texas law still bans all forms of sports betting in 2025.