Last updated on: November 13th, 2024
Legal Texas Sports Betting Apps 2024
With a variety of legal Texas sports betting apps, residents need to know which ones offer the best bonuses, the fastest payouts, and the safest deposit methods. Without a locally regulated Texas sports betting market, Texas residents may not be as familiar with the legal books that are available to them. The best Texas sportsbooks 2024 are regulated overseas, with Bovada, BetOnline, and Xbet being our top three recommendations. Learn everything from where to bet on sports in Texas to the timeline of legalizing the market on this page.
- Out of all of the legal sports betting sites that accept Texas residents, Bovada is our number one recommended sportsbook.
- Even with some push over the years, there is no locally regulated sports betting market in Texas.
- Online Texas sports betting sites like Bovada and BetOnline are regulated overseas and offer large bonuses
Best Legal Texas Sports Betting Apps And Sites
Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Exclusive 50% Bonus Code up to $1000!Read Review | BVD1000 in Cashier | |
2 | 50% Up To $1,000Read Review | Visit BetOnline! | |
3 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie! | |
4 | 100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit Xbet! | |
5 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
Bovada has become one of the best legal Texas sportsbooks over the years because of how easy it is to bet on college and professional sports. Texas residents over the age of 18 can bet real money at Bovada Sportsbook from any mobile device or computer. The top accepted deposit methods at Bovada are credit cards, Bitcoin, PayPal, bank transfers, and others. Claim some of the large Texas sports betting bonuses at Bovada by signing up and making your first deposit today.
- Exclusive Bonus Code
- 50% up to $1000
- Use code BVD1000 in Cashier
BetOnline is legal in Texas as it falls under the category of internationally regulated sportsbooks that accept players in the US. This sportsbook does not require players to download any apps and can be used from a computer or a smartphone device. When it comes to Texas sports betting bonuses, BetOnline offers some of the biggest options, with up to $1,000 available to new players. Sign up at BetOnline today to take advantage of the new player bonuses through Bitcoin, credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods.
- Reliable Banking Methods
- Strong Server Connection
- 10+ Year Track Record
- Huge Assortment Of Odds
- No App Mobile Betting
With odds on both college and professional sports, Xbet is a fan favorite in Texas. The mobile sports betting site offers player props and future odds on the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, and much more. Signing up for Xbet in Texas takes less than five minutes for all players over the age of 18. Popular deposit methods include Bitcoin, credit cards, PayPal/Venmo, bank transfers, and more. This real money Texas sportsbook also offers large deposit bonuses to all new players on their first deposit.
- Worry-free Legal Betting
- Exclusive Bonus Offers
- Constantly Updated Odds
- Premier User Experience
- Full Mobile + Live Betting
Is Bovada Legal In Texas?
Yes, Bovada is legal in Texas and one of the few legal sports betting sites that accept Texas players. As there are no Texas-regulated gambling sites, this leaves Bovada as the best way to bet on sports online in Texas. With no Texas laws battling this issue, there are also no federal laws saying using Bovada can’t happen. From Bovada, no terms and conditions restrict players from Texas using their site. This leaves Bovada as a safe and legal sportsbook in Texas.
How To Sign Up For A Legal Sports Betting Account In Texas
- Visit Bovada or other legal online sports betting sites that accept Texas residents
- Fill out personal info (name, zip code, DOB, email) and verify account
- Choose a Texas sportsbook bonus (Bovada offers a 75% crypto match up to $750)
- Choose deposit method (BTC, VISA, Amex, PayPal amongst top accepted options)
- Confirm your first deposit and start betting on Texas Football, the Mavericks, Astros, and more
Are There Any Sportsbooks In Houston?
Houston is not home to any land-based sportsbooks but this does not stop players from betting real money. Many online sports betting sites for Houston players are fully available. Also, there are many land-based sportsbooks in nearby states with legal sports betting. Louisiana is the closest sports betting state for players in Houston. There are four sportsbooks in Lake Charles, LA. It takes less than three hours to drive from Houston to Lake Charles. We recommend anyone looking for legal Houston sportsbooks to check out Gold Nugget Lake Charles in Louisiana.
