No state has exhibited such an unbridled capitalistic spirit or "us against them" swagger than the country's second most-populous state, but conservative forces in the Texas Legislature have thus far succeeded in squashing any effort to legalize sports betting.
Everything's bigger in Texas and, in many ways, you'd expect legal gambling would be big there, too. No state has exhibited such an unbridled capitalistic spirit or "us against them" swagger than the country's second most-populous state, but conservative forces in the Texas Legislature – which only meets in odd-numbered years – have thus far succeeded in squashing any effort to legalize sports betting.
Granted, pro-sports betting forces have made considerable progress in recent legislative sessions. But the bar for legalization is high, as getting sports betting across the goal line would require the support of two-thirds of all legislators before being put to a vote of the people.
Most prognosticators have set an over-under of 2030 on when Texas will legalize sports betting. But a lot can happen between now and then, and the unanimous support of the state's pro sports owners – not to mention Texas's legendarily rabid football fandom – have bettors and bookmakers alike salivating at the prospect.
Alliance formed to push for sports betting legalization
April, 2021
A group of sports betting operators and pro sports franchises comes together to form the Sports Betting Alliance, whose goal is to legalize sports betting in Texas. Despite their efforts, the 2021 legislative session would close without passage of sports betting legislation, pushing the issue to 2023.
Gubernatorial candidates voice support for sports betting
April 21, 2022
Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic Party's nominee for governor, voices his support for the legalization of sports betting in Texas. His opponent – and the race's eventual victor – Greg Abbott would follow suit, albeit more tepidly, upon getting reelected.
Sports betting bills pass House committee but stall in Senate
April 3, 2023
Two sets of sports betting bills pass the Texas House State Affairs Committee but come up just short of the required two-thirds majority to move on to the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a longtime opponent of sports betting, slams the door on sports betting until the 2025 legislative session by saying it will not be heard on the Senate floor in 2023.
Mark Cuban sells Dallas Mavericks to casino magnates
May 29, 2023
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban sells the NBA franchise to the Adelson family, which runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company and has already pumped tens of millions of dollars into the effort to legalize casino-resorts in Texas.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Texas?
Sports betting is not legal in Texas despite the state's ravenous appetite for bootstrap capitalism and football, among other related endeavors.
Who can bet on sports in Texas?
While offshore sportsbooks presumably thrive as a result, nobody can legally bet on sports in the nation's second most-populous state. To bet legally, Texans must cross into neighboring states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.
Who regulates sports betting in Texas?
Since sports betting is not yet legal, the entity that is tasked with regulating it is to be determined – although the Texas Lottery is a possibility.
What can I bet on in Texas?
The only sport people in Texas can bet on is horse racing, which has parimutuel pools that function separately from other athletic wagering markets.
What can't I bet on in Texas?
It is illegal, as of right now, to bet on any sport other than horse racing in Texas.
Is DFS legal in Texas?
Sort of. FanDuel, DraftKings, and other daily fantasy sports providers operate in the state, although the Texas Legislature and courts have yet to issue a definitive ruling on the legality of DFS.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Texas?
It is legal to bet on horse racing in Texas. Live racing is held regularly at three tracks – Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Retime Park in Selma, and Sam Houston Race park in Houston – each of which also offers simulcast wagering on races elsewhere in North America. Texas does not allow for the same sort of bets to be placed online via account wagering, however.
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