Texas offers a unique betting atmosphere shaped by tradition, demand, and strict regulations. Local online gambling remains limited, yet interest continues to grow so residents often turn to online casinos and sportsbooks based offshore.
These platforms provide diverse games, secure transactions, and competitive betting odds. However, Texas does not locally license or regulate these sites. As a result, players must choose trustworthy operators to ensure safety and fair play.
Sports betting bills have surfaced in recent years but face strong opposition. Despite this, major leagues and franchises support legalization, keeping the debate active. Texans also enjoy land-based betting options through horse racing and tribal casinos.
With shifting opinions and rising demand, the state’s gambling outlook may change. For now, bettors rely on reliable offshore casinos and sportsbooks while awaiting clearer regulations.
This blend of tradition, modern demand, and ongoing debate defines the Texas betting scene today.
These sites all accept players in Texas and have a long track-record and good reputation. As such players can feel confident playing there, despite these sites not being regulated for Online Gambling by the State of Texas.
To ensure that the sites we recommend uphold their reputation and offer a great experience for BettingNews.com readers, we also conduct frequent in person testing and monitoring of these online casinos and online sportsbooks.
If we recommend them and they earn our seal of approval, it is because we have personally reviewed their history, and present, to make sure that they will be a great place for our readers to gamble at.
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Overview of the Gambling Landscape and Laws of the State of Texas
Texas maintains one of the most restrictive gambling environments in the United States. State law prohibits most forms of casino-style gambling, with only a few exceptions.
Texans can legally participate in the state lottery, charitable bingo, raffles, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. Tribal casinos operate under federal law, but their offerings remain limited compared to Las Vegas or Atlantic City resorts.
Sports betting is not yet legal in Texas, despite repeated attempts in the legislature. Several proposals have gained momentum in recent years, fueled by strong public support and backing from professional sports teams. However, conservative lawmakers continue to resist expanded gambling, citing moral and social concerns.
Online casinos and sportsbooks are also not locally licensed in Texas. As a result, many residents turn to recommended offshore platforms that offer poker, slots, table games, and sports betting.
While these sites are accessible, they operate outside state jurisdiction, meaning players must carefully select reputable operators to ensure fairness and security.
Enforcement of gambling laws remains strict, but participation in offshore betting typically falls into a legal gray area. The ongoing debate suggests that pressure from sports leagues, casino operators, and growing tax revenue opportunities may eventually shift state policy.
Until then, Texans must navigate a tightly controlled gambling market with limited domestic options.
This mix of legal restrictions, offshore alternatives, and ongoing legislative battles defines the current gambling landscape in Texas.
Texas Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Three federally recognized tribes in Texas play a unique and pivotal role in the state’s limited gambling landscape. Operating under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and specific tribal restoration acts, they can offer gaming on sovereign land, even though commercial gambling is otherwise illegal in the state.
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, the state’s only full-scale tribal casino. It offers electronic bingo-style machines, poker, and limited table games under federal law.
Other tribes, including the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua Tribe), have long sought to operate casinos. However, legal battles with the state have restricted their ability to expand beyond electronic bingo facilities. Recent court rulings have strengthened tribal rights, giving them more freedom to operate Class II gaming.
How They Operate
The tribes’ ability to offer gambling stems from a complex legal history and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which created a framework for tribal gaming. According to the law, tribes can offer any game that is not explicitly prohibited by the state. This has led to decades of legal disputes with Texas, which has a strong public policy against gambling.
- Class I Gaming: Traditional, social games with minimal prizes.
- Class II Gaming: This includes bingo and “electronic aids,” which is the legal basis for the electronic bingo machines and poker rooms at their casinos.
- Class III Gaming: This includes traditional casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. While the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe is permitted to offer these games, a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling for the Alabama-Coushatta and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribes affirmed that they are limited to Class II gaming, as Texas law does not explicitly prohibit bingo.
