Online Texas Casinos
Available Casino Games in Texas. In Texas there are several options for users to play online casino. Firstly, although the law of the Lone Star State prohibits local vendors establishing their own online platforms – residents across the entire country can access “off-shore” casinos. These are particularly handy if you live a long way from the tribal lands where fully licensed brick. Slots with progressive jackpots Germany is the only country where mobile phones are not the most commonly used device, who are trying to find vulnerability in the system of the software and get a rare advantage by interfering in the programming part as slot machine with low-grade software could well become the target of hacker.
Are you from Texas? Are you looking for a way to enjoy your favorite slots and table games without having to make the drive to one of the Lone Star State’s two in-person casinos? Do you want to play online casino games for money in Texas without having to leave the comfort and safety of your own home?
We have a solution to your problem! Using your smartphone or computer, you have the ability to access real money Texas online casinos where you can enjoy raking in hefty payouts and prizes! Below is a list of the top Texas online casinos available 24/7:
Online Casino | Bonus | Get Started | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site | |
| 2 | Betway | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 100% up to €400 | Go to Site | |
| 4 | PlayAmo Casino | 100% up to $1500 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
What Makes These The Top Texas Online Casinos?
You might wonder why these are the best Texas gambling sites. Well, as it so happens, we can back our claims up with solid evidence. All of the real money Texas casino sites listed on this page scored high ratings when measured against the following assessment criteria.
- Trustworthiness – These are the safest TX casinos online, period. Legitimate online gambling operators with track records going back for years run them.
- Bonuses – Each of these Texas gambling sites offer new players a welcome bonus. We’ve checked the small print to make sure they’re safe and fair.
- Security – All of these Texas casino sites operate on connections secured by Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. Your data will be safe here.
- Fairness – Not only are the operators of these Texas online casinos legit, but the game providers are, too. Any Texas casino apps we recommend runs verified fair games.
- Fast Payouts – There are lots of ways to make deposits and withdrawals securely, and you’ll get your money within 48 hours at these Texas casinos online.
Of course, all the Texas casinos online are different. They’re stronger and weaker than their competitors in different areas. Read our Texas online casino reviews linked below for detailed information on what each of these Texas gambling sites have to offer.
- Las Atlantis – #1 overall Texas casino site for 2021
- Super Slots – Huge $6,000 real money welcome bonus
- Wild Casino – Lots of live dealer online casino games
- Vegas Casino Online – Bitcoin accepted for fast payouts and NO withdrawal fees
- Bovada Casino – Trusted TX gambling site for sports betting, poker, or casino games
Texas might be a huge state in terms of land and cities, but it doesn’t matter where you live in the Lone Star State. These convenient and secure casino apps are easy to use and accessible in just seconds!
The beauty of Texas casino apps is that they are trustworthy and secure. They deliver fast payouts to players, and they can be counted on to run verified fair games. We put together a list of the best real money Texas casino sites that you can access and enjoy right now!
Key Facts About Real Money Online Gambling in Texas
- There are two brick and mortar casinos in this state. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass and Naskila Gaming in Livingston are both located on Native American reservations.
- In-person casinos added $418.9 million to the Texas economy and supports 3,111 jobs.
- Options outside the Lone Star State include three commercial casinos in Arkansas, Louisiana has 25, New Mexico has 32, and Oklahoma takes the cake with 142!
- Texas does not currently have the jurisdiction to regulate online Texas casino apps. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (2006) prohibits this, and legislation is forced to focus not on players but on operators and payment processors.
Online Gambling Laws in Texas
So, you might be asking yourself, “Is online gambling legal in Texas?”
Texas is not typically known for taking a liberal stance on any issue. This includes the legality of real money Texas online casinos and gambling apps. The hobby is not looked upon with favor by the state.
Section 47 of the Texas code contains the rules and regulations that have to do with gambling. It states that participating in any form of illegal gambling is a misdemeanor.
However, online play is never mentioned in theses passages referring to casino-style games and sports betting activities.
It is difficult to cite a single case of a Texas resident facing legal troubles for playing in Texas casinos online. Something to keep in mind is that Texas lawmakers currently have no real jurisdiction to punish those who are playing in online casinos or using Texas gambling apps.
Many of the most popular Texas casinos online are based in countries like Costa Rica and Panama. This means you’re free to gamble online in Texas!
