Texas

Between the size of the state and the amount of sports influence present, Texas could possess one of the biggest sports betting scenes in the country. Unfortunately, sports betting will remain illegal in the state until at least 2025, as the Lone Star State remains unable to get a bill over the finish line.

There are two main options when it comes to gambling or sports-related contests. The first is daily fantasy sports applications, which are available to download and use in the state. While they are unregulated, these apps are the closest residents of Texas will get to “having action” on a specific player or game. Some available operators include Prize Picks and Underdog Fantasy.

Outside of DFS apps, the only gambling-related activity residents can participate in is betting on horse racing, but only in-person, as online wagering is illegal. There are a few racetracks throughout the state, some of which offer a simulcast, allowing residents to bet on horse racing year-round.

Betting on armadillo races – Texas’ favorite oddball event potential of becoming a gambling market

Armadillo racing has been a cherished, quirky tradition in Texas, showcasing these armored creatures scrambling down tracks to the delight of enthusiastic crowds. But could this unusual pastime develop into a legitimate betting market? With legalized sports gambling expanding across the U.S., one would imagine that armadillo races might be a nice market to launch if a sports betting bill ever gets over the finish line in TX. 

Currently, most armadillo races take place at fairs, festivals, and rodeo events, where contestants often “nudge” their reluctant racers toward the finish line. While entertaining, the unpredictable nature of these animals, along with the ethical concerns, raises questions about the reality of regulated wagering. Nonetheless, with the right oversight—such as standardized tracks, electronic timing, and even live-streamed races—Texas could one day transform this pastime into a full-fledged betting market.

Online sports betting in The Lone Star State

There are a little over 29 million people who live in Texas, and none of them have the option to download a licensed sports betting app. Despite being one of the biggest states in the country in terms of population, the Lone Star State has been unable to pass a sports betting bill.

This is not to say lawmakers haven’t tried. In fact, since the overturning of PASPA in 2018, there have been close to ten sports betting bills proposed during the state's legislative sessions. One of the toughest aspects when it comes to getting a bill of this magnitude passed in Texas is that they only have legislative sessions every other year, which means bills have only been able to be proposed in 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2023.

In 2023, one bill and resolution surrounding sports betting were proposed during the state’s legislative session. Many professional sports teams in the state supported HB 1942, as multiple teams have already partnered with brand-name sportsbook operators as sponsors. Outside of that bill, lawmakers also introduced HJR 102, which would have put the sports betting issue on the ballot for voters in November 2023.

This bill and resolution were greatly supported by the House, but like usual, these proposals ran into problems with the Senate. No matter how much support these bills have, as long as conservative lawmakers in the state oppose sports betting, it will continue to be an uphill battle.

Residents of Texas will have to wait until 2025 for the matter to be discussed again. With deals already being made between pro teams and operators without any legislation, it’s safe to assume that whenever sports betting is legalized in The Lone Star State, online operators will rush to obtain a license.

Sports betting & gambling legislation in TX

As much as it would be nice to tell Texas residents to remain optimistic, it is difficult to do so with such strong opposition against sports betting and a few other gambling markets. Two of the biggest driving forces in keeping sports betting out of the Lone Star State are Rep. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick, who were both reelected into their positions in 2022.

In 2023, Lt. Gov. Patrick stopped HJR 102 from reaching a vote in the Senate, using his power as the Senate president to do so. Patrick also did not allow HB 1942 to reach the Senate floor. As long as Rep. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick, or at least like-minded individuals, hold power in the Senate, it will not only be difficult for sports betting to see the light of day but other gambling markets as well, like iGaming or online poker.

Ranch rodeo betting: A unique opportunity for Texas sportsbooks

Texas has some of the most authentic ranch rodeo competitions in the country, where cowboys showcase real-life ranching skills like calf branding, cattle sorting, and bronco riding. But could these high-energy events go beyond just a fun evening event and venture into the gambling world? 

If sports betting were to ever be legalized, sportsbooks could introduce wagering on individual events, such as which team sorts cattle the fastest or which bronc rider lasts the longest. Rodeo betting could also bring in a new group of rural bettors, expanding sports gambling beyond the state favorite, football.

With Texas’ rodeo culture already generating millions in tourism and event revenue, integrating ranch rodeo betting could further boost the state’s economy. By embracing its Western heritage, Texas could pioneer a brand-new betting market rooted in tradition. As exciting as this idea is, it cannot be brought to life until a sports betting bill is passed in Texas, which, as we’ve learned from the past, could take a while.

Most recent updates from the TX sports betting & gambling scene

• April 14, 2025: The Dallas Mavericks have snuck into the NBA Play-In Tournament and will play the Sacramento Kings. The Mavs are (+700) to make the actual playoffs.

• April 7, 2025: With a shocking comeback win over Duke, the Houston Cougars will play Florida in the National Championship. The Cougars are (+1) underdogs on DraftKings.

• April 4, 2025: Heading into Final Four weekend, the Houston Cougars are (+5.5) point underdogs to Duke, and (+425) to win the National Championship.