While tribal gaming in Texas remains far smaller than in states like Oklahoma, it provides important economic benefits. Tribal casinos generate jobs, support local businesses, and contribute to community programs.
Tribal efforts also play a key role in the broader gambling debate. As lawmakers debate sports betting and casino expansion, tribes plan to strengthen their presence in the Texas market.
Key Tribes and Their Operations
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Operations: The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe is based in Eagle Pass, near the U.S.–Mexico border. Recognized as a sovereign tribe, they operate the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, Texas’s only full-scale tribal casino.
The casino offers electronic bingo-style machines, poker, and limited table games under federal Class II gaming regulations. Beyond gaming, the tribe plays a vital role in preserving Kickapoo culture, language, and traditions.
Furthermore, their casino revenues fund community services, health programs, and education, supporting both tribal members and the surrounding region.
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Operations: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is located in Livingston, east Texas. Descendants of the Alabama and Coushatta peoples, they are among the oldest tribes in the state.
Their gaming operation, Naskila Gaming, features electronic bingo machines and provides significant employment opportunities for the region. The tribe has faced legal challenges from the state regarding the scope of their gaming rights, but they remain dedicated to operating responsibly.
Cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and youth education are central to the tribe’s mission, with gaming revenues reinvested into community development.
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua Tribe)
Operations: The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, or Tigua Tribe, is based in El Paso and traces its heritage back more than 300 years. Additionally, the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, once offered casino gaming but now operates primarily with bingo-based electronic machines and live entertainment.
The tribe has engaged in decades of legal battles with Texas over gaming rights, but continues to serve as a cultural and economic anchor in El Paso. Tribal initiatives extend beyond gaming, emphasizing education, healthcare, and cultural programs that preserve Tigua traditions for future generations.
Current State Laws of Texas regulating Gambling
Here’s an up-to-date summary of the current Texas state laws that regulate various forms of gambling. Majority of them are listed on the Texas Statutes:
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 47 – Gambling Offenses
Overview: Defines prohibited gambling activities, including making bets, operating or promoting gambling venues, communicating gambling information, and possessing gambling devices.
Texas Government Code, Chapter 466 – State Lottery
Overview: Establishes and regulates the state-operated lottery, covering licensing, annual reporting, audits, and enforcement procedures.
Occupations Code, Chapter 2001 – Bingo Enabling Act
Overview: Allows licensed charitable organizations to host bingo games. It outlines licensing, regulation, limits, local-option rules, and enforcement procedures.
Occupations Code, Chapter 2002 – Charitable Raffle Enabling Act
Overview: Authorizes qualified non-profit groups to hold raffles under specific conditions. It defines raffles, limits raffle counts, imposes prize restrictions, and provides enforcement authority.
Occupations Code, Subtitle A-1 – Texas Racing Act
Overview: Regulates pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. It establishes the Texas Racing Commission, licensing requirements, race meeting oversight, and penalties for violations.
Latest Texas Betting Legislative Updates
The Texas Legislature continues to debate proposals that could expand gambling in the state, particularly around sports betting and casinos. Recent sessions have seen strong backing from professional sports teams and industry advocates, yet opposition from conservative lawmakers has stalled progress.
While momentum is building, no major reforms have passed, leaving Texans limited to the lottery, charitable gaming, and pari-mutuel racing.
Here at Betting News, we are closely monitoring the latest developments, from proposed sports betting bills to potential casino legislation.
Stay up to date by checking back on this page for ongoing updates and expert coverage of Texas gambling legislation.
Active Legislative Proposals regarding Gambling in Texas
House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134)
Overview: This constitutional amendment proposal aimed to legalize sports betting in Texas. It would have allowed voters to decide on the issue and would have put the Texas Lottery Commission in charge of regulation.
Status: The bill was referred to the House State Affairs Committee but did not receive a vote and died at the end of the session.
