Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas

1. Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas A&m
2. Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas Right Now
3. Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas Holdem

With team owners like Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones, it might actually be true that everything's a little bigger in Texas. At least in terms of personalities, that bit is apparently true. There are several noteworthy sports franchises from across the leagues, which isn’t surprising given the state’s size. The number of teams not only creates some fierce interstate rivalries but also a rich sports gambling market.

We bring up sports here because as a sports resource site, our number-one goal is to point out to you the legality of sports betting in your state, and to help you find the right US online sportsbooks with which to bet. There are nearly 27 million people in the state of Texas, and many of them love their sports gambling.

Our Texas sports betting section will help residents of the state learn about which gambling laws apply to them and whether or not betting on their favorite TX sports teams is legal. We also review the most popular professional sports teams in the state with some interesting betting trends you might consider. Our list of Texas friendly online sportsbooks represents a selection of industry-leading, legally sanctioned offshore sports betting sites that welcome players from the Lone Star State.

Texas Definition of Gambling. Texas defines a bet as agreeing to win or lose something of value based solely or partially on chance. This encompasses many different forms of gambling including cards, table games, betting on sports games, horse and dog races, slot machines, lottery, and scratch tickets. So again, none of these laws specifically outlaw legally sanctioned online gambling from offshore gambling sites. Legal sports betting is available to Texas sports fans, and without the risk of any type of legal penalties. The sportsbooks listed in this guide are all operating legally within the industry. As previously mentioned, there isn’t a single law in Texas which clearly states that it is illegal for Texas residents to use online sports betting facilities. Texas bettors must understand that offshore online sportsbooks do not have their offices in Texas and are licensed in gambling jurisdictions far away from Texas and the US. 30, 2018, West Virginia became the fifth state to offer legal and regulated sports betting when the Hollywood Casino - a sportsbook owned by Penn National - opened its doors.

Best USA Sports Betting Site
Accepting Texas Players In 2020

If you want to play with the biggest and most trusted sites, then Betonline is one of a handful that fits that criteria. Their coverage of football betting is unparalleled and offers competitive lines and odds. They are a giant in the gambling industry and offer players everything imaginable in terms of betting options. Below are a few quick points on why players love Betonline.

Texas players can claim their generous 50% welcome bonus up to $1,000 on their first deposit

Enjoy a 25% bonus on every single reload deposit for life - great boost if you aren't running so hot

Competitive odds and paylines for betting on Super Bowl 53

Highly regarded name in the online sports betting industry with longevity since 1991

USA Online Sportsbooks Open To Texas Residents In 2020

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Texas?

Yes, legally sanctioned online sports betting is available in Texas, but only through licensed and regulated offshore sportsbooks. You won’t find any physical sportsbook locations in the Lone Star state, nor any state-regulated online sports gambling, leaving offshore sportsbooks as your best option. There are multiple offshore betting destinations available to Texas sports fans, but you need to be selective as to where you place your bets in order to keep things legal.

There are no state-specific or federal laws that make online gambling illegal for Texas residents. What you want to do is find an offshore site that accepts USA players. These sites are perfectly legal for Americans because they are located outside of the United States and ultimately out of the reach of the US government. And this is where we come in as a resource, pointing you in the direction of a reputable US friendly sportsbook that is located offshore.

State and Federal Regulations Against Gambling

Texas has threatened more than a few times to secede from the union and to become its own country, but in as much as they're still part of the United States of America, Texas actually toes the federal line and doesn't impose its state freedom over federal anti-gambling regulations.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, outlawed sports betting in 46 states during its reign. Texas was on the list of banned states and couldn't host any type of state-sponsored sports betting because of it. PASPA was repealed by the SCOTUS in 2018, giving states the option to enact domestic sports betting laws.

The Federal Wire Act blocks US-based online sportsbooks from accepting wagers from domestic bettors across state lines. This law is currently preventing state licensed online sportsbooks from accepting bets from neighboring states. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) monitors financial institutions and how they process online gambling transactions.

So again, none of these laws specifically outlaw legally sanctioned online gambling from offshore gambling sites. Legal sports betting is available to Texas sports fans, and without the risk of any type of legal penalties. The sportsbooks listed in this guide are all operating legally within the industry.

Your Gambling Options as a Texan

Being such a large state, and located in the American southwest, there are dozens of legally recognized Native American (Indian) tribes strewn about Texas. Many of these recognized tribes are allowed to open up casinos, and so you have quite a few viable gambling options inside of the state. All told, there are just over a dozen legal casinos in Texas, available in 14 separate cities. The state has also made two exemptions for racetracks, so you can go bet on the greyhounds at two separate locations.

For races, you can check out the Valley Race Park in Harlingen, or The Race Barn in Fredericksburg. If you want something more in the realm of a niche, like a flat bingo hall, then Houston has Triple Crown Bingo. And, of course, if you want to play at a legitimate casino, full of table games, slots, entertainment, dining and other typical options, you have choices like the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, or the Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.

