- Even though online gambling in general is prohibited in Texas, there is an option for players. It is simply using an offshore casino that welcomes players from the US.
- At this time, online gambling is illegal in Texas. The Problem of Online Gambling There are several reasons that online gambling is illegal in Texas. Primarily, it is illegal because it violates Texas’ prohibitions on gambling.
- Is Internet Gambling Legal In Texas
- Is Online Gambling Illegal In Texas
- Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas
Texas is one of the largest states in the United States by both land mass and population, and many of its residents are interested in Texas online poker.One thing it's not known for though is its gambling despite a long and distinguished history of cowboys and outlaw behavior as well as the fact that the most popular version of poker, Texas Hold'em, gets its name directly from this state.
Gambling Laws in Texas: When and Where Texans Can Gamble
- June 14, 2017
- The Law Office of Greg Tsioros
- Comments Off on Gambling Laws in Texas: When and Where Texans Can Gamble
U.S. Gambling Overview
Americans have embraced gambling by for centuries. Before our country fought the Revolutionary War, settlers enjoyed European card games and participated in simple lotteries. As the country grew, gambling halls and saloons were gathering places. In the 20th century, local, state, and the federal government got involved. Some states sought to restrict gambling activities while others legalized gambling. Today, many states have brick and mortar casinos, sports betting outlets, lotteries, and race tracks.
Nevada (Las Vegas) was the first to legalize many types of gambling in 1931. New Jersey (Atlantic City) followed decades later in 1977. With the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, reservations throughout the U.S. were permitted to offer gambling and gaming to generate revenues. To complicate things a bit, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 limited sports wagering between the states.
Online gambling has caused the states to review their positions on online casino games, including video poker, baccarat, roulette, keno, blackjack, faro, slots, craps, etc. If you’re accused of a gaming or gambling crime, or another party has offered illegal gambling in Texas, contact an experienced criminal attorney now.
When and Where is Gambling Legal in Texas and Throughout the U.S.
Gambling is legal for those who are 21 years of age or older at Eagle Pass in Texas (Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino). People in Texas can also legally participate in the Texas Lottery or make pari-mutuel wagers on greyhound and horse racing. Raffles, charitable bingo, and pull-tab bets are also considered legal in Texas.
In comparison, some states allow 18-year-olds to gamble. Today, Alaska, Arkansas**, California (some locations), Connecticut***, Delaware (horse racing only), Florida**/***, Idaho, Indiana**, Louisiana**, Maine**, Maryland**, Minnesota**, New Mexico, New York (by casino), Ohio**, Oklahoma (by casino), Oregon***, Pennsylvania**, South Dakota ***, Washington** (some casinos), Wisconsin***, and Wyoming allow some gambling to 18-year-olds.
Is Internet Gambling Legal In Texas
**Pari-mutuel wagers only (short duration events, such as horse racing, jai alai, or greyhound racing, or any event with ranked order participation)
***Bingo only
All other states require gamblers to be at least 21 years of age. It’s impossible to get around the age requirement at brick and mortar casinos. If you attempt to gamble before you’re 21 years old, you may be arrested, incur fines, or have your money confiscated by law enforcement.
The point of confusion for many would-be gamblers concerns online gambling. For instance, there may be a difference in the age required by the site and the age required by Texas to gamble. If the site says you can gamble at age 18 but Texas state law requires you to be at least 21 years old, you must comply with Texas state law. Don’t risk jail time and fines for gambling or gaming arrests.
Texas Gambling Laws
Texas gambling laws are some of the strictest in the nation. For instance, Texas Hold ‘Em card game bets are illegal in Texas. Gamblers must be 21 years old. They may be on greyhound or horse racing, social gambling (like office pools), charitable raffles, and bingo. The law says that gambling on other games of chances is against the law in Texas.
Under Code Section PEN 47.01 et seq. and Civ. St. 179e, gambling, or agreeing to win or lose money or something of value based on chance, or keeping a casino (other than one casino on Indian lands) is prohibited. Promoting any form of gambling (other than pari-mutuel wagers), maintaining a place of gambling, communicating information about gambling, or owning gambling devices are illegal in Texas. For that reason:
• Card games, sports bets, and scratch tickets (other than those legally offered by the Texas Lottery) are illegal.