The current political climate in the Lone Star State makes it impossible to legalize Texas online gambling in the foreseeable future despite the fact that the online gambling industry in the United States is experiencing record growth and increased traffic.
Will Online Casinos Become Regulated in Texas in the Future?
It doesn’t seem like full-fledged legalization of online casinos in Texas will be happening anytime soon.
Texas lawmakers and the state legislature have not made regulating the online casino industry a priority; in fact, they only meet up on odd-numbered years and have shown little to no interest in taking up a bill.
More and more states across the country are starting to regulate their online gambling industries. So, in theory, this means that Texas may do the same.
Newly Released Texas Mobile Gambling Apps
Many are frustrated at the lack of land-based casinos in Texas. As a result, online casino gambling is growing more popular here every single year. Many residents here have also recently begun playing through the different Texas casino apps currently operating.
Some notable advantages come with playing through Texas casino apps. The most obvious is the option to play online casino games in Texas from anywhere. Using just a phone, you can play a wide variety of real money casino games.
The lawmakers in Texas don’t necessarily support these mobile gambling platforms. With that being said, there are no laws in place that specifically claim Texas mobile casinos are prohibited.
Some even feel these TX casino apps could become state-regulated sometime in the near future.
Like desktop sites, all of the mobile casinos in Texas are different. Some are small and offer a limited number of games and promotions. Others are large and complex, providing a variety of slots, table games, and poker options. A few are even offering mobile sports betting apps!
Those that prefer to make wagers while on-the-go will love playing through mobile Texas casino apps. Feel free to check a few of them out today to see why they grow more popular every year.
We have been recommending these Texas online casinos and gambling apps for a while now. Time and time again, these established platforms have proven excellent.- They deliver excellent customer service.
- They run fair and safe games.
- They provide generous welcome and special bonuses.
- They allow their players to employ private payment methods.
- They are convenient, especially for Texas, as there are not too many live gambling options.
- They offer a wider variety of gaming options for their players.
Best Texas Online Casino Bonuses and Promotions
Las Atlantis Casino
As many of the other real money Texas casinos online we’ve recommended, this online gambling site is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players. All participants can also take advantage of additional special bonuses!
Super Slots Casino
Coming in strong, this online casino offers a welcome bonus of 300% up to $2,000! Returning players can also enjoy some cool reload bonuses!
Additional Bonuses:
- VIP Reload Bonus – 50% match bonus of up to $500 on deposits made every Sunday
- 5% Bitcoin Boost – Players using Bitcoin for their deposit are eligible to receive additional 5% boost on their deposits.
- Hump Day Bonus – 50% match bonus on all Wednesday deposits. Players depositing between $30 and $149 will receive a 25% match bonus up to $250. Players that fund their account with $150 or more can get a 50% match bonus up to $250. These bonus funds work for slots, table games, and video poker.
Red Dog Casino
There’s a hefty welcome package for its new users. They also offer a plethora of special bonuses to new and returning players alike.
New members receive a welcome bonus of 225% and players who deposit in BTC or through Neosurf get an extra 20% added! Standard deposit is $30 and bitcoin deposit for $20.
Additional Bonuses:
- Loyal players have a cool chance to redeem a special monthly bonus and there are no maximum payout at this casino! (Neosurf’s minimum deposit is $10, BTC’s is $20, InstantGiftCard’s is $25, and CC’s is $30).
- The 24/7 Bonus can appear on the casinos website at any moment and can reach upwards of 160%. The wagering requirements are 35x the deposit and bonus amount.
Below are some more real money Texas casino bonuses that can be found at the top Texas gambling sites and casino apps!
| Mobile Casino | Bonus Code | Offer Details | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | NEWWELCOME | 100% up to $1,000 | 30x |
| Ignition Casino | IGBITCOIN200 | 200% up to $2,000 | 25x |
| Red Dog Casino | WAGGINGTAILS | 225% up to $1,000 | 35x |
| El Royale | TRUEROYAL | 240% + 40 free spins | 30x |
| Las Atlantis | LASATLANTIS | 280% up to $1,000 | 30x |
Cash in on These Texas Online Casino Bonuses Right Now!
So, are you ready to take advantage of some awesome bonuses and special offers? Both Texas casino apps and online Texas gambling sites make the process easy and fun!
- Select any one of the real money Texas casinos online that we’ve recommended at the top of this page.
- Click the link and you will be taken directly to the online casino site.