• March 10, 2025: The SEC Tournament field is set, and Texas A&M is (+2500) to win the title, while Texas is (+25,000).

• March 7, 2025: The Dallas Stars have acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Hurricanes in the exchange for Logan Stankoven and draft picks. Dallas is now (+700) to win the Stanley Cup.

• March 5, 2025: As postseason basketball gets underway, the Houston Cougars are (+150) to reach the Final Four and (+800) to win the National Championship.

• February 25, 2025: After a loss to South Carolina, the Texas Longhorns are (-160) to make the NCAA Tournament.

• February 21, 2025: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season with a blood clot in his shoulder. The Spurs are (+1600) to make the postseason.

• February 5, 2025: Texans overwhelmingly favor resort casinos, with 73% backing legalization, according to a University of Houston survey. While gambling garners bipartisan support, online sports betting remains more divisive at 60% approval.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Not only is sports betting illegal in Texas, but so is commercial casino gambling. This makes the lone gambling options tribal casinos, and currently, there are two tribal facilities in the state. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe operates the lone full-scale casino in the state, but the location is about as far south in the state as one can go without crossing the border over to Mexico.

The only other gambling facility in the state is an electronic bingo parlor. This facility is run by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. More tribal communities have been pushing for an opportunity to run their own legal gambling facility, but that issue remains a battle with the state’s government.

Guadalupe River Drift Races: Wagering on Tubing Outcomes in Texas

There aren’t many ways to beat the Texas heat better than tubing down the Guadalupe River. However, occasionally, slow-paced activity could get a jolt of more excitement with betting. Groups of friends and family could enter casual “drift races,” and spectators could place bets on who will make it to the exit point first. With staggered launch times, designated checkpoints, and GPS tracking, these novelty bets could turn summer float events into betting showdowns.

Betting categories could be a bevy of things, opening the door to more than just a one-trick market. With the right tech, even distance, speed, and pit stop times could factor into the odds. A micro-wagering market like this would not only engage locals and tourists alike but also generate revenue for river outfitters and, potentially, the state, if betting in the state is legalized, of course.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Of the four surrounding states that Texas has, Oklahoma is the only one that does not have an active sports betting bill. Both Louisiana and Arkansas feature strong sports betting markets, and while New Mexico only has sports betting in tribal casinos, it is still more than what Texas has to offer.

We have full breakdowns of all of these states and what they do and don’t have to offer, and those can easily be accessed by clicking on their name in the box down below.

From fiction to fortune: Gamifying Texas Folk Festival liar’s contests

In the heart of Texas folklore culture, “liar’s contests” are more than just competitive storytelling; they’re a unique form of art. At folk festivals from Luckenbach to Waxahachie, local legends take the stage to spin the tallest, most creative tales imaginable. But what if this age-old tradition spun its way into a modern novelty betting market?

With contests often judged by designated panels, wagers could be placed on “Most Believable Fiction,” “Funniest Tale,” or more. Festival-integrated betting kiosks could track real-time predictions, adding a gamified layer to these events. Of course, this is barring the state makes progress on a gambling bill and gets one over the finish line.

If Texas legalized cultural-based novelty betting, even 0.05% of the state’s estimated potential of $8+ billion sports betting handle directed at these storytelling events could yield $4 million in new wagers. At a 10% tax rate, that’s $400,000 in fresh revenue. Even if the figures are smaller than these estimates, the ability to draw in bettors who are not interested in sports is a great way to diversify a potential betting portfolio.

What’s next for TX betting apps?

A decision to legalize sports betting in Texas certainly won’t magically happen, and there is no chance of it happening in 2025 due to how the state’s legislative process works. However, the slight positive is that it gives lawmakers more time to solidify a sports betting bill proposal and garner more big supporters to back the bill.

The closest Texas ever got to getting a bill passed was in 2023, which should lend some optimism for the future.

There have been some positives around the situation lately, and according to the reports, Texas lawmakers are expected to ponder the legalization of gambling in the Lone Star State sometime in 2025. However, these legal updates would only allow casino resorts to operate in the state, so legalizing mobile or online sports betting is still far away in TX.

Potential sports betting revenue impact on Texas’ economy

No revenue-based statistics for sports betting are available for the Lone Star State. It shouldn't be a surprise, but the longer Texas has to wait to get a sports betting bill passed, the more potential revenue it is losing. According to a study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, Texas is losing out on nearly $300 million in tax revenue annually, assuming the tax rate would be 10%.

Additionally, another study showed that residents of Texas gamble an average of $5 billion a year in either Las Vegas or surrounding states with legalized sports betting. Numbers like this alone stand as key arguments for sports betting supporters in the state. Texas is clearly losing significant amounts of money to neighboring states with sports betting legislation.

Texas is truly sitting on a gold mine, and they refuse to explore it. Based on population alone, Texas would be the largest state with legalized sports betting if it decided to legalize it. Currently, New York is the biggest state in the country with a full sports betting scene. Since legalizing sports betting, NY has made over $56 billion in handle and $5 billion in revenue, which has filled the state's coffers with more than $2.5 billion in paid taxes.