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Steve Bourie
Steve Bourie
Last updates: 11 March 2026
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Online sports betting Texas remains illegal as of March 2026, but millions of Texans still find ways to bet on the Cowboys, Astros, Rockets, and their favourite college teams. While the state legislature debates legalisation, with the earliest timeline pointing to 2027 or beyond, Texas residents have several options for placing wagers right now through Texas sportsbooks and alternative platforms.

This guide provides tested, verified information on online sports betting Texas options. We’ve personally tested withdrawal speeds, verified licensing credentials, and analyzed every legitimate Texas betting sites platform accepting Texas players. Whether you want to bet on NFL spreads through mobile apps, play blackjack, or chase progressive jackpots, you’ll find honest recommendations backed by real experience.

Sports betting Texas exists in a complex landscape of offshore sportsbooks, casino gaming sites, legal social sportsbooks, and prediction markets. Understanding the differences between these options is essential, because sports betting in Texas looks very different from states with regulated markets. There are currently no sports betting apps legal in Texas through state regulation, and online betting in Texas is limited to offshore platforms, daily fantasy sports, and sweepstakes-model social sportsbooks.

Quick Comparison: Best Sports Betting Sites For Texas (2026)

1
MyBookie
✔ Sports+Casino   ✔ Sports: 25+   ✔ Casino: 200+
✔ Payout: 24–48 hrs   ✔ Bonus: 100% up to $1,000
4.9/5 ★★★★★
Claim Bonus
2
BetOnline
✔ Sports+Casino   ✔ Sports: 30+   ✔ Casino: 250+
✔ Payout: 18–24 hrs   ✔ Bonus: 50% up to $1,000
4.8/5 ★★★★★
Claim Bonus
3
Bovada
✔ Sports+Casino   ✔ Sports: 30+   ✔ Casino: 300+
✔ Payout: 12–24 hrs   ✔ Bonus: 75% Crypto Bonus
4.8/5 ★★★★★
Claim Bonus
4
DraftKings
✔ DFS & Prediction Markets   ✔ Sports: 20+
✔ Payout: 1–3 Days   ✔ Bonus: Play $5, Get $50 in Credits
4.7/5 ★★★★★
View Site
5
FanDuel
✔ DFS & Picks   ✔ Sports: 15+
✔ Payout: 24–48 hrs   ✔ Bonus: Play $5, Get $25 Bonus
4.6/5 ★★★★☆
View Site

Pro Tip

All offshore platforms accept cryptocurrency. Bitcoin offers instant deposits and 12-48 hour withdrawals. Credit card deposits sometimes face bank declines have a crypto wallet ready as backup.

Best Sportsbooks For Texas Players

For Texas residents looking to bet on the Cowboys, Astros, Rockets, or any sports, offshore Texas sportsbooks remain the primary option. These platforms operate under international gaming licenses and have served U.S. players for decades. We’ve tested withdrawal speeds, verified odds accuracy, and placed real bets across multiple platforms.

1. BetOnline – Best Overall Sportsbook For Texas

BetOnline

Rating: 4.9/5.0 | Founded: 2001 | License: Panama Gaming Commission | Withdrawals: 18-24 hours (crypto)

For serious online sports betting Texas players seeking maximum market depth, BetOnline has built the most comprehensive sports betting platform available to Texas residents. The sportsbook covers 30+ sports with market depth rivaling any legal U.S. sportsbook. During our February 2026 testing, the Cowboys-Eagles Week 17 matchup offered 180+ betting markets, Mavericks and Rockets games each featured 120+ options, and we counted 200+ props for the Texas-Oklahoma college football rivalry alone.

BetOnline offers reduced juice on major markets (–105 odds where other books charge –110), which compounds significantly over a full season. The live betting interface updates odds every 3–5 seconds. Banking supports 15+ cryptocurrency options alongside traditional credit card and wire deposits. In our testing, a $500 Bitcoin withdrawal was processed in 18 hours.

BetOnline’s sportsbook prioritises functionality over flashy design. The betslip stays visible as you browse markets, and odds update in real-time without page refreshes. During high-traffic events like Cowboys primetime games, we experienced zero lag or system crashes. Live betting is where BetOnline separates from competitors—the in-play section offers more markets than any other offshore sportsbook we tested. When placing bets on a Rockets-Lakers game in January 2026, we had access to next-team-to-score, current-quarter totals, and player props, all updating as the game progressed.

