Last Updated May 9, 2022, 09:59 AM ET
Everything is bigger in Texas, so they say, but that adage does not apply to sports betting.
Lawmakers in the Lone Star State once again put sports betting on the docket during the 2021 legislative session, but the May 31 deadline passed with no resolution.
The untapped Texas sports betting market is poised to become one of the more profitable across the United States, should it legalize operations.
Keep reading our Texas sports betting guide to learn about its history and potential.
No legal sports betting channels or outlets exist in gambling-shy Texas. The Lone Star State purports to support personal freedoms, but conservative values and Republican-held Senate and House of Representatives have stalled momentum.
Texas Governor Greg Abbot is allegedly warming to the idea, and his support would provide enough political cover for fellow Republicans to formally back the initiative. Sen. Juan Hinojosa, a Democrat, has led the state's most recent legalization efforts, filing sports betting bills SB 736 and SJR 39 in early 2021.
The Sports Betting Alliance, a consortium of Texas-based professional sports teams, pledges support for HB 2070, SB 736, and SJR 39 to bring legal online and retail sports betting to the Lone Star state.
Democratic Rep. Eddie Lucio III introduced HB 1275 in the Texas House back in 2019. The sports betting bill sought to regulate retail and online sports betting, but the bill failed. Despite appeals from gaming companies and the major professional sports franchises, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and fellow Republican lawmakers nixed the efforts.
Attempts to formally legalize sports betting require a referendum to amend the Texas Constitution. Texans and sports betting enthusiasts find themselves sidelined until 2023 at the earliest.
Several bills were under consideration by the Texas state legislature in 2021. However, positive momentum is not necessarily the springboard to Texas legalizing sports betting.
Let's take a closer look at the Lone Star State's sports betting timeline:
May 9, 2022: The Houston Astros announce they are entering a sports betting partnership with BetMGM.
April 21, 2022: Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke (Democrat) voiced his support for legal sports betting and casino gambling, but faces stiff opposition from Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
March 2, 2022: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who opposes sports betting legalization, won the Republican primary in a landslide and stands as the favorite for re-election this fall.
Feb. 9, 2022: PlayUp becomes the sports gaming partner of Panther City Lacrosse Club, marking the largest team sponsorship in National Lacrosse League history. The agreement includes market access covenants, earning PlayUp a seat at the table should Texas legalize sports betting.
July 1, 2021: Despite the efforts of gaming companies, sports franchises, and bipartisan support, Texas lawmakers won't reconvene the sports betting debate until 2023.
May 31, 2021: The 2021 legislative session came to a close with no resolution to legalize sports betting in Texas.
April 2021: Las Vegas Sands launches a multimillion-dollar ad campaign to push Texas to add casinos.
February 2021: The Sports Betting Alliance, comprised of Texas' professional sports teams, betting platforms, and fans, mobilizes to legalize and regulate sports betting.
January 2021: The Texas state legislature assembles to discuss and review HB 1275.
February 2019: Representative Eddie Lucio III details proposed sports betting regulations via HB 1275.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling each U.S. state to formally legalize and regulate sports betting.
Currently, no form of legal sports wagering exists in the Lone Star State. Should sports betting land in Texas, individuals 21 years of age or older would be permitted to wager.
Legal ageWhile a handful of states allow players 18 and up to wager on sports, Texas will likely not follow suit and stick with 21 and up.
Mobile bettingAll betting is illegal in Texas, thus no legal mobile sports betting apps are available. Provisions to authorize and regulate online and mobile wagering in Texas are included within HB 1275.
Remote registrationWith limited to no established retail locations, it's unclear whether you would have the ability to complete the registration process in-person versus remotely online. Potential partnerships with state-based teams, or the building of new casino facilities, will factor into the registration.
Within state bordersWhen Texas regulates and authorizes legal sports betting, any wager made must be done so within Texas' expansive borders. Naturally, those conditions apply to in-person betting, but all online wagers must be verified in-state too.
Retail sportsbooksDespite how the federal ban on sports betting has been lifted, no legal retail sportsbooks operate in Texas. The state lacks a dedicated or centralized retail gaming network, largely because there are no legal casinos in operation. Texas is better suited for online betting.
Taxable winningsTexas is one of a handful of U.S. states with no state income tax. However, stipulations of HB 1275 include how a 6.25% tax rate would be imposed for any sports bet. That figure is in addition to the 24% federal tax applied to all gambling winnings.
Texas missed a golden opportunity to implement legal sports betting. Now, neighboring states Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico have become legitimate sports betting markets.
Each of those markets offers retail or in-person wagering only, but Louisiana is on the cusp of rolling out online sports betting. Retail betting is limited in the states above, underscoring Texas' need to push for online betting.
Conservative politicians continue to oppose sports betting, citing infighting and competition among stakeholders. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who carries significant influence in the Republican-held Senate, had this to say about sports betting: "...it's not even an issue that's going to see the light of day this session."
Realistically, Texas bettors are looking at 2023 before any movement is made. Despite the political red tape, sports betting interest groups have made headway and are seeking to capitalize on what could be a highly lucrative market.
Legal sports betting is off the table until 2023Republican party holds a majority in all chambersThe struggle to establish state-regulated sportsbooks is real. Limited retail outlets should set the stage for Texas to adopt mobile-friendly wagering, but details are scant.
We've outlined the required steps to sign-up if the proverbial sports betting levee breaks.