- Create a free account! Don’t forget to type in your personal details.
- Once you have logged into your new account, find the bonuses and promotions page.
- Find the special offer that you want to claim and begin following the on-screen instructions.
- It is always wise to take a few moments and view the terms and conditions of the bonus or special offer before committing.
- Have a blast playing, and enjoy your free cash!
Real money Texas casino sites and casino apps for Texas residents deliver excellent customer service. For example, you might be a small-stakes player, but they will still honor payout requests when you win!
We live in an age where privacy seems to be waning as more and more of our lives can be shared and seen online. But there’s no need to worry! The online Texas casino apps we recommend give you the option to use private payment methods like BTC. This way you can avoid the hassle and risk of sharing your personal financial information.
These platforms accept Texas players who are out of state or traveling abroad. As mentioned above, Texas only has two full-service, in-person casinos and they are located on opposite ends of the state!
By using real money Texas casino apps, Texans now have access to games and slots they otherwise might not be able to enjoy due to distance and proximity to a brick and mortar outfit.
The Texas casinos online we recommend are known for running fair and safe games. The safest Texas online casinos are transparent and upfront about how their promotions work. You will not have to fret over fine print hidden in their terms and conditions.
The best Texas casino apps provide generous bonuses to all players! Be careful to review terms and conditions as some bonuses have “playthrough requirements,” which are essentially the number of times bonus dollars must be wagered before they can be withdrawn.
A common misunderstanding among newer players is the idea of winning your money and prizes and being able to immediately cash out!
Texas casinos online would not be viable under those conditions and could not continue to offer great deals and bonuses, so “playthrough requirements” are put into place as protection.
The good news is that this will not affect the money you deposited, but it will affect the bonus dollars awarded through promotions.
Requirements will differ from each of the Texas casinos online and not all games are eligible to clear playthrough requirements.
If you hail from Texas and love playing slots, there is good news for you! It will be the easiest way to clear playthrough requirements!
Land-Based Casinos Located in Texas
Real money Texas online casinos offer convenience, a variety of games, and excellent customer service, but this is not the only option in the Lone Star State. Now that you know where to gamble online in Texas, let’s talk about your in-person choices. Players can enjoy the benefits of in-person play at one of Texas’ brick and mortar casinos.
They say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” but that does not ring true for the number of land-based casinos in the Lone Star State. There are only two options, and both are located on Native American reservations.
Here’s where you can play in person in Texas:
- Naskila Gaming – Open 24/7 (540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351)
Opened in 2016, this is a newer establishment which offers over 800 gaming machines, including slots and electronic poker. Three restaurants and a VIP lounge for members round out the amenities.
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel – Open 24/7 (794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852)
This is Texas’ older land casino, established in 1996. Its hotel has 249 available rooms, as well as four restaurants, two bars, and a private poker room. Table games are not available at this location, but slots are huge here. There are 3,000 machines on the casino floor!
Land-Based Casinos vs. Gambling Online in Texas
Below is a chart showing which games are available at the best online casinos in Texas versus the casino games offered at the land-based casino, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle, in Eagle Pass, Texas:
| Game | Las Atlantis | Kickapoo Lucky Eagle |
| Blackjack | Yes | Yes |
| Baccarat | Yes | No |
| Caribbean Stud | Yes | No |
| Craps | Yes | Yes |
| Let ‘Em Ride | Yes | No |
| Pai Gow Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Red Dog | Yes | No |
| Roulette | Yes | Yes |
| Sic Bo | Yes | No |
| Slots | Yes | Yes |
| Three-Card Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Three-Card Rummy | Yes | No |
| Ultimate Texas Hold’em | Yes | Yes |
| War | Yes | No |
Other Forms of Texas Gambling Online
Texas Lottery
If you don’t want to play poker, but still want to gamble online in Texas, the Texas lottery is one of the best in the nation! The Lone Star State ranks fourth for sales of lottery tickets in the United States. Texas sold a whopping $6.25 billion in lottery tickets in 2019 alone!
| Rank | States | Lottery Sales in Billions |
| 1 | New York | 10.29 |
| 2 | California | 7.39 |
| 3 | Florida | 7.15 |
| 4 | Texas | 6.25 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 5.49 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 4.88 |
| 7 | Georgia | 4.78 |
| 8 | Ohio | 4.42 |
| 9 | Maryland | 3.96 |
| 10 | Michigan | 3.88 |
Texas Online Poker
Real money Texas online casinos are great in the way of convenience and safe gaming. But what if you’ve got a hankering for a hand of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or another classic form of real money poker?