• Casinos, other than Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, are illegal in Texas. As a casino on native lands, the Lucky Eagle location is permitted.
• Social gambling, like bingo games, private card games, or charity auctions are allowed unless the organizer takes a portion of the proceeds. The law in Texas says that gambling may occur in a private place as long as the chance of losing and winning are evenly distributed.
• Slot machines with cash payouts are illegal in Texas. If the prizes are inexpensive and not cash items, such as a coffee pot, the law says it’s okay to play.
Slot Machines with Cash Payouts Are Illegal in Texas
According to a New York Times article, illegal slot machines are cropping up around Texas, especially in some Rio Grande Valley border towns. The problem has captured the attention of enforcement professionals of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It’s estimated that illegal slots machines generate approximately $1.9 billion per year (up to 150,000 illegal units).
Recognize that gambling at slot machines with cash payouts can mean arrest and legal consequences in Texas. If you or someone you know has been arrested for illegal gambling or gaming in Texas, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side. If you or a loved one has been exploited because of gambling addiction in Houston, Harris County, or throughout Texas, you need a professional attorney to assist in the recovery of your money now. Don’t go it alone. Call Greg Tsioros to discuss your matter now at 832-752-5972 now. We’re standing by 24/7 to take your call.
Legal online gambling in Texas and all the laws that are changing has caused quite a bit of confusion. As with most states, there is the frequent questioning of how existing gambling laws pertain to online gambling due not only to the lack of precedence, but also due to no law specifically banning online gambling. Texans who are aiming to gamble online will find that there are options available that do not technically violate the law. Rather than just showing you where you can gamble, this page is designed to show you that you are not likely to violate the laws by participating in these games.
NFL Betting In Texas
With a few NFL teams here in Texas, all the fans here know that a big moment is here for them as the NFL betting in Texas is one of the most profitibale times of the year. There will be exciting games every weekend including the Cowboys and the Texans which both are home teams for the state of Texas. Sportsbooks everywhere in Texas and online sportsbooks are still the best options for bettors who love NFL games. With all that being said, there are bonuses and great deposit options with these sites with many NFL games. Most of the time players have enough money to bet on any game they want so when the season begins, money will be made left and right.
Online Gambling Age For Texas Residents
As with many states, Texas has a list of various age requirements on different games. The state of Texas has made it so several age limits have to be followed. For starters, land-based casinos and poker rooms have age requirements of being 21. This goes for casino-based bingo and any sportsbooks that might open in the future, as well. The limited forms of gambling that can take place at 18 include charity bingo, the lottery, greyhound racing, and horse racing.
Of course, once you use an offshore online gambling site, you can enjoy all disciplines at 18 and older, including sports betting, casino gaming, poker playing, horse racing betting, and more. Local state gambling age laws do not apply to offshore casino sites operating over the Internet.
Texas Online Gambling Laws
In Texas, there are currently no laws that have specifically banned online gambling. This is why the state of affairs related to gambling is as confusing as it is - there is nothing that says you will be arrested for gambling online. While this does not guarantee that these games are technically legal, there has been no evidence that these games are actually illegal. If a law is written to change this, we will update our page to reflect any legislation that has changed. For now, however, Texas Statutes Title 10, Chapter 47 explains the current TX gambling laws.
Gambling Sites That Accept Texas Residents
If you decide that it is worth the theoretical risk to gamble online, you will find that there are many options that offer access to residents in the state of Texas. We have found that sports betting sites, casinos, poker rooms, and bingo halls alike can all be played in the state of Texas. With all of these options available, fun is guaranteed, as is your safety and security. The top gambling sites for TX residents include sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, 5Dimes, BetDSI, and BookMaker, as well as dedicated casino sites like Lucky Red, Slots.lv, AllStarSlots, Aladdin’s Gold, and several others.