You're probably not going to find any true Vegas-style casinos within the state of Texas. Most of Texas' offerings are strictly tribal, which means they're relatively small and basically niche casinos. However, if you're a Texan and are bitten by the gambling bug, you should know that there are over a dozen places throughout the state at which you can visit to gamble. So you do have options available.

Betting On The Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs shocked the world a few years ago when they beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in six games in the Finals. After Dwayne Wade and LeBron James made fun of Dirk Nowitzki, mocking him because he was sick, Dirk went off and the Mavs made the Heat look silly. However, it's been all downhill sense. Even picking up a stud from the Rockets like Chandler Parsons, and grabbing Rajon Rondo from Boston, who was one of the league's best point guards, the Mavs still missed the playoffs and threaten to be just as mediocre again. A lot of this is because Dallas plays in the West, alongside two other really good Texas teams who are perennial playoff squads. But some of it has to do with the fact that Dirk is old and the Mavs don't really have a fast, strong, high-flying team. You might be able to eek out a few bets with the Mavs as regular season home favorites, but don't get carried away with them.

Odds For Dallas Mavs To Win NBA Championship In 2016+15000

Betting On The San Antonio Spurs

There's not much you can say about the Spurs beyond the fact that coach Pop is one of the greatest to ever do it. Since coming into the league in the late '90s, Tim Duncan and the Spurs have been a threat to win the NBA championship every single year. Alongside Tony Parker and fellow elder statesman Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are rounded out by younger, talented players like Kawhi Leonard and Patty Mills. While they may run into a buzz-saw via the Warriors or the Thunder in the playoffs next year, it's a pretty safe bet that the Spurs will in fact make the playoffs. In the regular season, they're as solid a bet as there is in the NBA. Particularly for a straight win, the Spurs when favored are close to automatic. They're the epitome of the basketball 'team,' and Tim 'Old Man River-Walk' Duncan still has some life in him as the 'Big Fundamental.'

Betting Odds For Spurs To Win NBA Championship In 2017+900

Betting On The Houston Rockets

Fans of basketball in Texas can't help but to be in awe over the talent the Houston Rockets have managed to amass. Behind the coaching talents of former Celtics all-star champion Kevin McHale, the Rockets feature fantastic players like Dwight Howard, James Harden, Jason Terry, Trevor Ariza, and Corey Brewer. Last season, they relied on Harden's ball-handling skills a little too much with games on the line against the Warriors, but they came back from 3-1 to defeat the LA Clippers in dramatic fashion. The Rockets will certainly be a decent bet this year. Nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, but the Rockets are a great, talented squad that can pull away to cover or catch up with spreads. They're a low-risk, high-reward team.

Betting Odds To Win NBA Title+4200

Of course, if you're a sports better in Texas, you may be wondering what happened to your other pro teams. You have two MLS teams and one NHL team, and these teams are nothing to scoff at. Well, we kept things in the realm of the most popular, for betting purposes, but if you want to bet on soccer or hockey, feel free.

Just remember to always find a reputable sportsbook with which to bet, and always do your research on the teams. Betting with stats on your side is how you end up winning over the long haul. Don't bet with risk; bet for reward.

NFL Teams in Texas

Two NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, call the Lone Star State their home. The Dallas Cowboys joined the NFL in 1960 and have went on to win 5 Super Bowls, have several former players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and are the most valuable sports team in the world across all sports valued currently at $4.2 billion, according to Forbes. The Houston Texans came into the NFL in 2002 and are the youngest franchise in the NFL currently, replacing the Houston Oilers (now known as the Tennessee Titans) who left after the 1996 season and looking for their first Super Bowl.

Betting on the 2019 Dallas Cowboys

Last year the Cowboys proved that they are on the right track to winning another Super Bowl for the franchise. America's team finished the season with a 10-6 record and first in the NFC East. Dax Prescott (QB) led his team to the playoffs and won the Wild Card round but fell just short in the Divisional round against the LA Rams. This year the team should build on their shortcomings and become a real factor in the playoffs.

Odds to Win the Super Bowl LIV:: +2500

Betting on the 2019 Houston Texans

Houston fans have a lot to be excited about after last season. Deshaun Watson led his team to an 11-5 record that was good enough to win the AFC South division. The team lost in the Wild Card round against the Indianapolis Colts but was able to hold their own in the regular season. At one point the Texans went on a 9 game winning streak. Next year the Texans will look to dive deeper into the playoffs with a couple of postseason wins.