Senate Joint Resolution 16 (SJR 16)
Overview: This proposal was a broader effort to legalize both “destination resort” casinos and sports betting. It would have established a new Texas Gaming Commission to oversee the industry and would have required voter approval.
Status: SJR 16 was referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee but was not brought up for a public hearing and is now dead.
Senate Bill 3070 (SB 3070)
Overview: This bill was a significant overhaul of the Texas Lottery. It would have moved the Texas Lottery Commission under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and imposed new rules on lottery sales.
Status: The bill did not pass and is now dead.
The next opportunity for these or similar bills to be considered will be in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, beginning in January 2027.
Additional Legal Developments
1. Texas Lottery and Charitable Bingo
As of September 1, 2025, the Texas Lottery Commission has been abolished. All of its operations, including the oversight of the state lottery and charitable bingo games, have been transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This change was enacted by Senate Bill 3070, passed in the last legislative session.
The new law introduces stricter rules, including:
- A prohibition on online lottery courier services, making it a Class A misdemeanor to sell lottery tickets through apps or websites.
- More stringent restrictions on the number of tickets a single person can purchase.
The TDLR is now in the process of establishing new, permanent rules for the lottery and charitable bingo. The future of the lottery itself is not guaranteed; the new law requires a legislative review in 2029 to determine if the game should continue.
2. Enforcement of Penal Code
Recent legal actions have solidified the state’s stance against certain types of gambling devices.
- Eight-Liner Machines: A recent Texas Supreme Court action effectively ended a nearly nine-year legal battle over the legality of “eight-liner” machines. By denying a rehearing request from a game room operator, the court upheld a lower court’s ruling that these machines are illegal gambling devices. This decision clarifies that the “fuzzy animal” exception in the penal code, which applies to games with non-cash prizes of limited value, does not apply to eight-liners. This makes it illegal to operate or advertise them.
3. Texas Racing
The Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) has adopted new rules to enhance its oversight.
- Horsemen’s Bookkeeper: The TXRC adopted amendments to its rules to strengthen its ability to track and audit the funds managed by the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper. The new rules require annual audited financial statements and give the executive director the authority to inspect and audit the records at any time.
- Horse Health: The commission has also implemented new rules requiring a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test within 180 days before a horse can enter a stable at a licensed racetrack.
4. Legal Status of Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remain in a legal “gray area.” There have been no legislative actions to either legalize or ban them. DFS operators continue to operate in Texas under the argument that their games are based on skill, not chance, and therefore do not fall under the state’s gambling prohibitions. There is no official state regulation or licensing for DFS.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Texas
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
In Texas, land-based sports betting is not licensed or regulated. The state’s law is very clear on this issue. Texas Penal Code, Chapter 47 prohibits it. Lawmakers have repeatedly tried to change the law. Bills to legalize sports betting have failed. They did not pass in the 2025 legislative session. They are now considered officially dead.
Any change would require a constitutional amendment. This is a very high bar to clear. A two-thirds vote is needed in both chambers. It then goes to Texas voters. They would have to approve it. The next opportunity for new bills is in 2027. This is when the legislature will meet again.
There is strong political opposition to gambling expansion. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is a major opponent. This makes the path forward very difficult. Legal land-based sportsbooks will not open anytime soon. For now, Texas residents cannot place a legal bet. The current state is one of strict prohibition.
Texas Online Sports Betting
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
In Texas, online sports betting is not licensed or regulated. The state’s law is very clear on this. The Texas Penal Code, Chapter 47, prohibits it. This includes any bets on a game or contest. Lawmakers have repeatedly tried to change the law. Bills to legalize online sports betting have failed.
Most recently, proposals were made in the 2025 legislative session. They received support from many professional sports teams. These bills would have required a constitutional amendment. The bills needed a two-thirds vote to pass.
However, they were unable to get enough support. They were officially considered dead. The next chance for legalization is in 2027. That is when the legislature will meet again.
