Is Online Gambling Legal in Texas? Current Status & Upcoming Plans

Texas has always been strict when it comes to gambling.

While Las Vegas-style casinos thrive just across state lines, Texas has held firm in its opposition to most forms of gambling, including online casinos and sports betting.

Despite many legislative efforts, online casinos remain illegal in Texas, and sports betting is still off the table — for now. However, with growing pressure from major casino operators, sports betting companies, and lawmakers, Texas could soon see a shift in its gambling laws.

So, what does Texas permit? And is Texas any closer to embracing online gambling? Here’s what you need to know.

Is Online Casino Gambling Legal in Texas?

No — online casinos are not legal in Texas, and sports betting remains banned despite several legislative pushes.

Texas takes a hard stance against most forms of gambling, and there is a distinct lack of state-regulated online casinos, poker rooms, or sportsbooks. However, social gambling (like private poker games), charitable gaming, and horse race betting remain legal under certain conditions.

Home-run poker games are allowed as long as no one is profiting from running the game.

Texas Hold’em is legal at licensed poker clubs, but these operate under unique legal loopholes.

Texans can access offshore gambling sites, but these are not regulated or licensed by the state. This means there are no consumer protections, and players engage at their own peril.

History of Online Gambling Laws in Texas

There has been a lot of play back-and-forth with Texas’ gambling history. Long periods of prohibition are punctuated by selective legalization efforts. Understanding this history provides context for the state’s current legal landscape and ongoing debates surrounding online gambling in the state.

Early Gambling Laws

In the early 1900s, Texas adopted a stringent stance against gambling, and by 1903, the state had outlawed virtually all forms of gambling — including parimutuel wagering. This led to the closure of several venues, including the Texas State Fair, which had prominently featured horse racing.

Despite these prohibitions, underground gambling persisted — as it often does — reflecting the state’s complex relationship with wagering activities.

The PASPA (2018) & Sports Betting Push

The 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting at their discretion. This decision reignited discussions in Texas about expanding gambling laws to include sports wagering.

However, legislative efforts faced significant opposition despite public interest, and no substantial changes were implemented immediately.

Legislative Attempts (2021-2024)

Between 2021 and 2024, Texas saw several proposals aiming to legalize various forms of gambling, including sports betting and casino gaming.

In 2023, a notable bill proposing the legalization of sports betting passed the House but wound up stalling out in the Senate.

Advocacy groups like the Texas Sports Betting Alliance — led by major sports franchises and betting companies — actively lobbied for these changes, highlighting potential economic benefits and consumer protections.

Despite these efforts, progress was impeded by constitutional constraints and political opposition.

Current Legal Challenges and Outlook

As of early 2025, the legal status of online gambling in The Lone Star State remains largely prohibitive.

Governor Greg Abbott has recently expressed support for legalizing online sports betting, aligning with public sentiment favoring expanded gambling options.

However, significant legal and political challenges remain in place. Amending the state constitution to allow such expansions requires a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers and subsequent voter approval.

The upcoming legislative sessions seem likely to revisit these debates as players and stakeholders alike monitor things closely. Waiting for a shift in Texas’ gambling policies.

Neighboring States and Texas’ Market Potential

Texas has many neighboring states with more flexible gambling laws, leading many Texans to cross state lines (or resort to offshore sites) to scratch their lucky itch.

Texans wager over $7 billion annually through illegal or offshore markets. If legalized, online sports betting could generate $363 million in annual tax revenue for the state.

With neighboring states profiting, there is growing pressure for Texas to reconsider its stance.

Who’s Influencing Online Gambling Laws in Texas?

There are a host of powerful bodies shaping online gambling Texas laws. From political figures and casino operators to sports teams and various advocacy groups, everyone has their own agenda and most of them conflict.

The Kickapoo Tribe

The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas runs Lucky Eagle Casino — the state’s only tribal gaming facility — and is strongly opposed to expanding casino gambling, fearing competition.

