The Future of Sports Betting in Texas: Where It Stands in 2025
The landscape of sports betting in Texas is evolving, though the state has yet to fully legalize and launch a regulated market. As of 2025, residents continue to ask questions like “Is online sports betting legal in Texas?” and “When will sports betting be legal in Texas?” The answers are complex, rooted in Texas’s conservative approach to gambling and the political hurdles involved in reforming existing laws.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
Currently, sports betting in Texas—both retail and online—is not yet legal. Despite strong interest from lawmakers, sports leagues, and major sportsbook operators, Texas has not passed legislation to permit legal sports betting. The state’s constitution requires voter approval for such expansions, meaning any efforts must survive both legislative and public scrutiny.
Growing Demand for Online Betting in Texas
Texans are passionate about their sports—from high school football to the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. This enthusiasm fuels demand for Texas online sports betting options, even though residents currently lack access to state-regulated platforms. The question of “Is online sports betting legal in Texas?” often arises because of the popularity of national brands and the ease of access to sports betting apps in neighboring states.
What Sports Betting Apps Are Legal in Texas?
In simple terms, there are no sports betting apps legal in Texas right now. While platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are legal in other states, they are not authorized to operate in Texas. That said, some Texans use offshore sportsbooks or travel to nearby states with legalized betting, such as Louisiana or Arkansas, to place wagers.
The lack of Texas sportsbooks doesn’t mean there's no interest. On the contrary, operators are prepared to launch Texas betting apps the moment legislation is passed. These would offer seamless access to betting markets, promotions, and features tailored for Texas sports fans.
Efforts to Legalize Sports Gambling in Texas
There have been multiple efforts to legalize sports gambling in Texas, especially after the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting in 2018. Several bills have been introduced in the Texas Legislature, aiming to establish a framework for legal sports betting in Texas through mobile apps and licensed sportsbooks in Texas. However, these efforts have yet to pass both chambers.
The potential economic benefits, including tax revenue and job creation, are central to the arguments for legalization. Supporters also emphasize the consumer protections that come with regulated markets, compared to unregulated offshore options.
When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Texas?
The question of “When will sports betting be legal in Texas?” remains open. The next legislative session texas sports gambling in 2027 offers the earliest realistic opportunity for significant progress, as constitutional amendments must be passed in odd-numbered years and then go to public vote. With growing bipartisan support and public interest, it’s possible that legal sports betting Texas could become a reality within the next few years.
The Role of Texas Sportsbooks and Betting Apps
Once legalized, Texas sportsbooks and Texas betting apps are expected to flourish. Operators like Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings are likely to compete for market share, bringing competitive odds, innovative features, and local partnerships with Texas-based sports teams.
Expect sports betting apps Texas residents can trust to offer everything from NFL betting to college football, basketball, and beyond. Many of these platforms already have infrastructure in place, making a rapid rollout possible once laws are updated.
Final Thoughts
For now, online sports betting in Texas remains illegal, but public support and legislative interest are growing. As one of the largest untapped markets in the U.S., Texas stands to become a sports betting powerhouse once legalization is achieved. Until then, residents will continue to monitor developments and ask the critical question: When will sports betting finally be legal in Texas?