Are There Any Sportsbooks In Dallas?
There are no land-based sportsbooks in Dallas because the state has not regulated sports betting at the local level. This leads many Dallas residents to bet on college and professional Texas sports online through Bovada or other internationally regulated sportsbooks. If you are looking to play in person, Louisiana has a handful of books and there are some within a few hours of Dallas. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport has a sportsbook powered by FanDuel and is less than a three-hour drive away. As one of the best sportsbooks for Dallas residents, they offer new players a risk-free bet up to $1,000.
Texas Attempts To Legalize Sports Betting
The politicians in the great state have failed to make moves when it comes to making sports betting legal in Texas. In fact, every single sports betting bill in Texas has not even made it past its first reading. Every regulation measure went to a committee, where it would die. The 2024 Texas legislative session could legalize betting, but it hasn’t done much in the past.
- In 2023, HB 1942 passed through the House but was rejected by the Senate. This bill would have legalized sports betting in the state and was backed by all major sports teams in Texas. Sports betting will not have the chance to be regulated in Texas now until the 2025 session.
- In 2021, legislators looked to ask residents to approve a gaming agreement between Texas and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The companion bills – TX SJR 41 and TX HJR 112 both died in their branch’s State Affairs Committee.
- In 2017 and 2019, Rep. Eddie Lucio (D-27) filed two measures as well. One would have sent betting on sport to the Texas ballot while the other would create a committee to begin sportsbook regulation.
- In 2015, Rep. Abel Herrero (D-34) filed two measures. One would have required sportsbooks to have a license if they accepted Texas players. The other would make it a criminal offense to bet online in Texas.
Other States That Have Not Regulated Sports Betting
Even though the states with legal sports betting are the majority in 2024, there are still many states like Texas that do not have a locally regulated market. This does not mean that online sports betting is not available but there are just no in-person options. The same internationally regulated sites like Bovada also provide Georgia sports betting and California sports betting opportunities.
Past Texas Bills Related To Sports Betting
Year | Bill | Goal | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | TX HB 1942 | To legalize sports betting in Texas with support from Texas professional sports teams. | Rejected by the Senate by Gov. Dan Patrick |
2021 | TX HB 2070 | The companion bill to Texas gambling measure HJR 97. It would have allowed Texas voters to approve a 10% sportsbook tax. | Underwent public hearing, Died in House State Affairs Committee |
2021 | TX HB 2070 | The companion bill to Texas gambling measure HJR 97. It would have allowed Texas voters to approve a 10% sportsbook tax. | Underwent public hearing, Died in House State Affairs Committee |
2021 | TX HB 1121 | To regulate and tax sports wagering in Texas at 6.25% with a ban on betting college Texas college teams. | Died in the House State Affairs Committee |
2019 | TX HB 1275 | To create a department to license and tax sports betting in Texas with the exception of Texas college sports. | Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee |
2017 | TX HJR 61 | To add a proposition to the November 5, 2019 Texas ballot permitting the legislature to legalize sports betting in Texas. | Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee |
2015 | TX HB 4040 | To require online sportsbooks to receive a yearly license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation | Died in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee |
2015 | TX HB 4019 | To make it a misdemeanor criminal offense to bet on sports online in Texas or operate an online sportsbook. | Died in House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
Texas gambling laws are rare because they are one of the few states with sports betting explicitly talking about sports betting. Sec. 47.02 in the Texas Penal Code makes it so that making bets on the “outcome of games” is a Class C misdemeanor. Now, a Class C misdemeanor is the least serious type of criminal offense, typically punishable by a fine of up to $500. So, whether betting on political events or any other sports contest, there is a risk; however, policing this seems nearly impossible, meaning it’s unlikely to be caught and the result won’t be jail time. In fact, not one single person has ever been arrested for betting on sports in Texas, and that will not change!!!
What Is the Sports Betting Age In Texas?