Las Vegas Sands (And Other Casino Operators)

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation has invested millions into pro-gambling PACs to support lawmakers who favor legalizing resort casinos in Texas. However, strong opposition in the Senate remains a major hurdle.

Texas Sports Betting Alliance

A coalition that includes pro teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros is lobbying for legalized sports betting.

They argue that Texans already bet illegally, costing the state billions in lost revenue.

Lawmakers and Public Sentiment

While Gov. Greg Abbott has warmed up to sports betting, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and conservative legislators continue to block legalization efforts. Any expansion of gambling requires a constitutional amendment, meaning voter approval is needed.

But with so much money pouring into lobbying efforts, the fight over Texas gambling laws is far from over.

Gambling Responsibly in Texas

While online casinos remain illegal in Texas, residents are still able to gamble through offshore sites and neighboring states. While gambling should only be done recreationally, it sometimes leads to financial losses and gambling addiction.

Problem gambling affects thousands of Texans and often gets out of hand without the safeguards provided by state-regulated markets.

For those struggling with gambling addiction, there are resources available to help:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-GAMBLER
• Texas Dept. of Health and Human Services – Offers counseling and support programs
• Gamblers Anonymous Texas – Support groups for problem gamblers

If gambling is affecting your finances or well-being, it’s important to seek help immediately.

What’s Next for Online Gambling in Texas?

With Governor Abbot’s support for legalizing online sports betting earlier this year, it seems likely that Texans will see a shift in local betting laws soon.

However, it won’t be easy. There are still a slew of sizable legal and political hurdles. Amending the state constitution to allow such expansions will require a lot of votes in both legislative chambers, followed by voter approval.

However, the future looks bright, and stakeholders remain optimistic that Texas laws will loosen up and open the door for easier, safer, and more vibrant betting options than are currently available.

Everything’s bigger in Texas — including the demand for high-quality online casino action.

For players looking to play online casino games — or bet on their favorite sports — it’s important that you stick with tried and tested operators, which is why our expert reviewers, John and Peter, have dug in deep to build a list of the very best Texas online casinos.

Our guys have ensured that everything from game selection to banking options is up to snuff. That way, you won’t have to worry about anything other than your next spin of the reels or blackjack deal.

Whether you want high-stakes live dealer action, massive slots payouts, or the best sportsbook odds, our list of the best real money casino sites has got you covered.

Let’s see what’s on the menu.

Best Texas Online Casinos and Gambling Sites

Meet the Authors

John

John’s been putting online casinos to the test for over half a decade now, grinding away at everything from high-stakes blackjack to progressive jackpot games. While he lives for the strategy a good table game requires, he’s never one to turn down a few spins on a good slot.

When he’s not reviewing casinos, you’ll find him neck-deep in tracking the latest industry trends, scouting out the best bonuses, and doing his best to help new players get the most out of their online gaming experience.

Peter

Peter’s an old hand when it comes to casino-style games, and if there’s one thing he loves, it’s hunting down the best promotions and VIP program perks. Whether at a high-roller blackjack table or a cutthroat slot game tournament with serious payout potential, he can always be found where the best action is.

He advocates fast payouts and fair wagering requirements and refuses to accept anything but the best customer service. That’s why he rigorously tests each casino before he’s willing to endorse it.

How Our Review Process Works

Before we dive into the actual reviews, it’s important to understand the nuts and bolts behind our review process.

We meticulously comb through every facet of a casino before assigning it any sort of score, and at the end of the day, we’re more than happy to do away with anything that is merely “good.”

We’re not here for “decent Texas real money online casinos,” are we? No. We’re here for the best.

Step 1: Research and Analysis

We started by identifying what matters most to players in Texas: game selection, bonuses, speedy payouts, and security options. From there, we sorted through dozens of online gambling Texas real money sites, checking licenses, encryption standards, and player feedback from forums and reviews.

If a casino had a history of slow payments or unfair practices, it didn’t make the cut.