The state’s attorney general has previously ruled against it. The office has stated that it is a form of illegal gambling. This current legal reality means Texans cannot use popular apps. No major US-based sportsbooks are legally available in the state.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Texas Residents
Betting sites situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for Texan bettors to engage in online gambling. Given that these operators have their base outside of the US, they dwell in a legal “grey zone.” There’s no record of anyone being legally pursued for playing on these platforms.
Texas Daily Fantasy Sports
Legal Status: Gray Area
In Texas, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operates in a legal gray area. The state has not passed a specific law to either legalize or ban it. This is a point of confusion for many.
In 2016, the Texas Attorney General issued an opinion. It stated that DFS is a form of illegal gambling. The opinion was not a binding legal ruling. It was an interpretation of the law.
Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel briefly exited the market. They later returned. They now operate on the basis that DFS is a game of skill. This means it is exempt from Texas’s gambling laws.
Bills to clarify the law have failed to pass. There was an attempt to pass a bill in the 2025 legislative session. It would have defined DFS as a game of skill. However, that bill died without a vote. This lack of clear legislation means the legal status remains unresolved.
Major DFS platforms are available in Texas. They continue to operate without state licensing. This situation will likely remain the same. No new legislative changes are expected until 2027.
Texas Land-Based Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Not Legal except for Indian-run Establishments
In Texas, land-based casinos remain largely illegal. The state’s constitution has strict prohibitions. This requires a constitutional amendment to change. The legislature has rejected multiple proposals.
Bills to create “destination resorts” failed. The most recent efforts were in 2025. These proposals included casinos for major cities. They would have needed voter approval. The bills were not passed. The next opportunity for a change is 2027.
There are a few limited exceptions. Three federally-recognized Native American tribes operate gaming facilities. These casinos are on sovereign land. They offer Class II gaming. This includes electronic bingo and poker.
Examples are Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. The other is Naskila Gaming. They can legally operate under federal law. They are not subject to state laws. Beyond these tribal lands, no commercial casinos exist.
The only other option is casino cruise ships. These vessels sail into international waters. They offer casino games once at sea. For now, Texas remains a difficult state for gambling expansion.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Texas
Due to Texas’s strict gambling laws, the state has no traditional commercial casinos. The only legal land-based casinos operate on federally recognized tribal lands. These facilities offer Class II gaming, which includes electronic bingo and poker, not traditional slots or table games against the house.
Here are the legal land-based casinos in Texas:
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel
Owners: Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Located near the border in Eagle Pass, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle is the largest casino in Texas. It is operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and offers a wide range of Class II gaming machines, a hotel, multiple restaurants, and live entertainment.
This casino attracts many visitors from San Antonio and surrounding areas due to its size and amenities.
Naskila Gaming
Owners: the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Owned and operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Naskila Gaming is in Livingston. It is an electronic bingo casino that was the subject of a long legal battle with the state. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the tribe, allowing it to continue operating. The facility features over 800 gaming machines and a cafe.
Speaking Rock Casino
Owners: the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe
Situated in El Paso, Speaking Rock is operated by the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe. Like Naskila, this facility has a history of legal disputes with the state but now operates with a federal court ruling in its favor. It offers a variety of electronic gaming machines, live music, and dining options, serving as a key entertainment venue for the El Paso area.
Texas Online Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Not licensed or Regulated
In Texas, the law on online casinos is very clear. Online casinos are not licensed or regulated in the Lone Star State. The state’s Penal Code, Chapter 47 prohibits gambling. This includes all forms of online betting. There have been no new laws. No new legal changes have been made. Texas lawmakers have not legalized online casinos. This is despite repeated attempts. .
For many years, lawmakers have filed bills. These bills would have expanded gambling. They would have included online casinos. However, all of these efforts have failed. The Texas Legislature only meets biennially. The last regular session was in 2025. All gambling bills failed. The next chance for change is 2027.