Because the market is not regulated locally, the legal age to bet on sports is not set by the state. Instead, the internationally regulated sites that accept Texas residents get to set the betting age and anyone over 18 can legally bet on sports with these sites. Other 18 and up Texas sports betting sites include BetOnline and MyBookie.
Endorsements For Legal Sports Betting In Texas
Mark Cuban:
“I am for legalizing all betting.”
Jerry Jones:
“I certainly know that gambling as it pertains to our games is here. Frankly, it’s been here. Yes, I do see gambling being a common thing. The handwriting is on the wall. Gambling has been here a long time.”
Beto O’Rourke:
“It would also help us address some of the challenges we have in reducing inflation and property taxes in the state… so I think that warrants a very close look and it’s something I’m inclined to support.”
Charlotte Jones:
“Legalized sports betting would regulate the industry and generate hundreds of millions of dollars of new revenue for the state which will help fund critical programs without raising taxes.”
Ways To Bet In Texas
- Spreads – Spread bets are wagers placed on handicapped lines, that allow you to wager on margins of victory.
- Moneylines – Moneylines are simply picking winners – like taking the Cowboys over the Commanders.
- Totals – Totals bets are wagers on the total number of times something happens – total points in the game is the most common.
- Parlays – Parlays put two or more wagers together to get bigger payouts – at the risk of the whole bet failing if one leg falls apart.
- Props – Props are wagers on individual players, and can take many forms. An example would be taking Dak Prescott to pass for more than 200 yards in a game.
Live Betting In Texas
Live betting lets you wager on all sorts of props and lines related to teams in Texas. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for Longhorns live odds and Aggies in game bets. If those games are happening, you’ll explore a whole world for live betting Texas sports teams. This lets you hedge and double down on your pregame bets on the Cowboys, Texans and other teams!
- Betting on spreads, moneylines, props and O/Us as they are adjusted due to in-game events.
- Betting on the next events to occur in the game, such as who will score the next touchdown.
How Do I Bet Live In Texas?
All you have to do is visit an online sportsbook, and select the live sports betting option from their menu. This will look different at different sportsbooks, so here are examples from Bovada and BetOnline, respectively, with the live betting button highlighted.
Bovada
BetOnline
Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Texas?
Whether you want to wager on the Mavericks, Astros, Thunder, Cowboys, Longhorns, or other sports teams/players, there are many real money Texas betting sites available. Even though the sportsbook market is not regulated locally, there are internationally regulated sportsbooks that accept and pay out real money via credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Bitcoin, bank transfers, and so many other deposit methods. It is 100% safe and secure for Texas residents to put money in and withdraw from these real money betting sites in 2024.
Mobile Sports Betting Apps In Texas
There are many legal mobile sports betting sites available to residents of Texas for real money. Sportsbook apps like DraftKings and FanDuel do not have licenses to operate and accept Texas residents but many internationally regulated betting sites are permitted to do so. Bovada, BetOnline, and Xbet are three of our favorite mobile Texas betting sites and they can all be used to bet from any iPhone, Android, or Google phone. Instead of taking up the space to use these sites, TX residents and use them from any internet browser on their devices.
- Samsung Galaxy
- Microsoft Surface
- LG Wing
- Apple iPhone
- Motorola 5G
- Google Pixel
- Samsung Flip Z
- Huawei
- And More!
Texas Sportsbook Deposit And Withdrawal Information
Getting money into a Texas sportsbook is easy with crypto or credit cards. While Bitcoin tends to be the best, there are many legal sports betting deposit methods on the table. This form allows depositing and withdrawing without any fees and great bonuses. Litecoin and other cryptos work the same way at sportsbooks in Texas. Be sure to check out the sports betting withdrawal options as well.