Step 2: Creating Accounts and Testing

John and Peter each created an online casino account at the shortlisted casinos, making real deposits to check out the banking process. They claimed bonuses, played games, and initiated withdrawals to evaluate how smoothly each platform operated.

Some of the red flags that got sites eliminated from consideration were:

• Obscure/hidden bonus terms
• Limited payment options and slow payout speeds
• Unresponsive customer support

Step 3: Ranking the Winners

Once testing was complete, we ranked each site based on its overall performance, game variety, and payout efficiency. Casinos were then assigned a spot on each player’s list and awarded a top spot in a specific category.

At the end of the process, we had a definitive list of the best online casinos for Texas players — so you won’t have to worry about signing up with a site that doesn’t deliver.

All-Round Best Texas Online Casino

John: Ignition

Ignition was the clear winner for me out of all the online casino Texas sites we tried.

Not only did it offer a surprisingly well-rounded selection of Texas online slots and table games, but the live dealer options were solid and it had one of the best poker apps I’ve seen.

The payout options were pretty solid as well — though I did find out pretty quickly that MatchPay (the processor Ignition uses for e-wallet payments) should be avoided if you want to claim the generous twin welcome bonus. MatchPay deposits do not qualify for any bonuses at this time.

Peter: Slots of Vegas

I know. I was surprised to name Slots of Vegas as my top pick as well. It’s a smaller casino with only one software provider (RealTime Gaming), but it has a fantastic mix of high-RTP slots and video poker machines.

Add to that the generous welcome bonus with only 10x wagering requirements, an insane cashback offer for VIP players, and a decent mix of table games and you’ve got exactly the sort of casino I like to keep around.

Best Texas Live Dealer Casino

John: High Roller Casino

As you probably know, I am super serious about live dealer gaming. Especially live blackjack — and with High Roller Casino’s massive selection of over 75 live dealer games covering everything from classics like blackjack and roulette to tri-card poker and Dice Duel, it’s clear this casino is as serious as I am.

Despite the casino’s name, there are tables suitable for both low-stakes players and high-rollers alike. Beyond the live games, I found a huge selection of online slots real money Texas players recommend, and there’s even virtual sports betting. Payouts are quick, especially with crypto, making this a solid pick for most players.

Peter: Slots.lv

I found Slots.lv to be a great hybrid-style casino. Sure, it’s primarily known for its slots (it’s kind of in the name), but it has recently expanded its live dealer selection beyond the single studio it once had.

There are many live blackjack games in standard 7-seat format, American and European roulette, baccarat, and even a few live dealer poker tables.

The welcome bonuses are solid but heavily favor crypto players (as a blockchain bro myself, this was a major win).

Best Texas Online Gambling Site for Slots

John: Super Slots

It probably looks like I’m cheating, naming a site called Super Slots as the best for slot games — but come on! At the time of writing this, it has 1,140 different slot games from a host of great providers like BetSoft, Dragon Gaming, WinGo! and Nucleus.

Whether you’re looking for tumbling tiles like you’ll find in Valhallite Gems or you want to spin reels populated by the badass boars of WarHogs Hellaways — Super Slots has you covered.

Peter: High Roller Casino

I was impressed with High Roller Casino’s selection of slots. 900 is far more than I need (obviously, considering Slots of Vegas has my overall best slot), but if you’re a sucker for variety, this is the spot.

I dabbled in the old-school fruits-and-sevens games for a while before trying some hot new titles, which were easy to find thanks to the slick mobile navigation system. To sweeten the pot, High Roller has a ton of cash tournaments, where I competed against other players for cash prizes outside of the normal payouts.

Best Progressive Jackpot Games in Texas

John: Raging Bull Slots

Raging Bull has over 75 different progressive jackpot slots — an insane amount if you ask me. Sure, they’re not as big as some of the options in Peter’s pick, but personally? I’d rather play a bunch of smaller jackpot games with high payout rates (a lot of Raging Bull’s games have a 96%+ RTP) than endlessly chase a massive prize I’ll never win.

