Texas Sports Betting Guide 2024

Has Texas legalized online sports betting? If you are not familiar with the gambling laws of the Lone Star State, this might probably be the first question that comes to mind when you see Texas mentioned in sports wagering conversations.

Or you may want to know if you can comfortably wager on the Mavericks or the Astros from the comfort of your home. Regardless of your reason, you are on the right page.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the state of sports betting in Texas. Learn about available betting platforms in the state and how to maximize your sports betting experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Discover if online sports betting is legal or not in Texas.
• Find out the best TX alternative sports betting sites.
• Learn about the most popular sports teams in Texas.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Texas?

No, Texas does not currently permit any form of legal sports betting under its constitution. Over the years, several bids have been made to legalize sports wagering in the jurisdiction, but all have failed. 

Interestingly, numerous entities in the state have shown support for sports wagering, including lawmakers, voters, and major sports teams. However, this backing has yet to translate into concrete legislative action.

The last big push was in 2023 when HB1942 passed in the House. However, the sports betting bill met stiff opposition from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and many conservative lawmakers in the Senate, which ultimately doomed its prospects for success.

Since the Texas legislative session occurs every two years, sports betting enthusiasts will have to wait until 2025 to regroup for another push. Until then, you can place your bets in neighboring states that allow online sports betting, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Our Alternative to Online Sportsbooks in Texas: Sweepstakes Bookmakers

Do you know that there is a legal way to experience the thrill of sports betting in Texas without the risks? Yes, sweepstakes bookmakers are the solution you need. Sweepstakes sportsbooks offer a unique alternative to a traditional online sportsbook. They allow you to make picks on various sports with sweeps coins and win real cash.

Here are two popular legal sweepstakes sportsbooks accepting users from Texas: Fliff and Rebet.

Fliff

Fliff offers a wide range of betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, props, and totals. It also enhances your experience with live betting features, allowing you to make real-time picks as the action unfolds.

Fliff operates using a dual-currency system, Fliff coin and Fliff cash. While Fliff coins can be used to enter free contests and games on the app, they have no monetary value. Fliff cash can, however, be redeemed for cash or prizes. According to Fliff’s terms, 1 Fliff cash equals $1.

Additionally, Fliff gives you various opportunities to earn its tokens, such as via welcome bonuses, daily login rewards, contests, and referrals.

Rebet

Rebet is another excellent alternative to consider when you get that sports betting itch in Texas. Its app offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily navigate and locate your favorite sports, games, and contests.

You can enjoy exclusive features like live betting, odds updates, customizable parlays, and game trackers. Rebet also has a long list of sports to choose from, including the North American big leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and even NCAA.

Furthermore, Rebet offers peer-to-peer wagering that lets you stake bets directly against other players. You can use the site’s “rebet” feature to re-post and duplicate another bettor’s wager on the platform.

Rebet also has two currencies: Rebet coins and Rebet cash. While the former can only be used to enter contests on the app, you can redeem Rebet cash and withdraw it as real money. 

How to Bet on Sports in Texas?

We can’t wait for Texas to launch its sports betting market so that we can furnish you with a step-by-step guide on how to start wagering in the state. Until then, here is how to wager at a sweepstakes bookie in Texas.

• Sign up: Register for an account at a reputable sweepstakes sportsbook like Fliff or Rebet.
• Get Sweeps Coins: Upon successful registration, the sweepstakes site will offer you a specific number of no-deposit sweeps coins as a welcome bonus. You can also purchase a sweeps coins package and receive a deposit welcome bonus with more offers. 
• Enter Contests: You can now use the sweeps coins you receive to enter contests on the platform. Select from various contests like fantasy sports games, predictive games, pick’em contests and more.
• Redeem Cash: As you win contests or get successful with your predictions, the sweepstakes will reward you with cash prizes. Once you meet the minimum withdrawal threshold, you can request a cash withdrawal through the various payment methods on the platform. For instance, Fliff has a minimum withdrawal limit of 50 Fliff Cash ($50). The minimum redemption at Rebet is $20.

Popular Sports and Teams in the Texas Betting Scene

Although it has no betting market, Texas has a thriving sports sector. Currently home to some popular teams in the Big Four leagues and the NCAA, the state is known for its passionate sports fans and rich athletic history.

Here are some popular sports and teams in the Lone Star State:

Sports	Team	League	Team Description
Football	Dallas Cowboys	NFL	Ranked as the most valuable NFL franchise, the Cowboys have over 8 million fans globally.
Football	Houston Texans	NFL	Established in 2002, the Texans recorded an average home attendance of 71,193 spectators in 2023.
Basketball	Dallas Mavericks	NBA	Led by owner Mark Cuban, the Mavericks won the NBA championship in 2011.
Basketball	Houston Rockets	NBA	The Mavericks’s close rival, the Rockets, also have a strong following in Texas.
Basketball	San Antonio Spurs	NBA	Based in San Antonio, the Spurs are the 8th most popular NBA team on social media, with 14.6 million+ followers across several platforms.
Baseball	Houston Astros	MLB	The Astros rank 11th on the Forbes list of the most valuable franchises in the MLB.
Baseball	Texas Rangers	MLB	The Rangers have a dedicated fanbase that stretches across the state and are usually packed into Globe Life Field for their home games.
Hockey	Dallas Stars	NHL	The Stars have a strong following in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro complex and are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NHL.
Soccer	Houston Dynamo	MLS	Dynamo, Dynamo, He’s Our Man! More than 17,000 fans usually chant this phrase when the Dynamos play at their home stadium, PNC.
Soccer	FC Dallas	MLS	Established in 1996, FC Dallas has won 1 MLS Cup (1996), two US Open Cups (1997, 2016), and one Supporters’ Shield (2016).
Soccer	Austin FC	MLS	Austin FC began playing in 2021 and have started to make a name for themselves in Texas.
(College) Football Basketball	University of Texas Longhorns	NCAA Division 1 (SEC)	The Longhorns, particularly their football program, consistently top rankings and boast a loyal fan base in Texas.
Football Basketball	Texas A&M University Aggies	NCAA Division 1	More than 22% of Texans identify as Aggie fans because of the team’s winning traditions.