The state maintains a strict stance. The state’s constitution prohibits gambling. It would need an amendment to change. This requires a strong majority vote. It also requires a public referendum. Moreover, the state attorney general’s office has taken action by continuing to pursue enforcement.
Anyone found operating online casinos could face charges. This makes the future of legal online casinos unlikely. At least for the foreseeable future. The current state is one of prohibition.
Other Online Casino Options for Texas Residents
Online casinos situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for Texan bettors to engage in online gambling. Given that these operators have their base outside of the US, they dwell in a legal “grey zone.” There’s no record of anyone being legally pursued for playing on these platforms.
Poker in Texas
Status: Gray Area
In Texas, the state of land-based poker is unique. It is not fully legalized. However, it is not completely illegal either. Operators use a legal loophole. This loophole is found in the Texas Penal Code. It allows for “social gambling” in a “private place.” This applies if no one profits. The rule is that no one can take a “rake.”
Poker rooms operate across Texas, with dozens of clubs existing in major cities. They function as private social clubs to legally operate. Instead of collecting a percentage of the pot, they charge a membership fee and an hourly seat fee. This unique business model is the only way for organized poker games to be held legally.
The legality of these clubs is still debated. Local law enforcement has shut some down. Court cases continue to challenge this business model. As a result, the legal situation is not stable.
The future of these clubs remains uncertain. They exist in a legal gray area. This is the current reality for Texas poker.
List of Poker Operations in Texas
In Texas, poker clubs operate legally as private social clubs, charging membership and seat fees instead of taking a rake from the pot. This business model has allowed a thriving poker scene to develop, with several large and popular operations.
Tables: Approximately 82 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Co-owned by well-known poker professionals and vloggers Doug Polk, Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme
Known as one of the largest poker rooms in the world, The Lodge is a premier destination for players. It features a high-end setup and is known for its popular live-streamed cash games and major tournament series, attracting players from across the country.
Tables: Varies by location; between 26 to 70 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned and operated by Ryan Crow; founded by a team of owners
As one of the most recognized brands in Texas poker, Texas Card House has multiple locations throughout the state. Each location offers a variety of cash games and tournaments. Some of their “Social” locations, like the one in Austin, also feature upscale dining and a bar.
Tables: Not publicly listed
Owner/Operator: Founded by Dean Maddox; currently operated by an “ownership group”
Prime Social is a large and popular poker club in Houston. It has been a significant player in the Texas poker scene, offering a wide variety of games, from low-stakes cash games to large tournaments. The club has faced legal challenges in the past, but it remains a prominent operation.
Watauga Social Lounge
Tables: not disclosed
Owner/Operator: Owned by Joe and David Van Dyke
Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Watauga Social Lounge was a notable club that gained attention after a highly publicized raid in 2022. It was a large venue that attracted many players but has since faced significant legal battles.
While its status is currently in question, it’s an important example of the legal risks associated with poker clubs in the state.
Texas Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
As of this writing, legislature has not authorized any regulated or locally licensed platforms for real-money online poker in Texas. However, residents still access offshore sites, even though these platforms are not locally licensed and lack consumer protections.
Texas law allows land-based poker rooms at tribal casinos and pari-mutuel facilities. Yet, it does not extend these permissions to online poker. The Seminole Tribe’s compact covers retail and online sports betting but excludes internet poker. Consequently, no operator is locally licensed to provide online poker games within Texas.
Social poker apps and sweepstakes models remain the only lawful online alternatives. These platforms use virtual chips or prize-based systems to avoid gambling classifications. Lawmakers have debated online gaming expansion, but no bills passed to legalize online poker.
Therefore, online poker in Texas remains unregulated and not locally licensed, while land-based venues dominate the state’s vibrant poker scene.