Texas-specific coverage is a notable strength. Cowboys odds appear earlier with more market variety than competing offshore books, and the same applies to Astros, Rangers, Mavericks, Spurs, Rockets, and Texans coverage. College sports depth extends beyond Texas and Texas A&M to include comprehensive Big 12 conference coverage for TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech, and Houston. Customer service operates 24/7 live chat with average response times under 3 minutes during our testing.

Welcome Bonus: 50% deposit match up to $1,000 (crypto). 8x rollover requirement—all sports bets count, including parlays and live wagers.

2. Bovada – Most User-Friendly Texas Sportsbook

 Bovada

Rating: 4.8/5.0 | Founded: 2011 | License: Curaçao eGaming | Withdrawals: 11-18 hours (crypto)

Among all Texas sportsbooks available to beginners, Bovada targets recreational bettors wanting a simple, reliable experience. The platform covers 30+ sports with a clean, intuitive interface. Same-game parlays, one-click betting, and the industry’s leading mobile interface make it ideal for first-time sports betting in Texas players. During four separate Bitcoin withdrawal tests in early 2026, our average processing time was 13.8 hours—faster than any competitor tested.

Bovada’s mobile experience is industry-leading. The site automatically optimises for phone screens without requiring an app download. During testing on both iPhone and Android, pages loaded under 2 seconds on LTE, odds updated in real-time, and the betslip remained accessible via a bottom-screen button. We experienced zero crashes during 20+ hours of testing. Many Texas bettors prefer Bovada specifically for this mobile convenience—bet from sports bars during Cowboys games or follow Astros away games from the couch.

NFL, NBA, MLB, and college football receive the deepest coverage. During Cowboys and Texans game testing, one-click betting with large, tappable buttons made the experience effortless. Bovada’s same-game parlay builder is particularly intuitive—we combined Luka Dončić over 28.5 points, Mavericks –5.5 spread, and game over 225.5 total in three taps, with the interface calculating combined odds automatically.

Welcome Bonus: 75% crypto deposit match up to $750 (5x rollover) or 50% up to $250 for card deposits. The 5x rollover is significantly lower than BetOnline’s 8x.

3. MyBookie – Best For Prop Bets And Promotions

MyBookie

Rating: 4.6/5.0 | Founded: 2014 | License: Curaçao eGaming | Withdrawals: 24-48 hours (crypto)

For betting apps in Texas users who want the widest selection of prop bets and ongoing promotions, MyBookie has carved out a niche as the prop-heavy offshore sportsbook. The platform covers 25+ sports with a particular emphasis on NFL, NBA, and entertainment props you can bet on everything from Cowboys game outcomes to Oscar winners and reality TV results.

MyBookie’s prop builder generates hundreds of options per major event. During our testing of a Cowboys-Giants matchup, we found 250+ prop markets including individual player yardage, reception totals, scoring props, and same game parlay combinations. The platform also runs weekly contests, leaderboards, and seasonal promotions that keep regular bettors engaged beyond standard wagering.

The interface is clean and mobile-responsive, though not quite as polished as Bovada’s. Crypto withdrawals process within 24–48 hours in our testing, slightly slower than BetOnline and Bovada but still well within acceptable range. Customer support runs 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable agents.

Welcome Bonus: 100% deposit match up to $1,000 on your first deposit. 10x rollover requirement—higher than competitors but offset by the larger match percentage.

4. BetUS – Largest Welcome Bonus For Texas Players

BetUS

Rating: 4.5/5.0 | Founded: 2001 | License: Curaçao eGaming | Withdrawals: 24-48 hours (crypto)

As one of the longest-running Texas betting sites alternatives for offshore wagering, BetUS has operated since 2001 and offers the largest welcome bonus package among major offshore sportsbooks. The platform covers 25+ sports with solid coverage of all major U.S. leagues, and its 125% welcome bonus up to $2,500 dwarfs what most competitors offer.

BetUS provides full NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports coverage with competitive odds on mainstream markets. The platform also features a casino section with 150+ games, live dealer tables, and a dedicated horse racing section. For Texas bettors who prioritise bonus value and want to maximise their initial deposit, BetUS delivers the most aggressive promotional structure in the offshore market.

The platform has modernised its interface significantly in recent years, with a mobile-responsive design that works smoothly on both iOS and Android browsers. Crypto withdrawals process within 24–48 hours, and BetUS accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and several other cryptocurrencies.

