The Future of Texas Sports Betting: What You Need to Know
Texas, known for its passionate sports culture and love for football, remains one of the largest states in the U.S. without legalized sports betting. While many states have embraced the rise of online wagering, the Lone Star State continues to debate the future of sports betting in Texas. With billions of dollars in potential revenue at stake, many Texans are asking the same questions: When will sports betting be legal in Texas? and What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?
The Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in Texas
As of mid-2025, online sports betting in Texas is still not legal. Although momentum is growing, legislation has stalled in the Texas legislature due to political resistance and concerns about regulation. While neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas have already launched legal sports betting markets, Texas remains on the sidelines.
Despite the current restrictions, there is significant public interest. Polls show that a majority of Texans support legalizing sports gambling in Texas. Many believe that allowing legal sports betting in Texas could help fund public programs and boost the state’s economy, especially with the popularity of pro and college sports.
Current Status: Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
The short answer: No, not yet. Online sports betting in Texas is currently prohibited. This means there are no legal Texas betting apps or sportsbooks in Texas operating within state lines. However, some residents still access offshore platforms, though these are unregulated and lack consumer protections.
If you’re wondering is online sports betting legal in Texas, it's important to understand that any form of online sports gambling Texas currently falls into a legal gray area unless done through out-of-state services, which still carry risks.
The Push for Change: When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Texas?
Many lawmakers and business leaders are optimistic that Texas sports betting could be legalized within the next few years. Bills have been introduced in past legislative sessions aiming to regulate sports betting Texas texas sports betting and create a licensing framework for Texas sportsbooks. However, political opposition, particularly from conservative groups, has prevented them from moving forward.
The next legislative session in 2025 could be pivotal. Advocacy from professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Rockets, has increased pressure on lawmakers to act. If passed, a new law could make Texas online sports betting a reality as early as 2026.
Texas Betting Apps: What to Expect
Once legalized, Texas betting apps are expected to follow the models used in other states like New York, Arizona, and Ohio. Licensed operators will be required to partner with local casinos or professional sports franchises to offer sports betting apps legal in Texas. This means residents would be able to use platforms such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars through locally sanctioned agreements.
Until legalization happens, there are currently no sports betting apps Texas residents can use legally within the state. But once legislation passes, the launch of Texas online betting platforms will likely happen quickly, considering the high market demand.
Conclusion
The appetite for sports betting in Texas is growing rapidly. With more states launching successful online sportsbooks and generating tax revenue, the pressure is mounting for Texas to join the movement. While the question when will sports betting be legal in Texas remains unanswered, the signs point toward eventual legalization—possibly within the next two years.
Until then, Texans must remain patient. But with increasing support and economic incentives on the line, the future of Texas sports gambling looks promising. Keep an eye on legislative developments as lawmakers debate the path forward for legal sports betting Texas and the potential rollout of regulated Texas sportsbooks and betting apps.