Other Online Poker Options for Texas Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Texas players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Texas players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Texas Horse Betting
Legal Status: Legal
In Texas, the state of land-based horse betting is regulated. This is due to the Texas Racing Act. It is overseen by the Texas Racing Commission. This body controls all horse racing and betting. Horse betting is a form of pari-mutuel wagering. All bets are pooled together. The winners then share the total. A small amount is kept by the racetrack. It is a legal gambling activity.
Horse betting is only legal in person. You can only place a bet at a licensed racetrack. This includes Sam Houston Race Park, Lone Star Park, and Retama Park. These venues offer live racing. They also feature simulcast wagering. This lets you bet on races from other states. Off-track betting is not allowed in Texas. There are no off-track betting parlors.
List of Horse Betting Racetracks in Texas
In Texas, horse betting is legal only at licensed, land-based racetracks. The state’s horse racing industry is regulated by the Texas Racing Commission, which oversees all live racing and pari-mutuel wagering.
Here are the primary horse racing tracks in Texas:
Sam Houston Race Park
Owner/Operator: Penn Entertainment Inc.
Located in Houston, this is a major racing and entertainment venue. It features both a dirt track and a turf course and hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons.
The park also provides year-round simulcast wagering on races from around the world.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
Owner/Operator: Global Gaming Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation.
Situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Lone Star Park is Texas’s busiest racetrack. It features two live racing seasons each year for both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.
The facility is a major entertainment destination with a seven-level grandstand, a large racebook for simulcast wagering, and a variety of dining options.
Retama Park
Owner/Operator: Retama Development Corporation, with management by Penn Entertainment Inc.
Located near San Antonio in Selma, Retama Park is a Class 1 racetrack that offers live Quarter Horse racing during its season.
It also operates a simulcast facility throughout the year, allowing patrons to bet on races from other tracks.
Gillespie County Fairgrounds
Owner/Operator: Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association, Inc.
The Gillespie County Fairgrounds is a historic and multi-purpose venue located in Fredericksburg, Texas. It is famous for hosting the annual Gillespie County Fair, which is recognized as the oldest continuous county fair in Texas.
While it’s not a major commercial racetrack, it holds a significant place in the state’s horse racing history, operating as a Class 3 racetrack. The fairgrounds hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races for a limited number of days each summer as part of the fair.
It also provides facilities for other community events, including concerts, exhibits, and private functions.
Val Verde County Fairgrounds Racetrack
Owner: Val Verde County, Texas
The Val Verde County Fairgrounds is a county-owned facility located in Del Rio, Texas. 1 It is not a major horse racing track in the same vein as those found in Houston or Dallas, but it does host horse racing and other events.
The fairgrounds primarily serves as a multi-purpose venue for the community, with a focus on local events. There is a racetrack on the property. It is mainly used for Quarter Horse racing, often as part of the annual county fair and other local events.
Texas Online Horse Betting
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
In Texas, online horse betting is not licensed or regulated. The state’s law is very clear on this matter. The Texas Racing Act was amended to specifically prohibit it. You cannot place a wager over the Internet. It is a very strict rule in Texas. This is unlike many other states. Most other states with horse racing permit online wagers.
Efforts to change this law have failed. There were bills filed in the past sessions. These proposals would have legalized it. However, they did not pass. Texas lawmakers have consistently opposed it. The next legislative session is in 2027. It will be the next opportunity.
Because of this law, you must bet in person. You have to go to a physical racetrack. These are the only legal venues for betting. This includes major tracks like Lone Star Park and Sam Houston Race Park. It also includes smaller fairgrounds.
The current law remains firmly in place. This makes Texas a difficult market. Online betting enthusiasts must travel to a licensed track to place a legal bet.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Texas Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Texas players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Texas Lotteries
Legal Status: Legal
The Texas Lottery has entered a new phase. On September 1, 2025, the Texas Lottery Commission was officially abolished.
All operations have moved to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This major change came from a bill passed by lawmakers. It was a compromise to save the lottery. Lawmakers had considered ending it entirely.