You can enjoy a hand of poker at Naskila Gaming or Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, but the Lone Star State has many standalone poker rooms.
This allows certain areas accessibility to their favorite poker gaming if they are not in close vicinity to one of Texas’ land casinos.
| Poker Room | Address |
| Rounders Poker Room | 250 Cypruswood Dr, Spring, TX 77388 |
| House Club Poker Room and Lounge | 4801 S Business, Highway 281 Ediburg, TX 78539 |
| Mint Poker | 18313 Egret Bay Blvd A, Houston, TX 77058 |
| Texas Card House | 13376 Research Blvd Suite 605, Austin, TX 78750 |
| Texas Card House | 1411 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77373 |
| Texas Card House | 403 W Trenton Rd Suite 2b, Edinburg, TX 78539 |
| Tilt Poker Room | 10972 County Rd 140 #150, Flint, TX 75762 |
| Spades Poker House | 20798 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 |
| ACES Poker Room | 4416 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218 |
| BCS Poker Club | 3800 Frontage Rd Suite 120, College Station, TX 77845 |
| Shuffle 512 | 6501 South Congress Ave. #1-104 Austin, TX 78745 |
| Kings and Cards Poker Club | 9099 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063 |
| Abby J Cardhouse | 23535 IH-10 West, Suite 3002, San Antonio, TX 78257 |
| The River Poker Club | 19770, I-45, Spring, TX 77373 |
| Lions Poker Palace | 6134 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057 |
If gambling online in Texas is more convenient for you, who’s to say you can’t play poker online! Our experts have put together a list of the best Texas poker sites online so you never have to leave your house!
Sports Betting in Texas
In-person sports betting is not currently legal in Texas, but don’t let that stop you!
There are plenty of online options if you want to bet on sports in Texas! Below is a list of the safest, most reliable online bookies for Texas residents.
These are our top picks for real money Texas sports betting!
| Rank | Betting Site | Bonus | # of Sports Offered |
| 1 | MyBookie | 100% up to $1,000 | 27 |
| 2 | Bovada | 50% up to $250 | 33 |
| 3 | BetUS | 100% up to $2,500 | 21 |
| 4 | BetOnline | 50% up to $1,000 | 29 |
| 5 | BetNow | 100% up to $1,000 | 10 |
FAQs About Real Money Gambling Online inTexas
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Caribbean Stud
- Craps
- Let ‘Em Ride
- Pai Gow Poker
- Red Dog
- Roulette
- Sic Bo
- Slots
- Three-Card Poker
- Three-Card Rummy
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- War
With that said, something important to keep in mind is that real money Texas online casinos sometimes set limits on how much their players can win and also limit the amount that players can withdraw per week. Just make sure you research and read the terms and conditions so you can get the most bang for your buck when you gamble online in Texas.
With 27.5 million residents, Texas is America’s second most-populous state.
This means that the Lone Star State could make a fortune through gambling taxes.
But Texas doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity because they have
limited casino gaming and live poker.
Not surprisingly, Texas doesn’t have legal internet gambling either.
But offshore gaming sites still target their large market.
| Rank | DE Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Products | Get Started | |
| #1 | 280% Up To $14,000 |
| Visit Site | ||
| #2 | Super Slots | 300% Up To $6,000 |
| Visit Site | |
| #3 | 125% Up To $3,125 |
| Visit Site | ||
| #4 | MyBookie | 50% Up To $1,000 |
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| #5 | 100% Up To $1,000 |
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Online Gambling and Texas Law
Texas doesn’t address internet gambling in their criminal code. Furthermore,
they don’t mention the words “computer,” “internet,” or “online.”
But this doesn’t mean that internet gambling is legal here. In fact, the
state’s broad laws make it illegal for offshore gaming sites to operate within
their borders.
We’ll cover this and other important aspects of the state’s online gaming
stance below.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Texas?
Let’s begin with code 47.03 of the criminal code, which states that a person
“commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly does any of the following
acts:”
- Earns profits from a “gambling place.”
- Bookmaking.
- Earns profits from being “a custodian of anything of value bet or offered to be bet.”
- “Sells chances” on any game, contest, or political nomination.
