The Lone Star State is known for its rich cultural history, love for football, and vast landscapes. It’s a place where sports are not just a pastime but a way of life. However, when it comes to sports betting, Texas is a state that has historically lagged behind in embracing legalized betting opportunities. Despite this, the landscape for sports betting in Texas has been evolving, and the potential for future expansion is a topic of much discussion.
This article delves into the current status of sports betting in Texas, the most prominent Texas Sports Betting Sites and what bettors should know about gambling laws and regulations in the state.
The Status of Sports Betting in Texas
As of early 2025, sports betting in Texas remains illegal. Although the state has long been home to passionate fans of various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, the legal framework for sports betting has not yet been established. Texas is one of the largest states in the U.S. without any form of legalized sports gambling.
The Legal Landscape
The reason Texas has not legalized sports betting comes down to a mixture of conservative values, political opposition, and resistance from certain influential lobby groups. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting through the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to individually decide whether they want to legalize the activity. While several states quickly moved to establish their sports betting markets, Texas has yet to pass a law allowing for legal sports betting.
The Texas Legislature has discussed the issue in recent years, with some lawmakers advocating for legalized sports betting as a way to boost state revenue and provide an additional tax base. However, opposition from key political figures and groups has kept any serious reform from taking place. The state’s constitution also poses challenges to the legalization process, making any changes a difficult and slow-moving endeavor.
However, this doesn’t mean that Texans are without options when it comes to betting on sports. While state-regulated betting remains off the table, residents of Texas can still access offshore sportsbooks, which provide a way for people to wager on sports through websites that are not bound by Texas state law.
Offshore Sports Betting Sites for Texans
Even though local sports betting isn’t yet legal, online sports betting from offshore sites is still accessible to Texans. These offshore sportsbooks operate outside the jurisdiction of U.S. state laws, and they generally offer a broad range of sports and betting options. Some of the most popular and trusted offshore sportsbooks serving Texas residents include:
- Bovada: Bovada is one of the most well-known names in the online sports betting world. Although it is not based in the U.S., Bovada is widely used by Texans who want to place bets on their favorite sports. The platform offers competitive odds across a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. Bovada also supports a variety of banking options, including Bitcoin, which is useful for those looking to maintain a level of privacy when making deposits and withdrawals.
- BetOnline: BetOnline is another reliable offshore sportsbook that caters to sports bettors in Texas. It offers a robust platform for wagering on major U.S. sports, as well as niche sports and international events. BetOnline is known for its user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and solid customer service. The sportsbook also provides live betting options, which allow bettors to wager on events as they unfold in real-time.
- MyBookie: MyBookie has built a strong reputation among online sports betting enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of betting options on popular sports like football and basketball, as well as lesser-known markets like esports. One of the standout features of MyBookie is its generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular users, which make it a great option for new bettors looking to maximize their potential returns.
- SportsBetting.ag: SportsBetting.ag is another solid choice for Texans who want to engage in online sports betting. Known for its variety of sports and betting markets, the site also offers live betting and mobile compatibility. For bettors looking to wager on live events, SportsBetting.ag provides a smooth and reliable platform. The sportsbook also supports cryptocurrency transactions, which are increasingly popular among bettors for their security and speed.
- XBet: XBet is a sportsbook that is known for its attractive promotions and a wide selection of sports betting markets. It’s easy to navigate and provides both pre-match and in-play betting options for a variety of sports. XBet also offers customer support 24/7, which is crucial when dealing with any issues that may arise during the betting process.
Popular Sports for Betting in Texas
Even though sports betting is not legal within the state, Texas residents are still passionate about sports and find alternative ways to bet. Some of the most popular sports for Texas bettors include:
1. Football (NFL and College Football)
Texas has a deep football culture, especially with college football dominating the state in the fall. The NFL is hugely popular, with the Dallas Cowboys being one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. College football also has a massive following in Texas, with teams like the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies capturing the hearts of fans. Bettors can wager on game outcomes, point spreads, totals, and more.
2. Basketball (NBA and College Basketball)
Basketball is another sport with a devoted fan base in Texas. The Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks each have loyal followings. College basketball, particularly the NCAA March Madness tournament, also draws significant attention. Betting options in basketball include point spreads, moneylines, and prop bets.
3. Baseball (MLB)
Texas residents have a strong affinity for baseball, with the Texas Rangers representing the state in Major League Baseball. Betting on baseball involves a variety of markets, from moneylines and run totals to more specialized wagers like player props or inning-specific betting.
4. MMA and Boxing
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing also enjoy significant popularity in Texas, with events like UFC fights drawing large crowds. These combat sports often feature a wide range of betting opportunities, such as betting on the winner, the method of victory, or the round in which the fight ends.
5. Esports
While relatively newer to the scene, esports has gained traction in Texas. With the rise of competitive gaming, esports betting has seen a surge in popularity, and many offshore sportsbooks now offer markets for major esports events, including tournaments for games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2.
Betting on Mobile Devices
The vast majority of Texans who are interested in sports betting choose to place their wagers online via mobile devices. Offshore sportsbooks often offer mobile-friendly sites or dedicated apps that make it easy for users to place bets on the go. These platforms are optimized for a smooth mobile experience, so bettors can make deposits, place bets, and even access live betting markets from their smartphones or tablets.
What to Look for in a Texas Sports Betting Site
When choosing a sportsbook, there are several factors that bettors should consider to ensure they are signing up with a legitimate and trustworthy platform. Key things to look for include:
- Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by a reputable jurisdiction. While offshore sites are not regulated by Texas state laws, they should still be licensed by a trusted authority like the Curacao Gaming License or the Costa Rican Gaming Commission.
- Security and Privacy: It’s essential to choose a sportsbook with robust security measures. Look for SSL encryption and secure payment options to protect your data and financial transactions.
- Betting Options: Make sure the sportsbook offers a wide range of sports and betting markets that appeal to you, whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or esports.
- Customer Support: Opt for a site with 24/7 customer support to resolve any issues that arise. Good customer service is crucial when betting online.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Take advantage of sportsbooks offering competitive bonuses, including welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and other ongoing promotions.
Conclusion
While sports betting in Texas may still be illegal within the state, offshore sportsbooks provide a viable alternative for residents looking to engage in sports betting. Bovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, SportsBetting.ag, and XBet are just a few examples of trustworthy sites that offer a range of betting opportunities for Texas bettors. As the debate over sports betting in Texas continues, it’s essential for Texans to stay informed about changes in the law and to use only licensed and secure sportsbooks when placing bets online.
Whether you’re a fan of football, basketball, or esports, Texas residents can still enjoy the thrill of sports betting by utilizing offshore sites that operate outside of state laws. With the right knowledge and precautions, sports betting in Texas can be a fun and rewarding experience.