Bovada: Offering The Widest Variety Of Online Casino Games
Bovada is one of the most known online betting sites out there. One thing that grabs a lot of bettors' attention is the casino that has on its site. This is where you feel like you are in an actual casino playing a lot of money and can collect and an extra paycheck. You have different options in this casino like slots, blackjack games and even live dealer games. Make sure you are of an age when you try to sign up as well. The age requirement is 18 and older. Once you are of age you can participate in any casino games you would like. The quicker you can join, the more money you can make. Go To Bovada!
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BetOnline: No One Treats Players As Well As They Do
They say everything is bigger in Texas. I think that’s definitely true for playing online gambling. I know I love to get scratch-offs and bet a few dollars on games, and sometimes it’s tough to find that one perfect site that has all the little things for players like me. If you’re like me and want to win more than just a little pocket change, I suggest you try BetOnline, the best overall gambling site in the Lone Star State. When you sign up for free at BetOnline, you can wager on games, play all kinds of real-cash card games, take on dozens of different table games, and even play some slots. You’re betting real money, on real odds, and winning real cash payouts.
Well, I know what you’re thinking, how do I get this real money? Well, first you’ve got to put some cash in to play with. At BetOnline, you can do this via a number of avenues, but the most popular deposit methods lately have been cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and DASH. Now, let me explain how you can cash out your winnings. BetOnline has the largest selection of payout types in the industry, however because of certain laws, transfers directly to credit cards are prohibited. Of course, BetOnline has numerous easy ways to get you your money, like checks, cash wire transfers, Bitcoin and crypto payouts, money orders, and many more. Texas residents who sign up for free today can get a 50% welcome bonus worth up to $1000 in free-plays! Go To BetOnline!
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Texas
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| Rank | Casino | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Ignition | ||
| 3 | 500% Up To $5,000 | Visit Slots.lv | ||
| 4 | 100% Up To $4,000 | Visit Cafe Casino | ||
| 5 | 200% Up To $2,000 | Visit SlotoCash | ||
| 6 | 200% Up To $1,000 | Visit Cherry Jackpot | ||
| 7 | 40% Up To $4,000 | Visit Lucky Red | ||
| 8 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Las Vegas USA | ||
| 9 | 150% Up To $3,000 Read Review | Visit Sun Palace | ||
| 10 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit CasinoMax | ||
| Rank | Sportsbook | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
| 1 | 50% Up To $250 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag | ||
| 3 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit SportsBetting.ag | ||
| 4 | 50% Up To $1000 | Visit MyBookie | ||
| 5 | 50% Up To $300 | Visit Xbet | ||
| Rank | Poker Room | Highlights | Rating | Visit Site |
| 1 | 100% Up To $500 Read Review | Visit Bovada | ||
| 2 | 100% Up To $1000 | Visit BetOnline.ag |
Online Casinos That Accept Texas Residents
Texas online casinos are available for players to hit the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheels, and draw the cards. Texans will find that online casinos have directly emulated land-based casinos, offering players a way to participate in the most popular games, just like they were in Las Vegas. We have documented many online casinos in order to help players find a way to participate. The top casinos are comprised of the sports betting sites and dedicated casino gaming sites listed above (Bovada, Lucky Red, etc.). All of these sites accept TX residents, and all of them offer membership rewards, attentive customer service, and guaranteed payouts. See all online casinos that accept USA players.
Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Texas Residents
Sports betting is not something that can be easily found via a land-based solution in the Lone Star State (though this could change in the near future as the Supreme Court overturn of PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, means that TX – like all other US states – may institute and regulate its own sports betting industry any time it pleases).
However, by visiting online sportsbooks, you will find that there are easy ways to win money betting on sports in TX. If you decide to bet on sports, you will see that the sportsbooks available offer many of the exact lines that can be found in sportsbooks in Las Vegas, as well as many other odds and lines that are even superior to those out west. Top sports betting websites serving Texas include Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and more. See all sports betting sites accepting USA players.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas
Online Poker Sites That Accept Texas Residents
None of the online poker rooms listed on this site carry bad reputations, as we have only offered our readers the chance to participate in the best of the best. With these poker rooms, we can guarantee you a fair shot at winning, as we have made sure that every site on our list offers only certified, fair-play-based, automated gambling software. These sites are periodically audited by industrial watchdogs, so you can rest assured that every amusement available is on the up and up.