Choosing a sportsbook involves reading reviews from reputable sources. Those recommendations apply to the best bonuses, betting lines, and available bet types. We also advise new players, in particular, to read the fine print once sports betting becomes available in Texas.
Registration in Texas may carry an in-person requirement. If that is the case, you will be required to visit a retail casino or venue associated with a professional sports team.
If Texas adopts online betting, you will have to share contact information and personal details, including your phone number and address.
Today's mobile sports betting platforms serve up generous bonuses, specifically welcome or sign-up promotions. Be sure to read the terms associated with each offer before moving forward.
Funding your sportsbook account is required before placing a wager. While the legal framework has yet to be determined, we can safely assume that Texas sportsbooks will allow players to use credit cards, ACH transfers, and digital payment types like PayPal. Typically, the withdrawal options are similar or match those used for deposits.
Assuming legal sports betting touches down in the Lone Star State, sports bettors should have access to all common bet types. You're likely to have these types: moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, live bets, and more.
Not all sportsbooks are created equal, particularly concerning available betting lines. Some are less favorable than others; thus, shopping for the best price is critical. Conducting research allows you to nab the best lines and claim the better bonuses.
Wins are tremendous and only matched by the speed at which you can secure the associated winnings. On a related note, you may incur fees on transactions with the sportsbook or based on your preferred withdrawal method. Review the applicable terms and conditions to guide your decision-making.
American betting odds are the default selection found at U.S. sportsbooks, and Texas would adopt that format, too.
Spot the favorite in any matchup by identifying the minus sign (-); the number immediately following the value displays the sum of money you need to bet to win $100. Here in this example, -170 odds mean you need to risk $170 to win $100.
The underdogs are identified by the plus sign (+) and highlight the monetary amount you would win if you wagered $100. In this scenario, +110 odds means that a $100 bet would return $110 in profit.
Input your selections to our odds converter to see potential payouts. Plus, you can toggle between American, fractional, and decimal odds.
Texans do not have access to a locally regulated sportsbook. Should legal sports betting come to Texas, wagering on all professional, college, and Olympic sports will be in play.
Wagering on political outcomes, like presidential elections, will not be permitted at the state or federal level.
Betting lines for celebrity-laden events and awards shows may be available from Texas sportsbooks. It's too early to tell.
HB 1275 includes provisions for regulated online and mobile wagering, but it's unclear where esports falls with regulators. Of note, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also owns an esports betting platform called Unikrn.
Texans have a healthy appetite for college sports. While some states have imposed significant limitations on collegiate sports betting, including limiting all wagering to out-of-state teams and games, we are skeptical that Texas would place such restrictions on Lone Star State bettors.
Eliminate any hometown bias by conducting relevant research on prospective bets. This is a great way to manage your bankroll and will help you to avoid blindly backing any team or player.
Review our how to bet guides for actionable intel aimed at new and intermediate bettors.
Texas lacks a dedicated or centralized retail gaming network, largely because no legal casinos are in operation. However, the state does operate a state lottery, and there's likely no appetite for upending the current system.
CasinoTexas is home to two casinos operated by Native American tribes that both offer electronic games. Still, you can’t wager on sports at these Texas tribal casinos.
PokerPoker players can find several poker rooms in Texas' major cities like Dallas and San Antonio. It is not illegal to play poker in Texas, but state laws dictate that it is illegal to profit from the game itself. Poker room operators have skirted the law by charging access fees to play, but they do not turn a profit from the games themselves.
Horse racingOn the legal side of things, pari-mutuel betting is legal in Texas, but online horse racing betting is prohibited. Locals can wager on horse races at one of the state’s three racetracks: Retama Park, Sam Houston Race Park, and Lone Star Park. Those venues also simulcast races, allowing you to bet on races held across the U.S. and around the globe.
Daily fantasy sportsIn 2019, the Texas House voted to fully legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS), deeming it a game of skill and not chance. Texas sports fans can get their fill of DFS via industry heavyweights DraftKings, FanDuel, or the Monkey Knife Fight app.
Texas has historically shied away from all forms of gambling. Still, there are many Texans who succumb to gambling addiction. The Texas Lottery provides educational opportunities and support to raise awareness of problem gambling.
Visit the Texas Council on Problem GamblingIf Texas eventually follows through with legalized sports betting, they would join the ranks of these already legalized states:
While numerous hurdles remain, Texas gamblers should exercise caution and patience concerning legal sports betting. Texans should refrain from registering with unregulated offshore sportsbooks due to their unlawful business practices.
Funding an illegal offshore sports betting site is playing with fire, as your funds and personal information are at risk. Please avoid these sportsbooks at all costs.
No, sports betting is not legal in the state of Texas.
Several plans have been floated, with one calling for a dozen or more licenses available for the state’s professional sports teams and horse racing tracks in Texas. The teams would become the equivalent of casinos, where they could sell access to sports betting operators.
Yes, the Texas House voted to fully legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) in 2019.
Yes. The Sports Betting Alliance includes a coalition of Texas-based professional franchises advocating legalizing and regulating sports betting.
You cannot legally wager on sports in Texas. The state is among the most conservative in the USA when it comes to gambling.
No legal online gambling options exist in Texas.
Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico are legitimate legal sports betting markets.
Yes, but only for daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests.
Michael Duchesne is a senior commercial content editor at Covers, who has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not supporting Covers' broad array of betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
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