Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
Sports betting in Texas is not legal at any local casino, racetrack, bookie or local betting shop. Because legislators have not changed any of their laws, there is no way to be in Texas and bet on sports in person. For online sports betting, this isn’t legal, but it isn’t illegal either. In a gray area, Texas sports betting happens with offshore sportsbooks that are allowed to take residents and tourists of Texas.
Are There Any Plans To Legalize Sports Betting In Texas?
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas, though it remains a challenging process. Several bills have been introduced in recent legislative sessions, most notably in 2021 and 2023, aimed at legalizing both in-person and online sports betting. These proposals typically include constitutional amendments, which would require voter approval.
Key supporters include major Texas sports franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and Dallas Mavericks, who have advocated for the legalization of sports betting. Polls have shown increasing public support for it, particularly among younger Texans. However, opposition from conservative lawmakers and groups, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, has slowed progress, citing moral and societal concerns. Although momentum is growing, any legalization is unlikely unless there’s a significant shift in political support.
Past Texas Sports Betting Bills
| Bill | Description |
|---|---|
| Senate Bill 292 (2019) | Introduced by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, this bill aimed to legalize sports betting in Texas by allowing it at licensed racetracks and professional sports facilities. The bill did not progress past committee. |
| House Bill 1270 (2019) | Sponsored by Representative Dan Huberty, this bill sought to legalize sports betting through a constitutional amendment. It also failed to advance. |
| Senate Bill 1353 (2021) | Introduced by Senator Hinojosa, this bill aimed to authorize sports betting at racetracks and professional sports venues. It did not pass out of committee. |
| House Bill 2070 (2021) | This proposal, by Representative Huberty, sought to legalize sports betting in Texas but also failed to make it out of committee. |
| Senate Bill 2016 (2023) | This recent bill aimed to allow sports betting through licensed operators. Despite gaining some initial support, it did not pass. |
| House Bill 1942 (2023) | Sponsored by Representative Jeff Leach, this bill sought to legalize sports betting in Texas but also did not move forward in the legislative process. |
Can I Use Offshore Sportsbooks To Place Bets From Texas?
Offshore sportsbooks are not technically "legal" in the U.S., but they aren't illegal either. They operate in a gray area as they are based in countries where sports betting is regulated, such as Curacao or Panama. Holding licenses under those jurisdictions, they still must follow sportsbook laws that give bettors protection should something go wrong. But either way, they are allowed to accept wagers from U.S. residents, including Texans, without directly violating U.S. laws. While the U.S. government has made efforts to crack down on offshore sportsbooks, they target prosecuting operators rather than individual bettors.
- For residents, using Texas sports betting sites is common because there is no state or federal law explicitly preventing one from placing bets.
Bovada Sportsbook - The Safest Texas Sportsbook Online To Use
Bovada is a popular choice for Texas players seeking an online sportsbook. While not licensed in Texas, it operates legally offshore, providing a safe betting environment. Bovada prioritizes security with robust encryption technology for all data and banking transactions. They feature many help sections, FAQs, and a customer support team that answers any question you may have. With its well-known reputation, Bovada remains the best sportsbook for Texans.
What Are The Penalties For Betting On Sports Illegally In Texas?
In Texas, the penalties for illegal sports betting generally target the operators rather than bettors. However, placing illegal bets can still result in consequences. If caught, individuals participating in illegal sports betting could face misdemeanor charges, leading to potential fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, and in some cases, jail time up to 180 days. The severity of the penalty typically depends on the extent of the betting activity and whether there’s evidence of organized gambling. That said, enforcement against individual bettors is rare.
How Do Federal Laws Impact Texas Sports Betting?
The Wire Act of 1961 is the only federal law that impacts sports betting in Texas in a major way. In short, it restricts interstate wagering on sports events and contests. If a Texan attempts to place a bet on FanDuel or DraftKings, which operates legally in states where sports betting is allowed, the wager will not go through. Legal online sportsbooks must verify the geographic location of their users. So, when Texans try to access these sportsbooks, they typically encounter geo-blocking technology that restricts access to users located outside of the approved jurisdictions. In summary, the Wire Act complicates the use of sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings for Texans, as it prevents legal bets from being placed. However, offshore sites do not have this restrictive law to abide by since their wagering occurs outside of the US
Revenue Generated From Sports Betting In Texas
Estimates regarding the size of the sports betting in Texas can vary significantly. Still, states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have insane action, and with Texas being the second most populous state, it could fall right in line. Some analysts estimate that Texas could generate between $400 million and $600 million in annual tax revenue (assuming a conservative tax rate of 10%-15%). This comes from other estimates that suggest Texas could achieve a handle (total amount wagered) of around $6 billion to $8 billion per year.
Can I Bet On Sports At Tribal Casinos In Texas?
No, you cannot legally bet on sports at tribal casinos in Texas. While some tribal casinos exist, they are limited to Class II gaming, which includes games like bingo and electronic bingo machines. Traditional sports betting, including sportsbooks, is not allowed at these establishments due to the Texas sports betting laws having not been changed.