The best online poker sites that accept TX residents are actually the sportsbook products already mentioned, sites like Bovada and BetOnline, for example. As a general rule, if you want live, real-dealer poker against other human competitors, you’ll need to go with a major sportsbook. If instead you’d rather play all kinds of themed video poker offerings, the more casino-based sites (Lucky Red, Aladdin’s Gold, etc.) are the way to go.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept Texas Players
Even if it is not the most popular form of gambling, bingo is something that is played nearly daily in rec centers and retirement homes. However, those environments are not appropriate for all bingo players, and you may not want to go gamble in a physical brick-and-mortar location in the first place. To that end, there are plenty of bingo halls that allow players to hit the cards over the Internet. While winning may require a fair bit of luck, there is a definite possibility that a substantial jackpot can be won through these digital bingo halls. The best bingo halls you’ll find are located on the Internet at 5Dimes and Downtown Bingo, with the latter being dedicated to bingo like no other site out there.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Texas?
Texas state law has no prohibitive measures when it comes to using the internet to gamble. The state defines gambling as risking something of value on an outcome based solely or partially on chance and prohibits anyone from facilitating the activity. But state laws only apply to state-based persons who would be offering these types of activities. Using an online, offshore gambling site allows residents to conveniently, safely, and most importantly, legally gamble online. Whether you’re using an online casino or poker room, betting on sports or playing some bingo, these sites fall outside of the purview of Texas state law, so you have nothing to worry about.
Are Online Casinos Legal In Texas?
As it turns out, it seems that online casinos are legal in Texas. Having browsed the state's statutes, we can tell you that there is no written mention of online casinos anywhere within the text. We have looked into both the criminal code and gaming regulations and we have found nothing that has led us to believe the games are not legal in the state.
Is Online Horse Racing Betting Legal In Texas?
Pari-mutuel wagering in Texas is legal at both online and land-based locations. Residents in Texas can easily log on to an online racebook and place bets on their favorite horses in races taking place across the country. We recommend online, offshore racebooks. These sites will be able to offer you lines on both domestic and international races, expanding the number of races you will be able to bet on during the season. The best racebooks, not surprisingly, are located at the top sportsbook services, with sites like Bovada and SportsBetting leading the way.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Texas?
There is nothing in the Texas legislature that has made it a crime for you to bet on sports over the Internet. Texans will find that there are many online sportsbooks, allowing players to wager on everything from baseball to football to hockey, with many other options in between.
Which Site Is Best For Betting On The Cowboys? The Texans?
There are several sports betting sites that advertise betting on NFL games, and all do provide it. That said, there are a few sites which are better than others. That matters because Texas residents take Cowboys and Texans games very seriously. Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth are two football-rabid cities with fanbases that live and die with their teams. We know football and football fans – after all, we have our allegiances, too. The two sites we recommend above all others for first-time bettors are Bovada and SportsBetting. Both sites have lines for Texans and Cowboys games for every week of the season, including props and future betting odds. In particular, Bovada has one of the best sites for live betting on NFL games, while Sportsbetting.ag has unlimited deposit bonuses along with a wide array of lines on games. Texas residents are welcome at both sites and have easy deposit/payout methods at their disposal.
Is Online Poker Legal In Texas?
Poker players can turn to the Internet in order to play their games, and you will find that many card rooms exist on the Internet. The ever famous Texas Hold 'Em is one option for play, though there are many others. If you decide to go with these poker rooms that accept Texas residents, you will find that there are only a few reliable and trustworthy sites available, but we have done what we can to show you the best. These include real-money, live-dealer, multiplayer poker at the top sportsbook sites (Bovada et al.) and themed video poker offerings at the more casino-oriented sites (Lucky Red, etc.).
Will I go to jail for online gambling in Texas?
We have never once heard of an arrest over online gambling in the state of Texas, and we doubt you will be the first. Since we have found that there are no laws making any form of online gambling explicitly illegal, you should not stress yourself over whether or not you will be indicted or brought to charges for gambling on the Internet.