The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting

Texas hosts one of the largest sports markets in the United States. With its influential network of local sports teams, the Texas sports betting market, when legalized, will no doubt become a powerhouse in the industry.

The state’s massive fan base, fueled by the eight Big 4 league sports teams, will drive significant revenue and engagement. Only a few states, like New York, Nevada, California, and Illinois, will be able to rival the Lone Star State in terms of sports betting handle and revenue.

Texas’ sports teams and organizations also actively support and push for the legalization of mobile sports betting in the state. In 2021, they formed the Texas Sports Betting Alliance to achieve this goal. Their efforts culminated in significant contributions to the sports betting bill introduced in the Texas Legislature in 2023.

Upcoming Events

The Lone Star State hosts various sports events that draw fans from across the nation. So whether you want to visit the AT&T Stadium or the Globe Life Field or want to watch the live action of the Spurs and Mavericks on your home screens, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of the latest upcoming sports events in Texas.

Are There More Gambling Options in Texas?

While Texas has a strict legal restriction on most gambling activities in the state, it permits a few exceptions, including:

• Lottery: You can purchase tickets online or at authorized retail locations for popular games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto Texas, Daily 3, Daily 4, and more.
• Tribal Casinos: Texas has three tribal casinos operating in Native American reservations. They include the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso. These gambling establishments offer Class II gaming titles like bingo-type slot machines and non-banked card games.
• Casino Cruises: Several luxury cruise liners depart daily from Galveston and venture into international waters where gambling is legal. On these voyages, you can play games like blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette.
• Horse and Greyhound Dog Parimutuel betting: You can place bets on live horse and greyhound racing events at select racing tracks in Texas, including the Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, Valley Race Park in Harlingen, and the Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. 

Maximizing Your Bets

To maximize your sports betting winnings and reduce losses, you need a well-crafted betting strategy. Follow these expert tips below.

Tips and Strategies for Texas Bettors

While luck plays a role in sports betting, having a solid plan can help you make informed decisions and significantly improve your chances of winning. A well-rounded betting strategy should include:

Proper Bankroll Management

Proper bankroll management requires setting a dedicated budget for your sports betting activity, and it can go a long way in making your wagering experience stress-free. The bankroll you allocate should be an amount you can afford to lose.

Your wagering budget should also include the percentage of your bankroll you will stake on each bet. Once your capital is exhausted, consider taking a break or re-evaluating your strategy. However, do not ever chase your losses, as this can lead to desperate betting and further financial strain.

Understand how Odds Work

Odds are like the language of sports betting. You need to understand it before placing any type of bet. Sports betting odds reflect the potential payout based on the likelihood of a specific outcome.

So, if you see an event featuring really high odds, it means the bookie considers the outcome unlikely or a long shot. While there are usually upsets and surprises, most times, the bookie is usually right.

You should also understand the reasons why odds fluctuate, which is usually based on the amount of money wagered or a change in the circumstances of the event. For instance, if a star player suffers an injury, the odds for their team to win may reduce. 

Research

Regard sports betting as an investment and research. Just like a savvy investor would thoroughly analyze market trends before investing, you need to be informed about several factors that can impact an event’s outcome. These include team performance, player injuries, head-to-head records and other statistics.

You don’t have to spend all your time researching. Just ensure that the decision behind every wager you make is based on logic and analysis and not emotions, fandom, or gut feelings.

Understanding Taxes and Payouts

According to the IRS, gambling winnings are fully taxable, and you must report the income on your tax return.” Gambling winnings include but are not limited to lotteries, raffles, horse and dog races, and, yes, sports betting.

So, how do taxes work on sports betting earnings?

• The IRS states that net sports betting winnings are subject to taxation if the payout is $600 or more, or 300x your original wager. The sportsbook will issue you a tax form W-2G, and you will need to include the income on your tax return.
• However, if your winnings are more than $5,000, the sportsbook will withhold at least 24% of the payout before paying you.

Even if you don’t receive a W-2G, you may still be required to report your sports betting winnings. That’s why it’s essential to keep accurate records of your wins and losses while betting. 

So, Will You Bet from Texas Tonight?

Sports betting is currently not legal in Texas. Many stakeholders, including bettors, sportsbooks, and sports bodies, eagerly anticipate the launch of sports betting in the state because of the vast potential market and revenue opportunities.

However, since the last bid to legalize the activity failed in 2023, bettors have no option but to wait until 2025 when the legislature reconvenes. 

Meanwhile, you can visit legal online betting states near Texas to place online wagers like Louisiana and Arkansas. You can also play at alternative sweepstakes sportsbooks like Fliff and Rebet.

Curious about Arizona’s sports betting laws? Read all about it now.