Bovada Deposit Methods In TX
Method: | Minimum: | Maximum: | Time Frame: |
---|---|---|---|
Visa/ Mastercard | $20 | $1,500 | Up to 48 hours |
Bitcoin | $10 | $5,000 | Up to 24 hours |
Bitcoin Cash | $10 | $5,000 | Up to 1 hour |
Litecoin | $10 | $5,000 | Up to 1 hour |
Ethereum | $50 | $5,000 | Up to 30 seconds |
Bitcoin SV (BSV) | $10 | $5,000 | Up to 1 hour |
Player Transfer | $10 | $15,000 | Up to 1 Hour |
MatchPay | $20 | $1,000 | 15 Minutes |
Voucher | $10 | $3,000 | Variable |
Cryptocurrencies are a major deposit method of choice at online sportsbooks, but they also accept a variety of more traditional methods such as Visa and Mastercard. The books tend to prefer you using crypto, as you can see from the fees applied to them as well as the deposit limits and time frames.
Bovada Withdrawal Methods In TX
Method: | Maximum: | Time Frame: | Fees: |
---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin | No Limit | 24 Hours | 0% |
Bitcoin Cash | No Limit | 1 Hour | 0% |
Litecoin | No Limit | 1 Hour | 0% |
Ethereum | No Limit | 15 minutes | 0% |
Player Transfer | $15,000 | Up to 15 minutes | variable |
MatchPay | $1,000 | Up to 15 Minutes | variable |
Voucher | $3,000 | 2 Business Days | 0% |
Check by Courier | $3,000 | 10-15 Business Days | 0% |
Texas Sportsbook Bonuses
When searching for the best Texas sports betting promos and bonuses, Bovada is one of the first results that players are going to see. Bovada and other legal sports betting sites that we review on this page offer sportsbook deposit match bonuses to all new players. Texas players can deposit with a credit card, Bitcoin, PayPal, or other accepted methods and claim a deposit match up to 100% with at least a thousand dollars in betting credits up for grabs. Check out the current best 2024 Texas sportsbook bonuses for players starting at 18 below:
Sportsbook: | Bonus: | Percent Bonus: |
---|---|---|
Bovada | Bitcoin Welcome Bonus | 75% |
BetOnline | Sports Welcome Bonus | 50% |
MyBookie | First Deposit Bonus | 100% |
BetUS | 200% Crypto Sign Up Bonus | 150% Sports + 50% Casino |
SportsBetting | Sports Welcome Bonus | 50% |
Best Texas Banks For International Transactions
Depositing into legal Texas gambling sites requires international transactions. This is for the deposit methods that are not crypto or a person-2-person service. There are specific banks in Texas that allow these types of transactions. This helps make bank transfers or sportsbook credit card deposits manageable in Texas. With their help, you’ll be able to fund your account quick to bet on Texas sporting events.
Best Texas Banks For International Wire Transfers
- Texas Capital Bank – Allows for wire transfers to be sent and received by international markets. Funds can be sent in US or international currencies.
- BTH Bank – This Texas bank offers same-day electronic wire transfers to domestic or international receivers. BTH also allows the funds to be sent in the form of US or international currencies.
Texas Cities With A Wire Transfer Bank Location
- Dallas (Texas Capital and BTH)
- Austin (Texas Capital)
- Forth Worth (Texas Capital and BTH)
- Houston (Texas Capital)
- San Antonio (Texas Capital)
- Carthage (BTH)
- Hawkins (BTH)
- Henderson (BTH)
- Holly Lake Ranch (BTH)
- Kilgore (BTH)
- Longview (BTH)
- McKinney (BTH)
- Mineola (BTH)
- Plano (BTH)
- Quitman (BTH)
- Tyler (BTH)
Can I Use Western Union For Legal Texas Sports Betting?
Western Union is a secure international money transfer service. Using Western Union for sports wagering Texas is still possible. Usually, you’ll have to talk to a customer service rep at the sportsbook you choose. They will walk you through the steps to get Western Union into your sportsbook account.
What Texas Sports Teams Can I Bet On?
All four major leagues in the US have a sports team in Texas. In fact, some leagues even have multiple sports teams. Not only can you bet on sports in Texas at the professional level but these sites shine when it comes to betting on college sports. There are plenty of legal CFP betting sites available in Texas. This allows you to wager on the Longhorns to win it all every year. But, sportsbooks also have odds on the Dallas Baptist Patriots and more. Keep in mind that betting sites TX have bets available for teams all over the world. But for locals, these are the sports teams to bet on.