- Sets up and runs a lottery.
The first-time charge for any of these offenses is a Class A misdemeanor,
which is a light punishment for illegal gambling operators.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Texas doesn’t allow any form of gaming beyond
what they’ve specifically approved. Internet gambling doesn’t fall under this
umbrella, therefore it’s technically illegal in the state.
Why do Gambling Sites Operate in Texas?
As just discussed, offshore gaming sites are not considered legal
in the Lone Star State, but they continue to
operate here for three main reasons:
- Texas doesn’t have a regulated iGaming market.
- Texas hasn’t taken legal action against offshore sites.
- The Texas Constitution doesn’t specifically make internet gambling illegal.
These three conditions are present in most states, which is why most of them
are served by offshore operators.
Even Louisiana, South Dakota, and Washington – which explicitly outlaw online
gambling – have problems with offshore sites.
This means that the threat of legal action is the biggest condition to
whether internet gambling sites serve a state.
Texas has never pursued legal action against offshore sites, and the status
quo is likely to continue for a while.
Will I be Arrested for Gambling Online in Texas?
It’s possible, but there’s almost no chance that you’ll be arrested.
Code 47.02 states a gambling offense occurs if somebody:
- “… makes a bet on the
partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a
participant in a game or contest.” - “… makes a bet on the
result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of
success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate.” - “… plays and bets for
money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any
other gambling device.”
Anybody who commits one of these offenses is subject to a Class C
misdemeanor. Exceptions are made for those who engage in social gambling and /
or are involved in a skill-based contest where everybody has the same chance.
Perhaps an argument can be made that online poker falls into this category
because it’s skill-based. But by and large, internet gambling is illegal in the
Lone Star State.
Nevertheless, they haven’t arrested anybody for playing online casino games
or placing sports bets. This gives us confidence that you won’t be arrested for
the activity.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a 2011 opinion that the
Wire Act – a
federal ban on certain types of gambling – only applies to sports betting.
Are Offshore Gaming Sites Safe?
This depends upon the specific site you’re dealing with. But for the most
part, offshore gambling sites are safe.
The risk comes when considering that offshore sites are based outside of the
U.S. This means that they’re neither licensed in America nor directly subject to
U.S. laws.
The matter can be scarier given that a small percentage of nefarious
operators have closed without repaying player deposits..
But here’s the thing: most offshore operators realize the value in repeat
business.
If they don’t have good customer service or process cashouts in a timely
manner, they’ll receive less repeat players. Long story short, you can have
confidence that most internet gambling sites will serve you well.
How Do I Pick the Best Gaming Sites?
To choose safe gaming sites, you should read reviews of any prospective site.
The more reviews you read, the better you’ll be able to make an informed
deposit.
Another thing you should do is visit the site directly and look for certain
aspects. Reviews are great, but it’s even more effective if you do research
yourself.
Here are some key points that you want to look for:
- Longevity and Reputation –
The longer a site is in business, the more likely it is that they properly serve
players. And when you combine this with a good reputation (via reviews), you
have a winning site. - Game Variety –
Everybody
loves a nice variety of games. This is why you want to visit a site and see if
they have the games / sports lines you want. - Banking Options –
If real
money iGaming is your goal, then you need to make sure that there’s a deposit
option you can use. - Customer Support –
This is
a key point covered in reviews. You can also visit directly and live-chat with
customer service to see how friendly and knowledgeable they are. - Bonuses & Promotions –
It’s
always exciting to earn cash on the side of your play. Check out the welcome
bonus and promotions at any site you’re interested in. - Bonus Terms & Conditions –
Click the terms and conditions underneath the welcome bonus to see what wagering
requirements must be met. The industry standard for online casino bonuses is 40x
rollover (or 20x bonus + deposit).
Also On This Page
Gambling Venues in Texas
The History of Gaming Laws in Texas
Texas Gambling FAQ
The Furture of Gambling in Texas
More Gambling Laws in Texas
- Casino Games (Class II Legal)
- Sports Betting (Illegal)
- Poker (Legal)
- Racing Betting (Legal)
- Lottery (Legal)
- Bingo (Legal)
- Charitable Gambling (Legal)
- Social Gambling (Legal)
Casinos: Legal
Texas only has two casinos spread throughout its vast 269,596 square miles.
This includes the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino and Aransas Queen cruise ship.