Funding Your Legal Online Gambling Site
When funding your account at the legal online gambling site you’re using, there are a number of different options to choose from. No one option is better than the other, it’s just about what you’re most comfortable with. Using a credit or debit card is most common, as they are extremely easy to use.
Occasionally, however, credit and debit cards can get declined because of the federal law UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, 2006). This banking regulation allows for financial institutions to block card transactions when they suspect it is being used to fund online gambling. Online gambling sites that are legal are completely safe, but sometimes the government likes to stick its nose where it doesn’t belong. If your card is declined, however, it will often go through if you try again a bit later.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this inconvenience altogether. Using a prepaid card is the closest alternative to credit or debit cards. These cards are not processed by banks, so their deposits will never be declined. If you get one that is reloadable, you’re set to go. (Just make sure the gift card or prepaid card you choose allows for international purchases, as not all of them offer this feature.) Mailing in a check or money order is also a handy way of funding your gambling site. Or you can use the digital currencies Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, or DASH. These are convenient, safe banking methods that will not be declined and will fund your account in relatively short order. Bitcoin is definitely our personal preference when loading up our accounts or receiving payouts.
Mobile Texas Gambling Apps
With everything from simple games to banking and investment apps on our smartphones these days, it can only be expected that we would want our gambling sites to travel around in our pockets as well. Mobile Texas gambling sites generally don’t come in apps, but you will be able to find a number of gambling sites that have corresponding mobile sites. Designed to work with any operating system, these sites are browser-based. You can have an iPhone, Android, or still be rocking a Blackberry. As long as you have Internet access, you’ll have access to your favorite sites’ mobile betting interfaces. All of the sites recommended on this page have mobile gambling for Texas bettors.
FAQ’s
Does The Wire Act Make Sports Betting Illegal?
The Wire Act does not make sports betting illegal. The Wire Act (1961) prevents people from taking bets over a wire of communication. This law only applies to the person who is accepting the wager. Its main purpose was to limit bets from crossing state lines, in an effort to slow the spread of unlawful mob racketeering. It has no effect on online, offshore sportsbooks, as they are under the authority of the country they are based in.
How Can I Legally Bet On The 2017 Kentucky Derby?
You can legally bet on the Kentucky Derby in a number of different ways. Traveling to Churchill Downs to bet at the historic racecourse is always an option. But if you don’t want to travel to Kentucky, you can easily use a local simulcast facility or, better yet, an online racebook. These sites provide more lines than you would find at the track or at an OTB shop. You’ll find more exotic wagering options as well. Online racebooks are safe and legal for Texas residents to use. All the top TX offshore sportsbooks have racebooks as well, and they all have full coverage of the Triple Crown races and other races of all levels of national and international prominence.
What Currencies Can I Use To Fund My Account?
Most online gambling sites base their deposit and wager limits on US dollars. You can use whichever currency you’d like, however, to fund your account. Using something like Bitcoin or Litecoin, which are digital cryptocurrencies, is simple enough, as the book will convert the funds for you when you make a deposit. Funds will be converted back to their original form when you request your payout, based on the conversion rate available at the time of the payout. Because crypto carries high limits and virtually no added fees, it is our singular preference for all things banking at online Texas gambling sites.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Play At An Online Casino?
Each state has its own gambling ages to stick to and Texas is no exception. In this state, the legal gambling age is 21 for casino games. This applies to only land-based, in-state casinos (and, in the future, sportsbooks as well). However, if you use an online sportsbook or betting site that is located overseas, these regulations do not apply. Most Texas betting sites and offshore casinos merely require their customers to be 18 in order to sign up and play for real money.
Can I Play Poker With Other Players For Real Money?
Yes, you can play poker with other players for real money. Online poker rooms offer players the ability to play games on a trial basis without any real money, but once you make a deposit to your account, you can begin playing for real money. Most online poker rooms will have tables with varying limits, so all you have to do is choose the limit you’re comfortable with and begin to play your favorite games. All winnings from these games can be withdrawn whenever you like.