List Of Team Names
Dallas Cowboys (NFL) | Houston Texans (NFL) | Houston Astros (MLB) |
Texas Rangers (MLB) | San Antonio Spurs (NBA) | Houston Rockets (NBA) |
Dallas Mavericks (NBA) | San Antonio Stars (WNBA) | Dallas Stars (NHL) |
FC Dallas (MLS) | Houston Dynamo (MLS) | Abilene Christian Wildcats (NCAA-D1) |
Baylor Bears (NCAA-D1) | Houston Cougars (NCAA-D1) | Houston Baptist Huskies (NCAA-D1) |
Incarnate Word Cardinals (NCAA-D1) | Lamar Cardinals and Lady Cardinals (NCAA-D1) | North Texas Mean Green (NCAA-D1) |
Prairie View A&M Panthers and Lady Panthers (NCAA-D1) | Rice Owls (NCAA-D1) | Sam Houston State Bearkats (NCAA-D1) |
SMU Mustangs (NCAA-D1) | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks (NCAA-D1) | Tarleton Texans (NCAA-D1) |
TCU Horned Frogs and Lady Frogs (NCAA-D1) | Texas Longhorns (NCAA-D1) | Texas A&M Aggies (NCAA-D1) |
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders (NCAA-D1) | Texas Southern Tigers and Lady Tigers (NCAA-D1) | Texas State Bobcats (NCAA-D1) |
Texas Tech Red Raiders and Lady Raiders (NCAA-D1) | UT Arlington Mavericks (NCAA-D1) | UTEP Miners (NCAA-D1) |
UTRGV Vaqueros (NCAA-D1) | UTSA Roadrunners (NCAA-D1) | Angelo State Rams (NCAA-D2) |
Dallas Baptist Patriots (NCAA-D2) | Lubbock Christian Chaparrals (NCAA-D2) | Midwestern State Mustangs (NCAA-D2) |
St. Edward’s Hilltoppers (NCAA-D2) | St. Mary’s Rattlers (NCAA-D2) | |
Texas A&M–Commerce Lions (NCAA-D2) | Texas A&M International Dustdevils (NCAA-D2) | Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas (NCAA-D2) |
UT Tyler Patriots (NCAA-D2) | UTPB Falcons (NCAA-D2) | Texas Woman’s Pioneers (NCAA-D2) |
West Texas A&M Buffaloes (NCAA-D2) | Austin College ‘Roos (NCAA-D3) | Concordia Tornados (NCAA-D3) |
Dallas Crusaders (NCAA-D3) | East Texas Baptist Tigers (NCAA-D3) | Hardin–Simmons Cowboys (NCAA-D3) |
Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (NCAA-D3) | LeTourneau Yellow Jackets (NCAA-D3) | Mary Hardin–Baylor Crusaders (NCAA-D3) |
McMurry War Hawks (NCAA-D3) | St. Thomas Celts (NCAA-D3) | Schreiner Mountaineers (NCAA-D3) |
Southwestern Pirates (NCAA-D3) | Sul Ross State Lobos (NCAA-D3) | Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (NCAA-D3) |
Trinity Tigers (NCAA-D3) | UT Dallas Comets (NCAA-D3) |
NFL Sports Gambling Sites In Texas
There are many legal NFL betting sites in Texas, with Bovada being our favorite for player props, game lines, and futures. Whether you want to bet on Dak Prescott’s passing yards or CJ Stroud to win regular season MVP, Texas NFL sportsbooks have you covered. NFL betting is available from Bovada or the other sportsbooks we recommend from your mobile device or computer for the 2024-25 season. There are no apps you have to download when gambling at these sites.
Betting On The MLB In Texas
All of the best Texas sportsbook apps and sites offer MLB betting odds. When using legal MLB sportsbooks like Bovada or BetOnline in Texas, odds will be available for every game and nearly every player in the state. Naturally, those odds are significant for Texans looking to bet on local teams like the Astros or Rangers. The same general rules apply at MLB betting sites in TX as any other sports betting platform, players must be 18+, betting real money, and have funds in their account.