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle is located along the Mexican border and offers Class
II gaming. Class II machines are similar to regular slot machines, except that
results are determined by historic horse races or electronic bingo cards
(instead of random number generators).
The Aransas Queen is a huge yacht that began sailing out of Corpus Christi in
2015. They’re only allowed to offer gaming when in international waters.
It remains to be seen how successful the Aransas Queen will be. Texas has had
multiple gambling cruises that have failed over the years.
This includes the Le Mistral, the original gambling cruise ship that set sail
from Galveston in 1988; it went bankrupt in 1994.
Several other Texas gambling cruises have either gone bankrupt or moved to
different states seeking more profitability.
Charitable Gambling: Legal
Under the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act, Texas allows licensed charities to
offer bingo and raffles. Unfortunately, this means that casino nights and Texas
hold’em tournaments are out of the question.
Lottery: Legal
Legalized in 1992, the Texas Lottery sells a wide range of instant and
drawing games. Available games include: All or Nothing, Cash Five, Daily 4, Pick
3, Mega Millions, Powerball, Texas Triple Chance, and Texas Two Step.
Poker: Legal
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino has a small poker room. Other than this, the
only ways to play poker in Texas include offshore gaming sites and social games.
Racing: Legal
Texas is one of the few states that offers active horse and dog racing
tracks. They currently have four tracks operating in the state.
Social Gambling: Legal
Code 47.02 of the Texas criminal code includes exemptions for social gaming.
These include the following:
1 – “The actor engaged in gambling in a private place.”
2 – “No person received any economic benefit other than personal winnings.”
3 – “Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the
chances of winning were the same for all participants.”
As long as the host isn’t profiting from your social gambling function
through a house edge, food, or drinks, the game should be fine. Also, make sure
that no illegal firearms or drugs are on the premises.
Gambling Venues in Texas
As discussed before, Texas only has two casinos – the Aransas Queen cruise and
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle.
Lucky Eagle is by far the largest of these casinos, sporting over 3,300 Class
II gaming machines. But it’s also in the remote Lucky Pass area on the Mexican
border, making it difficult for many Texans to visit.
Aransas Queen has over 200 gaming machines and some table games. This mega
yacht must reach international waters before gambling commences.
In addition to two casinos, Texas also offers Class II pull tab machines at
parlors in the Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio areas.
These are electronic pull tab machines that look and play like slot machines.
One stipulation to these games is that individual payouts can’t be any larger
than $5.
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
794 Lucky Eagle Drive
Eagle Pass, TX 78852
History of Gambling in Texas
Dating back to when U.S. settlers arrived in Mexican Texas, the territory was
filled with brothels, saloons, and gambling halls. This continued long after
Texas became a state in 1845.
Professional gamblers like “Doc” Holliday and “Lottie Deno” Thompkins roamed
the plains of Texas in the mid and late 1800s.
The Lone Star State finally began cracking down on vices in the early 1900s.
Most gambling halls were banned and closed by 1917.
Texas didn’t officially legalize any gambling activities until 1933, when
they approved pari-mutuel betting. Just four years later, the state voted to
shut down pari-mutuel wagering.
The see sawing continued in 1987, when Texas legalized pari-mutuel gambling
for good.
The state also has a strange history with tribal casinos. With help from the
federal government, they shut down the Tigua Tribe’s Speaking Rock casino in
2002.
But the Kickapoo Casino has been in operation ever since 1996 because they
offer Class II gaming. Governor George W. Bush questioned the validity of this
casino, but the Kickapoo won a pre-emptive lawsuit against the state.
Texas also legalized casino cruise ships in 1988, but ships were originally
forced to visit a foreign port of call (Mexican villages) before docking in
Texas. This only lasted a year before Galveston officials got the port of call
portion repealed.
Despite their limited gambling, Texas has had activity on the iGaming
legislative front.
U.S. Rep. Joe Barton has introduced federal online poker legislation twice.
Texas also had two other iGaming bills introduced in 2013, but none of these
efforts came to fruition.
Texas Gambling FAQs
With no specific laws addressing internet gambling and a host of available
offshore sites, Texas iGaming is confusing to many gamblers.
Here are some FAQs we’ve received on the Lone Star State that can help clear
up the matter.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Texas?
