Sports betting is not legal in Texas.

Despite recent efforts by the state legislature to legalize sports betting with House Bill 1942, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick refused to allow the bill to be considered by the state’s Senate.

Patrick is vocally anti-gambling, and his stance has effectively ended hope for legalized sports betting until the next legislative session starts in 2025 — and even then, it’s unlikely.

Are Sports Betting Apps Legal in Texas?

The use of sports betting apps is also not legal in Texas. You could be prosecuted for using these apps to place bets. 

Several apps, including Bovada, sidestep state laws by operating outside the U.S. However, Texas Penal Code Section 47.02 prohibits betting on partial or final results of games or contests or the performance of an individual in a game or contest. 

Other apps try to bypass laws by offering non-cash winnings. However, state laws apply to anything with value.

Is it Legal for a Texan to Place a Bet in Another State?

It is legal for Texans to travel to another state where sports betting is legal and place bets. However, it is not legal to place a bet in another state if you’re physically in Texas.

Penalties for Placing Sports Bets in Texas

Gambling is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by a fine of up to $500. No jail time is involved. However, many cities and counties lack the resources to prosecute these cases.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the Rest of the U.S.?

Since 2018, no federal law has prohibited sports betting. Each state determines its own gambling laws.

Each state with legalized sports betting develops the regulatory framework, taxation rules, and restrictions (e.g., on betting on college sports). Individuals are responsible for learning and following those laws. 

As of 2024, over 30 states have legalized some form of sports betting, either through in-person sportsbooks, online platforms, or both.

Status of Sports Betting in Texas

The state constitution must be amended to legalize sports betting. 

In Texas, the legislature proposes constitutional amendments, which voters must then approve.  

Legalized sports betting is unlikely to appear on ballots as long as Patrick remains lieutenant governor. As the head of the Texas Senate, he has the authority to determine which bills receive consideration.

Despite this, efforts to legalize sports betting in the state have been gaining traction. During the 2023 legislative session, State Rep. Jeff Leach (a Republican from Allen, TX) wrote and introduced two bills, House Joint Resolution 102 and House Bill 1942. The bills proposed a constitutional amendment to legalize certain types of sports betting. 

Both bills required at least 98% of the net revenue from sports betting to be dedicated to property tax relief for Texas homeowners. 

State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, Texas, wrote the same legislation in the Texas Senate. Though both measures were referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee, no public hearings were held, and they were never considered.

Will Sports Betting be Legalized in Texas?

There is little to no potential for sports betting to be legalized in the Lone Star State as long as Patrick refuses to allow state senators to consider gambling bills.

For this to change, Patrick will either have to retire, lose a re-election campaign, or change his position – which is possible but not likely. 

Shortly after the state House passed the bill, Patrick’s office posted the following statement on X (formerly Twitter):

Texas is a red state. Yet the House vote on sports betting was carried by a Dem majority.

The Texas Senate doesn’t pass bills with GOP in the minority. The GOP majority guides our path.

Patrick has already said he plans to seek re-election when his term ends in 2026, meaning that, realistically, it could be 2031 before sports betting gets serious consideration. 

Support For Legalized Sports Betting In Texas

Polls have shown that Texas residents support legalized sports betting and gaming. 

A 2023 survey from the Hobby School of Public Affairs found that 75% of Texans supported the proposed gambling legislation.

A 2023 poll from BettingTX showed that 67% of Texans supported the legislature’s efforts to legalize sports betting.

And an April 2024 poll of 1,600 likely voters from the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation, 47% of Texans said they support legislation to legalize online sports gaming. About 56% said they supported legislation to allow destination resort casinos in the state.

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is a group composed of professional sports franchises and betting platforms to legalize and regulate sports betting. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is the organization’s spokesman. Members include:

• Jerry Jones: Dallas Cowboys owner
• Mark Cuban: Minority stakeholder of the Dallas Mavericks and owner of the town of Mustang, Texas
• Tilman Fertitta: The owner of the Houston Rockets (and the Golden Nugget casinos)
• Cal McNair: CEO of the Houston Texans
• Jim Crane: Houston Astros owner
• Ray Davis: Co-owner and managing partner of the Texas Rangers
• Jim McIngvale (Mattress Mack): Owner and operator of Gallery Furniture

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