Texas Sports Betting: Legal Status & Alternatives (October 2026)

Sports betting is not legal in Texas as of October 2026, and unlike the many states with legal sports betting, Texas has no licensed online or retail sportsbooks. Texans can trade on sports through CFTC-regulated prediction markets or use DFS and social sportsbook apps, but state lawmakers are reviewing prediction markets ahead of 2027.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

No. Sports betting is not legal in Texas, online or in person. No sportsbook holds a Texas license, so popular operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365 cannot take sports bets from anyone located in the state, including at tribal gaming facilities.

Gambling is generally prohibited under Texas law, and legalizing sports betting would take a constitutional amendment passed by two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature and then approved by voters. No sports betting proposal reached a floor vote in the 2025 legislative session. Because the Legislature meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, the next chance is the 2027 session.

If you travel, the rules of the state you are physically in apply. Neighboring Louisiana and Arkansas both have legal sports betting. See our overview of states where sports betting is legal.

Can I bet online in Texas?

Not with a sportsbook. There are no licensed online sportsbooks in Texas, so you can't bet on sports from a phone or computer while in the state. Texans can use prediction markets, DFS apps and social sportsbooks instead, as covered below.

What Betting Apps Work in Texas? 3 Alternatives to Sportsbooks

No sportsbook apps work in Texas, but three other types of apps accept Texas users. They are ranked below by how close they come to a traditional sportsbook.

Alternative #1 to Texas Betting Sites: Prediction Markets

Prediction markets are the closest thing to a sportsbook available to Texas users. They are exchanges where you buy and sell event contracts on outcomes, such as who wins a game. They are overseen federally by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), not by the state.

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How prediction markets work

• Each contract asks a Yes/No question, such as "Will the Cowboys win?"
• Prices run from $0.01 to $0.99 and reflect the market's estimated probability.
• A correct contract settles at $1; an incorrect one settles at $0.
• You can usually sell before the game ends to lock in a profit or cut a loss.
• Most platforms require users to be 18+, and some require 21+. Check each app's terms.

Example: you buy 100 Yes contracts at $0.55, for $55. If the outcome happens, they settle at $100, a $45 profit before fees.

Legal status in Texas

Prediction markets operate under CFTC oversight, but Texas lawmakers are taking a closer look.

• Legislative review: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick directed the Senate to study how federally regulated prediction markets relate to the state's gambling ban and to recommend protections ahead of the 2027 session.
• Senate hearing: In September 2026, the Senate State Affairs Committee held a hearing on the issue. The American Gaming Association urged Texas to sue prediction markets, and Kalshi testified in their defense.
• Attorney general: Attorney General Ken Paxton has not joined the multistate coalition of attorneys general challenging prediction markets.

Prediction markets remain available in Texas for now, but availability could change after the 2027 session or depending on how federal courts rule.

Prediction markets that accept Texas users

• Kalshi: a large CFTC-regulated exchange with sports, economics and news markets, including Texas-specific political markets.
• Polymarket: one of the world's largest prediction markets, with sports alongside politics, crypto and global news.
• FanDuel Predicts: FanDuel's prediction market, with a familiar sportsbook-style layout.
• DraftKings Predictions: DraftKings' prediction market, covering sports and other real-world events.
• Underdog Prediction: prediction contracts inside the Underdog app.

Compare every platform in our prediction markets hub.

Alternative #2 to Texas Sportsbooks: DFS & Pick'em Apps

Daily fantasy sports are widely available in Texas, but their legal status has been questioned. In 2016, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a nonbinding opinion concluding that paid DFS contests generally constitute illegal gambling under Texas law. The opinion didn't change the law, and major DFS operators continue to accept Texas users. Most require users to be 18+, but check each app's terms.

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DFS contest types

• Salary cap: build a full lineup under a salary budget and compete on total fantasy points.
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• Tournaments: large fields where a small share of entries wins bigger prizes.
• Pick'em: pick two or more players and predict whether each goes over or under a projected stat. Unlike a sportsbook prop, you need at least two picks.

DraftKings

DraftKings offers salary-cap fantasy contests and DraftKings Pick6 pick'em to Texas users. Its sportsbook is not available in the state.

FanDuel Picks

FanDuel Picks is FanDuel's pick'em-style fantasy product, where you choose player stat outcomes for cash prizes. It's separate from FanDuel's traditional salary-cap fantasy contests. FanDuel Sportsbook is not available in Texas.

Underdog Fantasy

Underdog is known for large best ball drafts and pick'em contests across major sports.

PrizePicks

PrizePicks lets you combine more-or-less predictions on player stats into one entry.

Sleeper

Sleeper is known for season-long fantasy leagues and offers pick'em contests with a beginner-friendly layout.

Betr

Betr is a pick'em app built around quick entries and social features.