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, daily fantasy sports (DFS)
aren’t legal. Here’s an excerpt from his
January
2016 letter:
“Because the outcomes of games in daily fantasy sports leagues depends
partially on chance, an individual’s payment of a fee to participate in such
activities is a bet. Accordingly, a court would likely determine that
participation in daily fantasy sports is illegal gambling.”
Online Texas Casinos Online
DraftKings, the industry’s largest site, has refused to take this ruling
lying down. They launched a lawsuit against Paxton and continue to operate in
the Lone Star State; FanDuel, however, exited Texas.
State Rep. Richard Raymond introduced legislation that would’ve classified
DFS as a skill based activity, but House Bill 1457 failed to gain any serious
attention.
When Will Texas Legalize Online Gambling?
It could be a decade or more.
Texas isn’t receptive of new forms of gambling. The casinos and gaming
parlors they have skirt state laws by offering Class II machines that operate
through loopholes.
With no commercial casino industry to lobby for internet gambling, it seems
unlikely that the activity will be available any time soon.
Strangely enough, though, Texas has had federal legislative efforts come out
of their state.
U.S. Representative Joe Barton (R-Tex.) proposed the Online Poker Act of
2011, which would’ve legalized online poker on a federal level. But HR-2366
didn’t get any significant attention in Congress.
In 2013, Barton introduced another legislative effort called the Poker
Freedom Act. This also sought to regulate internet poker on a federal level,
while leaving online casino games up to individual states.
The same year saw former State Senator Leticia van de Putte introduce State
Bill No. 1103. This legislation would’ve allowed states to opt in to federally
legalized internet poker.
None of Texas’ iGaming bills have gotten very far. But they do show that
state politicians at least consider the matter.
Looking at Texas today, though, we don’t see them regulating online gaming
for another 10 years.
Why Doesn’t Texas Bust Internet Gambling Sites?
Texas will bust an online gambling operation – they just haven’t shown the
willingness to cross seas to do it.
In 2013, state police raided a
$5 billion online sports betting operation in the North Texas area.
The eighteen-member ring accepted both online and in-person bets, making $200
million in profits from 2007 to 2011.
The main reason why this group was busted is because they operated on US
soil.
It’s an entirely different ballgame to pursue offshore gaming sites operating
in countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, and Panama. The only state
that has successfully done this is New York, which was backed by the U.S.
Department of Justice.
Because of their size, Texas has the resources to pursue offshore gambling
sites. But like most other American states, they view other things as more
important than chasing gambling sites.
Can I Gamble on my Smartphone or Tablet in Texas?
Gambling on your smartphone isn’t technically legal. But we don’t see you
ever being arrested for it.
Code 47.01 (4) states the following about illegal gambling devices:
“…means any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance not
excluded under Paragraph (B) that for a consideration affords the player an
opportunity to obtain anything of value, the award of which is determined solely
or partially by chance, even though accompanied by some skill, whether or not
the prize is automatically paid by the contrivance.”
This could include a smartphone or tablet if Texas felt like pursing mobile
gamblers. But they’ve never arrested anybody for internet gambling, and we don’t
see this changing anytime soon.
Additional Resources
Here’s information on Texas gaming agencies and where you can find the
state’s gambling laws.
This website features many laws related to Texas’ gambling industry.
This page covers multiple gambling-related FAQs with Texas State Attorney
General Ken Paxton.
This page offers a comprehensive look at laws for Texas bingo, general
gambling, lotteries, and racing.
The Texas Racing Commission website features information on the state’s dog
and horse racing industries.
The Future
Texas features most forms of gambling, although they’re very limited in the
casino, pari-mutuel, and poker categories.
The Lone Star State has been conservative on the gambling front ever since
the lawless 1800s. This means that they’re slow to adapt to new forms of gaming.
Online Texas Casinos Reopen
The same holds true for internet gambling because Texas hasn’t legalized
casino games, poker, or daily fantasy sports.
Online Texas Casinos Gambling
Surprisingly, Texas has had politicians try to legalize online poker on a
federal level. But these efforts have never earned a serious look.
Odds are that iGaming will never be legalized on a federal level until the
state has commercial casinos. This has been an absolute condition thus far in
regulated states like Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
Given that Texas has no immediate plans for casinos, this alone could take 5
to 10 years to happen. Then, we’re looking at a few more years until the Lone
Star State regulates internet gambling.
Online Texas Casinos Las Vegas
Until that happens, you’re free to enjoy offshore gaming sites, because Texas
ignores both operators and players.