- In Texas, gambling is illegal in almost all forms. But you’d never know it driving down Business 77 in Willacy County. It cuts through a rural area of the Rio Grande Valley, but bares a passing resemblance to Las Vegas. It’s a headache for law enforcement, but a remedy could be on the way.
- Texas Has Strict Gambling Laws. The main reason Texas doesn’t have casinos is because casino gambling – all types of casino gambling – are illegal in the state of Texas. In fact, Texas has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country.
- Texas is a big place with a big personality. Tall hats, tall hair, and tall tales are what the state is known for. Gambling laws in Texas, however, are not so grand.If you are interested in knowing, “Is online gambling legal in Texas?” read on.
Introduction to Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
There are legal casinos that provide both social gambling events and casino games such as roulette or slot machines. Legal Support for Texas Gambling If a person is in violation of Texas laws regarding gambling, he or she may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to defend against the charges.
Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos with Class II competition-style or bingo-style electronic gaming machines. Carnival cruise ships offer onboard casinos when traveling to international destinations.
Texas does not have theoretical payout limits at its tribal casinos. No return statistics are publicly available.
This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.
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Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Texas*
The minimum legal gambling age in Texas depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 21
- Bingo: 21 in casinos, 18 in churches, and less than 18 with an adult
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18
The Texas government and the state’s three federally-recognized tribes have, so far, been unable to negotiate tribal-state compacts. Without these gaming compacts, Texas prohibits tribal casinos from having Class III Vegas-style electronic gaming machines.
However, Texas tribal casinos can offer Class II bingo-style machines. Although these machines appear as traditional slot machines, they are not Class III machines. Players compete for prizes against other players throughout a casino’s gaming floor.
There have been substantial lawsuits by the Texas government to shut down tribal casinos offering Class II gaming, with some successes. Various court filings and rulings regarding the legality of tribal casinos in Texas have continued since the late 1980s.
Texas challenges the legality of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 based on the argument that the federal Restoration Act of 1987 takes legal precedence. This somewhat earlier Restoration Act gave federal recognition to the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribes while also explicitly forbidding gambling.
None of the pari-mutual racetracks in Texas offer electronic gaming machines.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Texas
It is legal to own a slot machine privately in the state of Texas without restriction on its date of manufacture.
Gaming Control Board in Texas
Texas does not have a state gaming commission as it prohibits non-tribal casinos. No tribal-state gaming compact exists. However, the Texas Lottery Commission exists and operates the Texas Lottery.
Casinos in Texas
There are two American Indian tribal casinos in Texas as well as up to five international cruise ships with onboard casinos.
The largest casino in Texas is Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel with 3,300 gaming machines.
The second-largest casino is Naskila Gaming with 365 gaming machines.
Commercial Casinos in Texas
The commercial casinos available in Texas are up to five cruise ships. Onboard casinos are only open while in international waters.
Carnival Cruise Lines operates these cruise ships sailing out of the Port of Galveston.
Tribal Casinos in Texas
The two tribal casinos in Texas are:
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass located 143 miles southwest from San Antonio.
- Naskila Gaming in Livingston located 74 miles north-northeast from Houston.
Other Gambling Establishments
![Are Casinos Legal In Texas Are Casinos Legal In Texas](https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/nfsworldinfo/images/5/54/Texas_Casino.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20111222002242)
As an alternative to enjoying Texas slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Texas is:
- North: Oklahoma Slots
- East, Arkansas Slots, Louisiana Slots, and the Gulf of Mexico
- South: The country of Mexico
- North and West: New Mexico Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my blog for that neighboring U.S. state to Texas.
Our Texas Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Texas? If so, join our Texas slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.
There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in Texas. Join us!
Payout Returns in Texas
Texas has no theoretical payout limits established as the state prohibits slot machines. Further, no return statistics are available.
Summary of Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020
Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos offering bingo-style video gaming machines. The Port of Galveston offers Carnival cruise ships with onboard casinos open while sailing in international waters.
Neither theoretical payouts nor return statistics exist as Texas prohibits land-based casinos with Vegas-style slot machines.
Annual Progress in Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling
In the last year, there has been little to no change in the slots gaming industry in Texas.
Related Articles from Professor Slots
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
Are Casinos Legal In Texas
- Previous: Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling
- Next: U.S. Virgin Islands Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Have fun, be safe, and make good choices!
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC
By Jon H. Friedl, Jr. Ph.D., President
Jon Friedl, LLC
Texas lawmakers have expressed interest in domestic sports betting, but so far nothing has been passed or enacted. Despite the current legislation, Texans can access sports betting lines offered from offshore sportsbooks that operate legally to the United States.
Texas has recently presented two sports betting bills that seek to authorize legislation and provide a framework for domestic sports betting. While nothing has been enacted yet it looks like the Lone Star state is considering the possibilities.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
Only offshore sports betting is allowed in the state of Texas at this time. Offshore sportsbooks have been servicing the United States for nearly a decade and offer competitive betting lines for college, professional, and some international sporting leagues.
Texans have been taken advantage of prop bets, game lines, in-game bets, and other betting types offered by offshore sites for many years now. Until the state legalizes and offers domestic sports betting, offshore sites are sure to thrive.
Texas Gambling Bills
There are several TX sports betting bills before the committee but none that seem to be gaining enough traction to stick. Our bill tracker tool is a great resource for keeping up with pending bills that could have an effect on your state.