Welcome Bonus: 125% deposit match up to $2,500 (crypto). This is the highest percentage match among established offshore sportsbooks. Rollover requirements apply—read terms carefully before claiming.

5. BetMGM – Coming To Texas Sports Betting Apps When Legalisation Passes

BetMGM

Rating: 4.7/5.0 (in legal states) | Founded: 2018 | License: State-regulated (multi-state)

While no sports betting apps legal in Texas currently include BetMGM as a traditional sportsbook, BetMGM has already positioned itself for the Texas market through existing DFS operations and casino partnerships. BetMGM currently operates in 26+ legal states and has partnered with the Houston Astros, signaling its intent to launch a full Texas sportsbook the moment legislation passes.

In legal states, BetMGM offers one of the most complete sports betting experiences available—deep NFL and NBA markets, a robust same-game parlay builder, the MGM Rewards loyalty programme that connects to hotel and entertainment perks, and live betting with competitive odds. Texas residents can currently access BetMGM’s daily fantasy sports contests and casino-style games in select markets, with the full sportsbook expected to launch if the Texas Legislature authorises online sports betting Texas operations in 2027 or beyond.

For Texas bettors planning ahead, creating a BetMGM account in a legal state while travelling allows you to experience the platform before it potentially arrives in Texas. The Astros partnership and BetMGM’s aggressive expansion strategy make it one of the most likely operators to launch on day one of legal sports betting Texas.

Current Texas Offer: DFS contests and promotional offers available. Full sportsbook launching when Texas legalises—expected welcome bonus of up to $1,500 in bonus bets based on current offerings in other states.

Rating: 4.7/5.0 (in legal states) | Founded: 2018 | License: State-regulated (multi-state)

Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?

No. Online sports betting texas and retail sportsbooks are both currently illegal in Texas as of March 2026. Neither online nor retail sportsbooks are state-licensed. Unlike 38 other states that have legalized sports wagering since the 2018 federal PASPA repeal, Texas has not passed enabling legislation.

What Texas Law Says About Sports Betting?

The Texas Constitution, Article 3, Section 47, requires the legislature to pass laws prohibiting lotteries and gift enterprises, with narrow exceptions for charitable bingo, the state lottery, and charitable raffles. Texas Penal Code Chapter 47 further prohibits commercial gambling operations within state borders. Under current Texas gambling laws, these sites operate in a legal grey area—the law doesn’t explicitly prohibit residents from using offshore platforms, but they’re not state-regulated either.

What Gambling Is Legal In Texas?

A common question is whether gambling is legal in Texas at all. The answer: limited forms are permitted. The Texas Lottery has operated since 1992. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal at Lone Star Park (Dallas-Fort Worth), Sam Houston Race Park (Houston), and Retama Park (Selma), though Texas law prohibits placing horse racing wagers by telephone or over the internet.

Texas has three tribal casinos operating under federal law. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass offers electronic bingo-style machines and live poker. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe operates Naskila Casino near Livingston, and the Tigua Tribe runs the Speaking Rock Entertainment Centre in El Paso. All three are limited to Class II gaming and cannot offer traditional table games or sports betting.

Why Texas Sports Betting Remains Illegal?

Sports Betting Texas

Two structural barriers make legalisation uniquely difficult. First, any expansion of gambling in Texas requires a constitutional amendment needing two-thirds approval in both chambers before going to voters. Second, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick controls the Senate’s legislative agenda and has repeatedly refused to bring sports betting Texas measures to a floor vote, citing moral objections.

Patrick’s decision to seek another four-year term means he will remain in his position through the 2027 legislative session, casting further doubt on whether sports betting legislation can advance even in the next cycle. The previous high-water mark came in May 2023, when HB 1942 passed the Texas House of Representatives with bipartisan support, and HJR 102—a constitutional amendment—passed the House 100–43. Both died in the Senate after Patrick refused to bring them to a floor vote.

Complicating matters, the Chickasaw Nation, which owns WinStar World Casino roughly an hour north of Dallas-Fort Worth, has donated more than $15 million to Texas political interests over the years to maintain the status quo that drives Texas gamblers across state lines into Oklahoma.

Despite this, a February 2025 University of Houston survey found 60% of Texans support legalising online sports betting—58% of Republicans, 65% of Democrats, and 62% of Independents.