ParlayPlay

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Alternative #3 to Texas Betting Apps: Social Sportsbooks (Sweepstakes Model)

Social sportsbooks are free-to-play apps that use virtual currency under sweepstakes rules rather than sports betting laws. Texas has not banned sweepstakes platforms, but their legal status isn't settled. The Legislature doesn't return until 2027, and the attorney general could act before then. Check each app's sweepstakes rules for Texas before you play.

"Social sportsbook" and "sweepstakes sportsbook" describe the same product. The board looks like a sportsbook, with spreads, moneylines and totals, but it runs on two virtual currencies:

• Free-play coins: for entertainment only, with no cash value.
• Sweepstakes currency: can be redeemed for prizes where allowed, and can be obtained without a purchase.

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How to Bet on Sports in Texas

Licensed sportsbooks aren't available in Texas, so most Texans who want a stake in sports use prediction markets. Here's how to get started:

1. Choose a CFTC-regulated prediction market that accepts Texas users.
2. Create an account and verify your identity.
3. Deposit with a bank account, debit card or another approved method.
4. Find sports contracts, such as game winners, spreads or totals.
5. Buy Yes or No contracts, and sell them before settlement if the price moves your way.
6. Withdraw your balance after your contracts settle.

To bet at a licensed sportsbook, you must be physically located in a legal state, such as Louisiana or Arkansas, when you place the bet.

Which Sportsbook Apps Could Launch If Texas Legalizes Sports Betting?

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance, backed by pro teams including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, along with national operators, has pushed lawmakers to legalize sports betting.

If lawmakers pass a constitutional amendment and voters approve it, the national operators below would be the likeliest to apply:

• DraftKings Sportsbook: already serves Texans through DraftKings Fantasy, Pick6 and Predictions.
• FanDuel Sportsbook: already serves Texans through FanDuel Picks and FanDuel Predicts.
• BetMGM Sportsbook: the online sportsbook of MGM Resorts.
• Caesars Sportsbook: the sportsbook from Caesars Entertainment.
• Fanatics Sportsbook: the sportsbook from the sports merchandise company.
• bet365: an international operator active in many U.S. states.

None of these sportsbooks can accept bets from Texas today.

Texas Sports Betting Laws & Legislative Timeline

Texas lawmakers have filed sports betting proposals in every regular session since 2019, and none has become law. Latest developments first:

• November 3, 2026 (upcoming): Texans elect a new attorney general. The seat is open after Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, and the result could shape how the state approaches prediction markets.
• September 2026: The Senate State Affairs Committee holds a hearing on prediction markets. The American Gaming Association urges the state to sue, and Kalshi testifies.
• September 2026: New Jersey asks the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether states or the CFTC regulate sports contracts on prediction markets. Texas was one of six states whose attorney general did not sign a 44-state letter challenging the CFTC's authority.
• 2026: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick directs senators to study prediction markets ahead of the 2027 session.
• June 2, 2025: The regular session ends. HJR 134 (sports betting) and HJR 137 (casinos and sports betting), both filed in February 2025, never received a committee vote.
• 2023: HB 1942 and a constitutional amendment for online sports betting pass the House, the resolution by 100–43. Lt. Gov. Patrick blocks both in the Senate.
• 2021: SB 736, SJR 39 and HB 2070 are filed; none advances past committee.
• May 14, 2018: In Murphy v. NCAA, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban on states authorizing sports betting.
• 2016: Attorney General Paxton issues a nonbinding opinion that paid DFS contests generally constitute illegal gambling.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Texas?

There is no timeline. The next legislative chance is the 2027 session, and any constitutional amendment that passes would still need voter approval at a statewide election. With Lt. Gov. Patrick controlling the Senate agenda and opposed to expanding gambling, legalization in 2027 remains unlikely.

Why Is Sports Betting Illegal in Texas?

The Texas constitution and Penal Code restrict most gambling, and legalizing sports betting requires an amendment that two-thirds of both chambers must approve before voters weigh in. The Texas Republican Party platform opposes expanding gambling, and the lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate, has refused to bring sports betting bills to a vote.

What Gambling Is Legal in Texas?

Most forms of gambling are prohibited in Texas, and illegal gambling is generally a Class C misdemeanor. A few forms are allowed.

Tribal gaming facilities in Texas

• Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, Eagle Pass
• Naskila Casino, Livingston
• Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, El Paso

These facilities offer electronic bingo-style games, not sports betting or traditional table games.

For sports alternatives, see the status table at the top of this page.

Texas Teams to Follow

Texas is home to some of the biggest franchises in American sports, and their games feature in prediction markets and DFS contests.

• NFL: Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans
• NBA: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs
• MLB: Texas Rangers, Houston Astros
• NHL: Dallas Stars
• MLS: FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Austin FC
• College: Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Baylor Bears, TCU Horned Frogs, Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs

Responsible Gambling in Texas

Whether you use prediction markets, DFS or social sportsbooks, set a budget before you start and never chase losses. If it stops being fun, step away. Free, confidential help is available 24/7:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Texas Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: meetings in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and other Texas cities
• Lineups responsible gambling guide