Odds to Win the Super Bowl LIV: +2500

College Football Teams in Texas

College football has a rich tradition in the state of Texas with five universities currently in a Power 5 Conference. The Baylor Bears were having the most success in school history up until news broke in 2016 about numerous sexual assault allegations and convictions from 2012-2016, which led to the firing of former head coach Art Briles along with university president and athletic director resigning. The TCU Horned Frogs are the winningest Texas college football this decade, winning 75 games under head coach Gary Patterson since 2010. The Texas Longhorns are one of the most historic football programs in the country with 4 national championships, 2 Heisman Trophy winners, and 4 players inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Texas A&M has won 3 national championships, has 2 Heisman Trophy winners and are the only P5C Texas university not in the Big 12, having moved to the SEC in 2012. The Texas Tech Red Raiders enjoyed most of their success in the 2000s under former head coach Mike Leach’s air raid offense.

Betting on the 2019 Baylor Bears

Baylor has had some really good football teams in the past but last year was not one of them. They finished 5th in the Big 12 with a 7-6 record overall. They were able to squeeze into a bowl game which they won against Vanderbilt 45-38.

Betting Odds To Win National Championship: TBA

Betting on the 2019 TCU Horned Frogs

TCU had what fans would call an off-season last year. The Horned Frogs finished the year with a 7-6 record and won a trip to the Cheez-it Bowl. They were able to beat California in their bowl game but they had to win it in overtime.

Betting Odds To Win The National Championship: TBA

Betting on the 2019 Texas Longhorns

Texas had a good season last year but they would like to do better in 2019. Last year they finished with a 10-4 record and 2nd in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma. They ended their season on a high note when they beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl 28-21. Next year the team will be shooting for their first college football playoffs since its existence.

Betting Odds To Win 2019 National Championship +2200

Betting on the 2019 Texas A&M Aggies

Last year the Aggies finished second in the SEC West with a record of 9-4. Coach Jimbo Fisher is looking to build on last year and to earn a spot in the college football playoffs. Last year the Aggies stunned their rivals the LSU Tigers with a 7 overtime game that finished with the Aggies on top 74-72. That game will just add fuel to the rivalry.

Betting Odds To Win 2019 National Championship: +5000

Betting on the 2019 Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech had a bad season finishing 7th in the Big 12 with a record of 5-7. They came up just short of qualifying for a bowl game after going on a five-game losing streak to end the season.

Betting Odds To Win National Championship: TBA

[toc]Texas has been one of the hottest legal battlegrounds for the daily fantasy sports industry in recent years.

Is it legal to play DFS for real money in Texas?

There appears to be no problem for DFS players who want to take part in DFS contests in the state.

Is it legal for DFS operators to take customers in Texas?

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas A&m

That’s a complicated question, but several sites do still accept players in the state.

For a snapshot of which DFS sites allow players from which states, click here.

Daily fantasy sites for Texas players

DraftKings Texas

DraftKings is the largest daily fantasy site that still accepts players from Texas for real-money contests.

DraftKings is challenging the opinion issued by the Texas attorney general that DFS is illegal gambling under state law. It still accepts Texas residents for real-money contests, as of the start of NFL season.

While a court case is pending, DraftKings has continued to take customers in the state.

FanDuel Texas

FanDuel now serves the Texas market again with real-money DFS contests as of 2018. Players in Texas can still play any DFS contests.

FanDuel entered into a settlement with the Texas AG early in 2016 to avoid any possible legal issues down the road, but things have changed since FanDuel was acquired by Paddy Power Betfair.

Yahoo Texas and other DFS sites

Yahoo is the third largest DFS operator, and it also takes customers for real-money play in the state.

FantasyDraft is among the other operators that also accept Texas residents.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas Right Now

History of daily fantasy sports in Texas

Before 2016, almost all DFS operators allowed users to play for real money at their sites.

That all changed in January, when Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion that said, in part:

Under section 47.02 of the Penal Code, a person commits an offense if he or she makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest. Because the outcome of games in daily fantasy sports leagues depends partially on chance, an individual’s payment of a fee to participate in such activities is a bet. Accordingly, a court would likely determine that participation in daily fantasy sports leagues is illegal gambling ‘under section 47.02 of the Penal Code.

While DraftKings and FanDuel initially released statements saying they disagreed with that opinion, things were quiet in the short term. Then came the revelation in March that FanDuel had been working on a settlement with Paxton; DraftKings decided to go its own way and fight the opinion in court.

An attempt to legalize DFS with a new law was not enacted in 2017. The next time the legislature could act would be in 2019.

Is daily fantasy sports legal in Texas?

That depends on whom you ask. According to the Texas AG and some experts specializing in gambling law, it is illegal to offer. Lawyers for the DFS sites would beg to differ.

So far, there has been no momentum from any state — Texas included — seeking to take any type of action against people who are playing DFS. The concern would be for the operators running DFS contests, generally not for players.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Texas Holdem

Only one state has actually sought to take action against DFS operators, to date — New York. And that state eventually legalized DFS contests in the summer of 2016.