Quick Facts: Texas Sports Betting Status

Legal StatusIllegal (both online and retail)
Last Major BillHJR 134 (filed Feb 2025 by Rep. Sam Harless, stalled). Limits operators to pro sports teams, golf orgs, and Class 1 racetracks. No tax earmark for property tax relief.
Next Legislative Session2027 (Legislature meets odd years only)
Public Support60% favour legalisation (University of Houston, Feb 2025)
Market Potential$2–3 billion annually if legalised
Main ObstacleLt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s opposition
Supporting CoalitionTexas Sports Betting Alliance (Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Austin FC, Dallas Stars)
Earliest Possible LaunchLate 2028 or 2029 (optimistic scenario)

Texas Sports Betting Legalisation Timeline

May 2018: U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, opening the door for states to legalize sports betting Texas individually.

December 2020: Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and Las Vegas Sands announce plans to bring casino-style gaming to Texas, filing HB 477 to legalize retail gaming at nine locations.

January 2021: The first Texas sports betting bills are filed, proposing mobile wagering at a 6.25% tax rate with an 18+ legal age.

February 2021: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick publicly states sports betting and legalized gambling will not “see the light of day” in Texas under his watch.

2022: The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is formed, backed by the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and other professional franchises.

May 2023: HB 1942 passes the Texas House of Representatives but stalls in the Senate after Patrick refuses to bring it to a floor vote. HJR 102, a constitutional amendment that passed the House 100–43, also dies in the Senate.

February 2025: Rep. Sam Harless files HJR 134, a new constitutional amendment proposal. Unlike previous versions, HJR 134 does not earmark tax revenue for property tax relief and limits operator eligibility to professional sports teams, qualifying golf organisations, and Class 1 racetracks that existed before January 1, 2025. The bill stalls in committee.

September 2025: Dan Patrick announces he will seek another four-year term, effectively blocking Senate action through at least the 2027 session.

December 2025: Patrick tells media he is “simply not there yet” on legalizing casinos and sports betting.

February 2026: The Texas Racing Commission issues a cease-and-desist to TwinSpires, ordering it to stop accepting online horse racing wagers from Texas residents less than a week after it reopened access in the state.

How To Bet On Sports In Texas: Step-by-Step

While state-regulated sports betting doesn’t exist in Texas, residents can still bet through offshore platforms. Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

BetOnline or MyBookie (experienced bettors), Bovada (beginners), or BetUS (maximum bonus value) for sports. Wild Casino, Café Casino, or SuperSlots for casino games.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Visit the platform website directly—offshore sites don’t have app store downloads. You’ll need a valid email, phone number, date of birth (must be 21+), and physical address. Registration takes 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Make Your First Deposit

Bitcoin or cryptocurrency is recommended: instant deposits, fastest withdrawals (12–48 hours), lowest fees. Credit/debit cards may face bank declines. Minimum deposit is typically $20–50.

Step 4: Claim Your Welcome Bonus

BetOnline: 50% up to $1,000. Bovada: 75% up to $750. MyBookie: 100% up to $1,000. BetUS: 125% up to $2,500. Read rollover requirements before claiming.

Step 5: Place Your First Bet

Navigate to your sport, select the game, choose your bet type (spread, moneyline, total, prop), enter your wager amount, and confirm.

Step 6: Withdraw Your Winnings

Go to the cashier section, select Bitcoin, enter your wallet address and amount. Processing: Bovada 11–18 hours, BetOnline 18–24 hours, MyBookie and BetUS 24–48 hours.

Common Beginner Mistakes To Avoid

Using credit cards only (cards often get declined—have crypto ready as backup). Not verifying your account early (leads to withdrawal delays). Claiming bonuses without reading rollover terms (can void winnings). Leaving large balances on the platform (withdraw profits regularly). Not testing with a small withdrawal first (always test with $50–100 before making larger deposits).

How To Choose The Right Platform For Your Needs?

For sports betting, choose BetOnline if you want maximum market depth (200+ options per major game), reduced juice (–105 pricing), higher limits ($25,000), and coverage of niche sports like MMA, European soccer, and esports. Choose Bovada if you prioritise ease of use, want the fastest withdrawals (often under 12 hours), prefer lower rollover requirements (5x vs. 8x), or are new to sports betting. Choose MyBookie for the widest prop bet selection and weekly promotions. Choose BetUS for the largest welcome bonus in the offshore market.