Legitimate Online Sportsbooks that Accept Texas Residents
The brands listed in our table below have been in the business for years and built up positive reputations upheld by industry analysts and bettors alike. You can browse through the sportsbooks for yourself by clicking on the links in the table.
If you are still looking for more information about the brands listed below, check out our USA sportsbook reviews page for an unbiased review of today's top industry professionals.
Is Bovada legal in Texas?
Yes, bettors in Texas can place bets online at Bovada Sportsbook without violating any domestic gambling laws. Bovada operates legally within the industry under the credentials of its parent company, Bodog. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit Texans from placing bets at Bovada.
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Texas Sports Betting Details
Below are Texas sports betting details. Since there are no state licensed services at this time the following facts are based on offshore sites and their services.
- Legal Sports Betting: Offshore
- Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21 years old
- Land-Based: No
- Online: Offshore
- Mobile: Offshore
- In-Play: Offshore
- Estimated Revenue: N/A
- Eligible Operators: N/A
- Commission: N/A
- Licensing Fee: N/A
- Tax Rate: N/A
- Tax-Funded: N/A
What You Can Bet On In Texas:
- Offshore sportsbooks offer betting lines on college, professional, and international sports. You can find the game lines on Longhorn football or bet on basketball games in the Philippines. The online sports betting options are so plentiful that they almost seem unlimited.
What You Can't Bet On In Texas:
- Texans are not allowed to place bets with illegal bookies operating within state lines. If caught you could face hefty fines or jail time depending on the severity of the operation.
Where Can I Bet On Sports In Texas?
As of now, Texans have one primary option and that is offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks have more betting lines and wagering options than most domestic sportsbooks operating in other states and offer more substantial perks, such as bonuses and seasonal promotions.
Is it Legal to Bet on the Super Bowl in Texas?
Absolutely. The key to legally placing your bet is to only do so at a state-regulated or offshore online sportsbook that is operating legally within the industry, such as the betting sites we've listed on this page.
Unless you are willing to travel to another state that has already launched state-based sports betting destinations, your best option is to place your bet at a reputable online sportsbook. We've created a page specifically focused on the best Super Bowl betting sites. This page covers the legalities, bet types and wagering options, and trusted sportsbooks that offer Super Bowl 54 betting lines and welcome bettors from Texas.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities in Texas
Are Casinos Legal In Alabama
Sports Betting In Dallas, TX
Dallas holds 3 major professional franchises in the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). The Cowboys play in the NFC East and are among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl this season. The Mavericks won a championship several years back, but have since been towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
To be fair, the Western Conference is more difficult than the Eastern, but the Mavericks have not much of an impact as of late. They are not expected to reach the postseason this year. Residents can bet on their favorite Dallas teams through the licensed sportsbooks listed in this guide.
Sports Betting In Houston, TX
Houston has 3 major sports franchises in the Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Astros (MLB), and Houston Texans (NFL). The Rockets are the most successful out of all 3 teams, qualifying for the Playoffs in the Western Conference for the past few seasons. Some offseason changes put them in position to be one of the better teams again, so betting on them should be a solid option throughout the season.
The Texans play in the AFC South and are one of the better teams within the division. The Astros qualified for the postseason and are currently challenging for a World Series Title. You can bet on all the Houston-area teams via licensed offshore sportsbooks.
Sports Betting In San Antonio, TX
San Antonio contains the best Texas-based NBA team in the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have been one of the best teams in the NBA’s Western Conference, losing only to the Golden State Warriors in the Playoffs.
Even with several Western teams making significant roster changes and additions, the Spurs are still projected to be one of the best teams—showcasing their depth and talent. You can find Spurs betting lines in any of our recommended sportsbooks.
Sports Betting In Austin, TX
Austin is the capital city of the Lone Star State and home to the University of Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns play in the Big 12 Conference and are one of the most prolific college football programs in the country. Fans of the Longhorns can bet on their games all season long through any of our provided sportsbooks.
Sports Betting In Arlington, TX
The Texas Rangers play out of Arlington, TX. The Rangers finished third in the American League West. They will likely alter their roster in the offseason and attempt to make a better finish in the next season. Bet on the Rangers throughout the regular season in our online betting destinations.
Legal Casinos In United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting In Texas
Will I get arrested for betting on sports in Texas?
As long as you only bet online with a licensed offshore sportsbook you will have nothing to worry about. Placing a bet with an illegal bookie operating inside of texaas state lines could land you in some trouble.
Grand parker casino. Are mobile sports betting apps legal in Texas?
Only offshore sportsbooks can legally operate in Texas at this time. Our team of advanced gambling professionals has already vetted the sites listed above in the table. Those sites are the best online sportsbooks for Texas residents at this time. They offer a trusted service that is backed by a stellar reputation and other legal operating documents.
What teams can I bet on in Texas?
Offshore sportsbooks offer betting lines on just about any sport you can think of. You can find betting lines for college sports, professional leagues, international sports, and specific games.
What is the legal minimum sports betting age in Texas?
Texas residents must be at least 21 years of age to gamble online without the fear of prosecution.
Texas Legislative Resources
Texas Gambling Resources
If you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling addiction you can reach out to the Texas National Council on Problem Gambling to seek help. The TNCPG has been helping people overcome their addictions for over a decade and are here to help assist you on your road to recovery.
TX Sports Betting
Texas News
Legal Sports Betting Bill Schedule For June 10 – June 16
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