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Sports betting in Texas is still not legal as of 2025. Despite growing public interest and multiple attempts by lawmakers to bring it to the state, both online and in-person sports betting remain banned. While many states across the U.S. have already embraced legal sports wagering, Texas has not yet taken that step.
The Current Legal Situation
Under current Texas law, all forms of sports betting are prohibited. To legalize it, the state constitution would need to be amended. This means a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate, followed by approval from voters in a statewide referendum. Because of these strict rules, passing any new gambling law in Texas is very difficult.
In 2025, several sports betting bills were introduced, but none passed. Many of them aimed to allow both online and retail betting if voters agreed through a referendum. However, opposition in the Texas Senate, particularly from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, prevented the bills from moving forward.
The next possible chance for lawmakers to revisit this issue will be in 2027. Still, many experts believe Texas will eventually legalize sports betting due to its large population and the massive potential tax revenue it could generate.
Why Texas Still Says “No”
Texas has always been cautious about expanding gambling. While the state allows a lottery and some charitable gaming, it has not shown much interest in approving casinos or betting on sports.
Several reasons explain this:
- Political resistance: Many conservative lawmakers view gambling as harmful or unnecessary.
- Social concerns: Opponents often point to the risk of addiction and the possible negative impact on families.
- Cultural factors: Texas traditionally leans conservative, and changing gambling laws has never been easy.
Still, as neighboring states like Louisiana and Arkansas have legalized sports betting, Texas faces increasing pressure to reconsider. Many residents travel out of state to place bets, which means the state is losing potential tax revenue.
Legislative Efforts and Challenges
In recent years, bills related to sports betting have been introduced during almost every legislative session. The 2025 session saw another strong push, but once again, the Senate rejected it. Dan Patrick has repeatedly said he will not allow any sports betting bill to move forward under his leadership, citing moral and social reasons.
However, public opinion is slowly shifting. Surveys show that a growing number of Texans support legalization. Many believe that sports betting could bring in new jobs, generate millions in tax revenue, and boost tourism.
Legal Alternatives for Texans
While sports betting remains illegal, there are still some legal ways for Texans to enjoy a similar experience:
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS):
Platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks operate in Texas. DFS contests are considered games of skill, not chance, so they are not banned under current gambling laws. Players can create fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes in sports like football, basketball, and baseball. - Horse Racing:
Texas allows pari-mutuel betting on horse racing at licensed racetracks. While it’s not the same as sports betting, it’s one of the few legal gambling options in the state. - Neighboring States:
Many Texans travel to nearby states like Louisiana or Oklahoma to legally place sports bets. But geolocation restrictions prevent them from betting once they return home.
Also Read: Georgia Sports Betting Legal Status 2025: Still Illegal