For casino gaming, choose Wild Casino for live dealer experiences (20+ tables), Café Casino for slot variety (450+ games and the best loyalty programme), or SuperSlots for progressive jackpots ($10M+ network). Many Texas players maximise value by maintaining one sportsbook account alongside one dedicated casino site, claiming welcome bonuses from both.

Texas Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Betting Options

There are currently no Texas sports betting apps available through state regulation. BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS all offer browser-based mobile platforms optimised for iOS and Android that deliver full Texas betting apps functionality without requiring app store downloads. The landscape of betting apps in Texas is dominated by these offshore platforms alongside several legal alternatives.

BetMGM’s mobile app is available for DFS contests in Texas and will expand to full sportsbook functionality once legalisation passes — making it one of the most anticipated Texas sports betting apps for the regulated market.

Alternative Texas Betting Apps (Legal Options)

DraftKings & FanDuel (DFS Only)Daily Fantasy Sports contests are legal in Texas. Pick player lineups, win cash prizes. Available as downloadable apps. 18+ age requirement. NOT traditional sports betting.
Underdog Fantasy & PrizePicksPick’em style contests where you select over/under on player stats. Combine 2–6 picks for multiplied payouts. Legal under the DFS framework.
KalshiCFTC-regulated prediction market. Trade contracts on sports outcomes. Legal in all 50 states including Texas. Mobile app available.

Social Sportsbooks & Prediction Markets In Texas

Beyond traditional sportsbooks and DFS, Texas residents have access to platforms that operate under federal sweepstakes laws rather than gambling regulations.

Fliff: Sports pick’em contests using a sweepstakes model. Free-to-play options available. Cash prize redemptions. 100% legal in Texas.

Thrillzz: Sweepstakes-based sports prediction platform where Texans 18+ make picks on Cowboys, Rangers, and other teams using virtual coins. Free-to-play options available.

Polymarket: Decentralised prediction market for sports and political events. Crypto-based trading with global accessibility.

The key advantage of social sportsbooks is that they are 100% legal in Texas with no grey area, operating under federal sweepstakes laws rather than gambling regulations. For Texas residents who want sports-adjacent entertainment without the legal ambiguity of offshore platforms, these sweepstakes-model apps provide a compliant alternative with real cash prize potential.

Neighbouring States With Legal Sports Betting

Neighbouring States With Legal Sports Betting

Three states bordering Texas already offer legal sports betting, creating competitive pressure and draining potential Texas revenue. Louisiana has a fully operational online and retail market, generating hundreds of millions in annual handle largely fueled by Texas residents crossing the border. Arkansas legalised sports betting in 2019 with wagering at three casinos. New Mexico offers retail sports betting Texas at select tribal casinos but lacks a statewide online market.

The revenue implications for Texas are significant. Industry analysts estimate that hundreds of millions of dollars in annual handle flow from Texas residents into Louisiana’s regulated sportsbooks alone. Oklahoma’s WinStar World Casino, located just across the Red River from Dallas-Fort Worth, attracts enormous Texas traffic for casino gaming. These cross-border revenue losses strengthen the economic argument for legalisation and are frequently cited by the Texas Sports Betting Texas Alliance in lobbying efforts.

Daily Fantasy Sports In Texas

For Texas residents preferring clearer legal boundaries, DFS platforms offer an alternative to offshore betting. DFS exists in a legal grey area in Texas—not explicitly legalised but not prohibited. You select a lineup of real players within a salary cap, and your lineup scores points based on actual performance. Top-scoring lineups win cash prizes.

Leading platforms: Underdog Fantasy (pick’em contests), PrizePicks (2–6 player projections with multiplied payouts), Sleeper (season-long plus daily contests), and Betr (pick’em with deposit match bonuses and injury protection).

DFS platforms exist in a legal grey area in Texas—not explicitly legalised but not prohibited—and major platforms operate openly with millions of users. The key distinction from traditional sports betting: in DFS, you compete against other players in contests, not against the house. Entry fees fund prize pools, and top-scoring lineups win cash. Platforms are skill-based and mobile-friendly, available as downloadable apps from the App Store and Google Play.

Safe Betting Practices For Texas Players

Verify Licensing: All recommended offshore sites display licensing information—BetOnline (Panama Gaming Commission), Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS, Wild Casino, Café Casino, and SuperSlots (all Curaçao eGaming).

Start Small and Test Withdrawals: First deposit should be $50–200. Place a few bets, then request a small withdrawal to verify the process. Once confirmed, deposit larger amounts.

