Is sports betting legal in Texas? Here's what you can and can't wager on

It may seem impossible to overlook the high volume of advertisements targeting sports betting.

Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018, states have been allowed to decide whether they want to loosen their gaming laws.

As of now, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting. Does that include Texas? Here is what to know.

Is sports betting legal in Texas?

As of 2025, sports betting remains illegal in Texas, both online and in-person. Texas Penal Code 47.02 makes gambling a criminal offense in the state. The criminal offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

There were multiple legislative efforts aimed at changing this.

On Feb. 12, State Representative Sam Harless introduced House Joint Resolution 134 in the Texas House. HJR 134 has been proposed to amend Article III, §47 of the Texas Constitution, allowing the Texas Legislature to legalize and regulate sports betting under specific conditions.

The bill outlines that betting licenses could be granted to professional sports franchises, PGA Tour hosts, and Class I racetracks. To be eligible, these entities must have been in operation before January 2025. Additionally, approved license holders would be allowed to collaborate with management service providers to oversee betting operations.

Its current status is “Introduced-Dead”, meaning it did not pass the House State Affairs Committee in March. HJR134 could be reintroduced in 2027, when the next biennial special session begins.

Is mobile sports betting legal in Texas?

Mobile sports betting apps, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are not permitted to operate in Texas.

What sports can you wager on in Texas?

The only legal wagering options are horse and greyhound racing at licensed tracks.

Betting platform	Legal status
Mobile betting apps	Not legal
Offshore betting sites	According to Sportsbetting.legal, state and federal laws do not govern international betting sites. Thus, they can legally accept sports bets over the web from bettors in Texas.
Online sportsbooks	Not legal
Retail sportsbooks	Not legal
Greyhound race betting	Legal (Available at on-site licensed tracks only)
Horse race betting	Legal (Available at on-site licensed tracks only)

What is a gambling disorder?

Compulsive gambling is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your professional and personal life.

According to Yale Medicine, excessive gambling can drain finances, ruin personal and professional relationships, and harm the gambler’s mental health. Gambling disorder affects about 1% of Americans.

A gambler’s behavior isn’t just taking trips to a casino. With access to online poker matches, sports betting, and arguably daily fantasy sports leagues, these can contribute to the disorder.

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Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.