The new law introduces several new rules. It explicitly bans online ticket sales. This targets lottery courier services. These services had operated in a gray area. The law now makes this a Class A misdemeanor.
Moreover, there are also new limits on in-person ticket purchases. You can only buy up to 100 tickets at once. This measure aims to prevent fraud.
The law allows the lottery to continue for now. Its future is not guaranteed, however. Lawmakers will hold a new review in 2029. They will then decide if the lottery should continue.
List of Texas Lottery Games
The Texas Lottery operates all legal lotteries within the state. It is a government-run entity. The “top 5 lotteries” are actually the most popular and well-known games offered by this single operator. Here’s a quick overview of each:
Powerball
Operator: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Powerball is a highly popular multi-state lottery with huge jackpots. It’s known for offering some of the largest cash prizes in the world. Texas has been a participant since 2010.
Mega Millions
Operator: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Mega Millions is another nationwide game with multi-million dollar prizes. It is a direct competitor to Powerball in terms of jackpot size. Texas joined this lottery in 2003.
Lotto Texas
Operator: Texas Lottery
This is Texas’s original flagship jackpot game. It is a state-specific draw game with a minimum jackpot of $5 million. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Texas Two Step
Operator: Texas Lottery
Texas Two Step offers a more favorable chance of winning a smaller jackpot. The game has a starting jackpot of $200,000, and drawings are held twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.
All or Nothing
Operator: Texas Lottery
This is a unique daily draw game. Players win the top prize by matching all 12 numbers drawn or by matching none of the numbers drawn. The top prize is a fixed amount of $250,000.
Texas Sweepstakes Casinos
Legal Status: Promotional Sweepstakes (Generally Legal); Sweepstakes Casinos (Gray Area)
In Texas, sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal gray area. They are not explicitly illegal. These platforms use a unique promotional model. This model avoids direct money bets. This allows them to stay legal.
They do this by giving players two types of virtual currency. One is called Gold Coins. This currency is for fun. It has no monetary value. It cannot be redeemed for prizes.
The second currency, Sweeps Coins, is the key to the system. Players cannot buy them directly. They are instead given as a bonus. This can be part of a Gold Coin purchase.
They are also provided as a free bonus. This can include daily logins. Finally, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes. These prizes may be cash or gift cards.
This business model avoids legal classification. The Texas Penal Code defines gambling. It requires “consideration,” “chance,” and a “prize.” By removing “consideration,” the sweepstakes model follows the “no-purchase-necessary” rule.
As a result, the state has not banned this model, unlike many other states. Players can therefore legally access these sites and enjoy casino-style games like slots, blackjack, and roulette.
Therefore, sweepstakes casinos in Texas remain accessible. Their legal future depends on whether lawmakers eventually pass specific restrictions or regulatory measures.
List of Sweepstakes Casinos in Texas
Chumba Casino
Owner/Operator: Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW)
The most popular sweepstakes casino in the U.S., including Texas. Offers hundreds of slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker. Players use Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins for cash prize eligibility. Known for secure payments and large jackpots.
LuckyLand Slots
Owner/Operator: Yellow Social Interactive Ltd.
LuckyLand Slots focuses primarily on slot-style games with bright graphics and frequent promotions. Runs a sweepstakes model with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. It appeals to casual slot fans who prefer fast-paced, easy gameplay.
Funzpoints
Owner/Operator: Woopla Gaming (U.S.-based, based in Colorado)
Funzpoints features a mix of slots and instant-win games. Players can enjoy two modes: Standard Play (for fun) and Premium Play (for real prizes). Funzpoints offers daily rewards, making it popular among casual players.
Pulsz Casino
Owner/Operator: Yellow Social Interactive Ltd.
Pulsz Casino offers a wide variety of online slots, table games, and scratch cards. Uses a sweepstakes model with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Known for sleek design and frequent prize opportunities.
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