It’s not like the jackpots are inconsequential, though. Several games are sitting around the $30,000 max payout spot — the fact that a couple of them star Jackie Chain is just icing on the cake.

Peter: Ignition

Texas players are fortunate to have access to a gem like Ignition Casino. In addition to its amazing TX casino app  for poker (who doesn’t love a few hands of Hold’em?), It has some of the best progressive jackpot prizes in the business.

I found over 35 games ranging from simple $3-5k prizes to massive payouts like A Night With Cleo’s $209k jackpot or Shopping Spree, which was over 2.9 million dollars!

Add to that the Hot Drop Jackpot games, which have hourly and daily “must drop” jackpots, as well as an Epic Jackpot that can drop at any moment — and there are a lot of progressive prizes waiting.

Best Blackjack and Other Table Games

John: Slots.lv

I love table games in general, but really love blackjack — and Slots.lv delivers! It offers a great variety of craps, roulette, casino poker (including variants like Teen Patti and Pai Gow Poker), and 16 different blackjack games, including single and double deck blackjack, Perfect Pairs, and Zappit.

And that’s without dipping into the live dealer options, where you’ll find tons of roulette and baccarat, as well as a couple dozen blackjack tables.

Peter: Super Slots

I’m a big fan of Super Slots, especially for its table game selection. It’s got over 25 different blackjack games, 20 roulette options, and a grab bag of other table games like craps, War, Red Dog, and even Three Card Rummy.

I also made good use of the daily freeroll tournaments this casino offers for blackjack and roulette players. It pays out $35k in bonus cash prizes daily to players competing against each other in these tournaments, which is a great way to win money and play some of your favorite games without risking any cash.

Best Texas Online Gambling Welcome Bonus

John: Slots of Vegas

When it comes to welcome bonus value, there are more important things than bonus size. That’s why I like the bonuses I find at casinos like Slots of Vegas.

It’s a generous 250% match that pays out up to $2,500 in bonus cash and comes with 50 free spins — which is a pretty solid deal as it is.

But it’s the bonus terms that put this offer over the edge. 10x wagering requirements on the bonus cash and no max cashout limits? Yes, please! This bonus makes it almost easy to claim your winnings, assuming you know what you’re doing.

Peter: Raging Bull Slots

Clearly, John and I have the same taste in bonuses. Raging Bull offers basically the same bonus as Slots of Vegas — and I like it for all the same reasons. The 250% match offer provides a ton of bonus play. The 50 free spins are also a nice touch. But it’s the 10x wagering requirements and no max cashout that I like so much.

Combine that bonus with the massive cashback bonus players get from leveling up their VIP account and the super fast crypto payout options and this is a real winner for value-minded Texas residents.

Best TX Online Gambling Site for Sports Betting

John: BetOnline

We tested a ton of Texan-friendly sportsbooks and BetOnline is the only one that met the strict expectations Peter and I have.

Met and Exceeded.

With over 30 sports betting markets ranging from big leagues like the NFL to little niche options like politics and darts, pretty much anything you could ever want odds on can be found here. And it makes it all look good.

Peter: BetOnline

BetOnline enjoys a reputation as one of the best California betting sites. It’s easily the best choice for Texas sports bettors as well. It’s got a deep lineup of betting markets, early odds, and a live betting system that looks every bit as good on mobile as it does on your desktop PC.

The $250 free bet bonus (plus the 100 free spins you get with your first deposit) provides plenty of no-strings-attached betting worth signing up for.

Other Key Features to Consider at Texas Online Casinos

Game selection and bonuses are important, but there are many other things to consider when looking for that perfect casino experience. Here’s what our experts have to say about what you need to keep in mind before signing up.

John’s Opinion

For me, the first thing I look at is how smoothly the casino runs — especially on mobile, where I do most of my playing. A clunky app, slow-loading games, or a confusing layout gets an instant ‘nah’ from me. If I can’t navigate the platform easily, I know I’ll be too frustrated to have any fun.