Betting On The NBA In Texas
The action available at the best NBA betting sites in Texas is constantly expanding. There are player props available for every game, betting lines available for each matchup, and futures available year-round when using sportsbook apps and sites like Bovada. In Texas specifically, the three most bet on NBA teams are the Spurs, Mavericks, and Rockets. Whether people want to bet on Victor Wembanyama, Luca Doncic, or Alperen Sengun, each NBA team has a statistical superstar that is fun to bet on.
How To Bet On College Football In Texas
Put simply, it’s very easy to learn how to bet on college football in Texas. Just sign up at one of the legal Texas betting apps or sites on this page and go to their college football page. Once there, scroll through the games and get in on the action. If you click on the specific game you want, you will see that there are also hundreds of props available for each matchup. Past examples of what these props at college football betting sites in Texas may have been able to bet on include Vince Young rushing yards vs USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, Johnny Manziel passing yards against Alabama back in 2012, or Michael Crabtree receiving yards in either of his seasons starting for the Red Raiders.
Horse Race Betting In Texas
Betting on horse races in Texas is the oldest form of gambling. Also called pari-mutuel wagering, Texas legalized it in 1933. While TVG and Twin Spires are available, shop horse racing odds with Bovada too. This ensures you get the best payout no matter what Texas horse race you are betting on. Keep in mind, legal Texas betting sites like Bovada will have races from all over the world.
Daily Fantasy Sports In Texas
Unlike sports betting sites in Texas, daily fantasy sports is in a grey area. Texas AG Ken Paxton found DFS to be illegal in 2016. But, DraftKings and FanDuel challenged this decision. Legal Texas gambling includes real money DFS. Even if there aren’t laws around DFS in the state, it is open for playing.
Latest News
Legal Texas Sports Betting FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Safe In Texas?
Online sports betting in Texas is safe so long as you go through the proper channels. Since there are no sportsbook in Texas, using an online sportsbook in Texas is the way to bet. But, make sure the site has a license like the ones of our page. A safe sportsbook in Texas is Bovada, which always pays out their winnings. They also have security standards that keep your information safe.
Will Sports Betting In Texas Ever Be Legal?
Betting on sports in Texas is legal already. Using an online sportsbook that accepts Texas players is the way to go about it. Just make sure you aren’t using a local bookie in Texas. This method is not approved in Texas. Likewise, don’t use any business inside Texas that offers sports betting lines. They do not hold a license.
Will I Get Arrested For Sports Betting In Texas?
Nobody has gotten arrested in Texas for betting on sports… at least not that we have found. As long as you use a sportsbook in Texas located out of the US, you are fine. There are no Texas sports betting laws that can get in your way.
Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In Texas?
The best place to bet on sports in Texas is Bovada. They offer a reliable online sportsbook for Texas residents. Unless you want to travel to New Mexico, Louisiana, or Arkansas, you will have to use an online book. That is fine since Bovada is the best Texas sportsbook.
Is It Safe To Use A Local Bookie In Texas?
You should not use a local bookie in Texas. While there are no laws against betting with a bookie, there is no accountability. Being a bookie is against the law in Texas, though. This means that you can place bets with a bookie in Texas but it may not work out in the end. The safest way is to use an online sportsbook in Texas like Bovada.
Do Any Casinos In Texas Have Sports Betting?
There are only two casinos in Texas, in Livingston and Eagle Pass. But, neither of these Texas casinos have sports betting. Using a sportsbook in Texas can only happen with online books. These Texas casinos have poker rooms and slots but for now, there is no sportsbook.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Friends In Texas?
Betting on sports in Texas with friends is just fine. Texas gambling laws focus on operators and those offering the sports betting lines. As long as there is no “house” taking a cut, betting with friends in Texas is ok.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In Texas?
There are no Texas sportsbooks that you can visit in person. But there are many legal Texas online sportsbooks that you can bet with. Expect some local sportsbooks in Texas to launch soon. Until then, take advantage of one of the legal sportsbooks in Texas like Bovada.