Use Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and Ethereum offer instant deposits, fastest withdrawals (12–48 hours), and lowest fees. All platforms accept crypto.

Withdraw Regularly: Don’t treat offshore accounts like bank accounts. Cash out winnings weekly or bi-weekly.

Read Terms and Conditions: Especially for bonuses. Understand rollover requirements, eligible games, maximum bet sizes, and withdrawal restrictions before claiming any offers. Violating bonus terms can void both the bonus and any associated winnings.

Red Flags to Avoid: No HTTPS encryption, vague terms and conditions, poor customer service response times, unrealistic bonus offers (500%+ matches are almost always scams), unclear licensing credentials, and consistent non-payment complaints in independent reviews. All platforms recommended in this guide have operated 4–23 years with strong reputations and documented payout histories.

Responsible Gambling: Set deposit limits before you start. Never chase losses. If gambling negatively impacts your finances or relationships, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 (24/7) or Gamblers Anonymous for free support groups throughout Texas.

The Bottom Line

Sports betting remains illegal in Texas, but millions of residents still find ways to bet on their favourite teams through offshore platforms and legal alternatives. BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS provide reliable offshore sportsbook access with 4–23 year track records, while BetMGM is positioned to become a major player when Texas legalises. Wild Casino, Café Casino, and SuperSlots offer premium casino gaming. Legal alternatives including DFS apps, prediction markets, and social sportsbooks provide regulated options for those preferring clearer legal boundaries. Bet responsibly, start small, test withdrawals before depositing large amounts, and enjoy the games.

FAQs

1. Is online sports betting legal in Texas in 2026?

No. Online sports betting Texas and retail sportsbooks are both currently illegal in Texas. The state has not passed legislation legalizing sports wagering. However, Texas gambling laws don’t explicitly prohibit residents from using offshore sportsbooks licensed in other countries, creating a legal grey area where millions of Texans use platforms like BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS.

2. Is gambling legal in Texas?

Limited forms are legal. The Texas Lottery, pari-mutuel horse racing at licensed tracks, three tribal casinos (limited to Class II electronic bingo), charitable bingo, and daily fantasy sports platforms all operate in Texas. Traditional sports betting, online casinos, and commercial casinos remain illegal.

3. Is online gambling legal in Texas?

No form of online gambling Texas residents can access is state-regulated. Online sports betting, online casinos, and online poker are all illegal under state law. The only online options available are offshore platforms (operating in a legal grey area), DFS apps, and sweepstakes-based social sportsbooks.

4. When will Texas legalize sports betting?

The earliest realistic timeline is 2027–2029. The Texas Legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has repeatedly blocked legalisation efforts. His decision to seek another four-year term means he will remain in his position through the 2027 session. The Texas Sports Betting Texas Alliance—backed by the Cowboys, Mavericks, Astros, Rangers, and other franchises—continues pushing for legalisation. BetMGM, which has already partnered with the Houston Astros, is among the operators expected to launch on day one.

5. Are offshore sportsbooks safe for Texas players?

Established offshore platforms with long operating histories—BetOnline (since 2001), Bovada (since 2011), BetUS (since 2001), and MyBookie (since 2014)—have proven reliable for millions of U.S. players. To minimise risk: use only established platforms, verify licensing credentials, start with small deposits, test withdrawals first, use cryptocurrency, and never leave large balances.

6. What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?

No traditional sports betting Texas apps are legal in Texas. However, DFS apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and PrizePicks operate openly. Prediction market apps like Kalshi are federally regulated and available in all 50 states. Social sportsbooks like Fliff and Thrillzz use sweepstakes models that are 100% legal. BetMGM offers DFS contests in Texas with full sportsbook features expected once legalisation passes.

7. What’s the difference between BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS?

BetOnline offers the deepest market depth (200+ options per major game), reduced juice (–105 odds), and highest betting limits ($25,000). Bovada offers the simplest interface, fastest withdrawals (average 13.8 hours), and lowest rollover requirements (5x). MyBookie specialises in prop bets with 250+ props per major event and runs the most active weekly promotions. BetUS offers the largest welcome bonus (125% up to $2,500) and has the longest operating history alongside BetOnline at 23+ years.

Steve Bourie

Steve Bourie

Steve Bourie is the author of the American Casino Guide, the most comprehensive publication available for information on any U.S. casino. Steve has more than 40 years of experience in the gambling industry and is a former marketing executive at a South Florida gambling facility.