I also tend to keep a close eye on customer support. Even the best casinos have hiccups and a top-tier casino should have fast, responsive chats available around the clock to fix things when they break. There’s nothing worse than running into an issue with a deposit or payout and waiting days for an answer.

If a site doesn’t have real humans to help — I’m out.

Peter’s Opinion

I’ve always been about bet limits and payout speed. Whether I’m checking the best California casinos or in any other state, top casinos should cater to both casual players and high rollers. If they cap my bets too low or limit my withdrawals, that’s a dealbreaker.

I also like to research VIP programs and loyalty perks. If I’m going to play regularly, I want to be rewarded for it. I give casinos that offer cashback offers, exclusive bonuses, and personalized support a big thumbs-up.

Popular Games at Texas Online Casinos

Players in the Lone Star State have access to a huge range of online casino games — far more than they’d find at any brick-and-mortar casinos. From classic slot machines to high-stakes live dealer tables, here’s a look at the most popular options:

Slots and Progressive Jackpots

TX online slots dominate the online casino scene, and for good reason — they’re fast-paced, easy to play, and frequently come with massive payouts. Whether you kick it old school with 3-reel online slots or more modern video slot options chock-full of bonus features, there’s something for every type of player.

Live Dealer Casino Games

Live dealer games bring the real casino experience straight to your screen. Instead of playing against a computer, you’ll face real dealers via high-definition streams. And with the limited options for physical casinos in Texas, this is one of the few ways players can capture those Las Vegas vibes.

Table Games and Specialty Games

For players who want to temper their luck with actual strategy, table games offer some of the best odds in the casino. Blackjack, roulette, craps, and a great many poker variants let you influence lady luck through clever betting strategies and tactics, making them a great choice for most players.

Beyond the usual table games, most real money online casino Texas sites also feature specialty games like bingo games, keno, scratch cards, crash gambling, arcade games, and so on — providing refreshing new gameplay elements and, in many cases, instant wins.

Texas Casino Gaming on Mobile

Mobile devices have become the go-to gaming platform for many Texas players, and the best online casinos offer mobile betting experiences that mirror (or exceed) those offered to PC players.

Whether you’re using iOS or Android devices, you can enjoy slots, table games, and live dealer action without being tied to a cumbersome desktop computer.

Mobile casinos have come a long way in the last few years, with the best betting sites offering:

• Full game selection
• Fast-loading games
• Easy deposits and withdrawals
• Touch-friendly design

It doesn’t matter if you’re spinning up your favorite jackpot slot or playing live dealer blackjack on the go, the top online casinos Texas ensure a seamless mobile experience from start to finish.

Texas Online Casinos – FAQs

Can you play online casino games in Texas?

Yes, you can play online casino games in Texas at many online casinos.

While Texas has yet to allow online casinos, many offshore casinos are fully licensed and regulated and ready to accept Texan bettors.

Are Texas online casinos safe?

Texas online casinos are safe — so long as you choose reputable sites.

The best Texas-friendly online casinos use SSL encryption, offer provably fair games, and hold licenses from respected regulatory bodies. To ensure a secure gaming experience, stick to our top-rated casinos.

Which Texas online gambling site offers the best welcome bonus?

The best welcome bonus depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the biggest match bonus, High Roller Casino offers up to $8,000 in bonus cash — but Raging Bull Slots and Slots of Vegas offer slightly smaller bonuses with much better wagering requirements.

That’s why they each won the Best Welcome Bonus awards from John and Peter.

Are Texas online casino games rigged?

No, legitimate Texas online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair results. These are regularly tested by third-party auditors to prevent behind-the-scenes manipulation, so you can rest assured every game is fair.

Are You Ready for the Best Online Casinos in Texas?

With so many great options, finding the best Texas online casino comes down to what matters most to you. Whether you’re after big bonuses, top-tier table games, or massive jackpot slots, there’s bound to be a site perfect for you.

John and Peter have put these casinos through the wringer — now it’s up to you. Pick your favorite, claim your bonus, and start playing. Just remember to wager responsibly!

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.

All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.

If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/