Texas remains one of the few states in the U.S. where legalized sportsbooks aren't permitted. But you can still enjoy sports betting action from alternative sports betting options in Texas. Although its neighbor to the east, Louisiana, has been enjoying sports betting revenue since 2021, Texas still hasn’t caught up which isn't surprising in a state that also doesn't have any in-person casinos 🎰 either.
Luckily for Texans, apps like Prophet X, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr do provide the opportunity to enjoy activities that are similar to what you'd find at a sportsbook in another state. Keep reading to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each Texas sports betting option.
| Texas Sports Betting Options |  FinCertified Bonus | States Available |
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Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | All 50 States |
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Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AL AK AZ AR CA CO DC FL GA IL IN KY MA MI MO NE NM NY NC ND OK OR RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WV WI WY |
Texas Sports Betting Options
No books available.
Texas Promotions & Bonuses
Please check back for promotions to be added for upcoming events.
When seeking sports betting options in Texas, Daily Fantasy Sites and Alternative sportsbooks will roll out a range of promotions and bonuses designed to attract both newcomers and seasoned pros. Typical offers include:
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Large deposit match offers and risk-free bets to get you started
- Enhanced Odds Boosts: Temporary improvements on popular markets to increase potential returns
- Free Bet Credits: Bonuses that allow you to place a wager without using your own cash
- Loyalty Rewards Programs: Points or credits earned with every bet, which can be redeemed for bonus funds or exclusive perks
To maximize these bonus offers, keep the following tips in mind:
- Read the Fine Print: Always review the terms and conditions to understand wagering requirements and expiration dates
- Compare Offers: Shop around different sportsbooks to find the most competitive promotions
- Use Exclusive Promo Codes: Access bonus codes from trusted sources for additional benefits
- Plan Your Wagers: Strategically combine bonuses with your betting strategy to meet rollover (AKA playthrough) requirements effectively
- Ask For Help: You don't have to do it alone. Trusted pick service providers like Doc's Sports and Wunderdog can help you spend those bonus bucks wisely
Top Texas Sports Betting Apps
Our team has carefully analyzed your Texas sports betting options to bring you a fine selection of the most popular and reputable options in the Lone Star State. With alternative sportsbooks apps now gaining steam in Texas, we’ve targeted the top betting apps to keep you informed.
Our expert reviews are thorough, objective, and frequently updated, so you can choose a sports betting option with confidence and without worrying about the lazy reviews you all over the Internet.
Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just getting started with sports wagering in Texas, we’re here to help you 
FIND YOUR EDGE Find Your Edge - Leveraging Odds Shark’s industry expertise, we highlight unique, expert-evaluated elements of each sportsbook to help users confidently select the platform that fits their needs.
Explore our expert summaries below or if you like to bet while you're traveling outside of Texas, don't miss our detailed reviews of industry leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. Whichever app(s) you pick, I highly recommend pairing it with the Outlier sports betting app, where you can get a free 7-day trial and create a customized profile featuring live odds and bet recommendation at your specific sportsbooks.
Underdog Sports Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy is a popular app in the Lone Star State because of its wide range of contest offerings, quick deposit/withdrawal methods, promos, and reliable customer service. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Underdog has a big selection of props.
Underdog is known most for its Daily Fantasy Sports options, but in our full review of Underdog Fantasy, we highlight the pick 'em lobby where bettors can choose if the outcomes of player stats will be higher or lower than a specific number. What makes this different than a sportsbook where you're betting "overs" and unders" is that you must pair together at least two outcomes in what a sportsbooks would call a "parlay."
- DFS leader with innovative games.
- Great Welcome offer and customer service
- Smooth mobile and desktop experience
- Can't play pick'em games in all markets.
- No loyalty rewards program
Underdog Fantasy User Experience
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Kalshi
Kalshi exploded onto the scene with sports prediction markets, providing users with another fun option for forecasting outcomes. The platform is still pretty new, but several key features are helping Kalshi stand out and capture the attention of Texans.
Kalshi is a prediction market platform where participants can simply choose “yes” or “no” on a range of outcomes. Initially focused on big events like the Super Bowl and March Madness, offerings have expanded to include single games for major sports. Similar to comparing sports betting odds, users can pick and choose from contract prices for various outcomes. You can read more via our full review of Kalshi.
- Innovative Model
- Surging Popularity
- User-Friendly Interface
- Reasonable Fees
- Promo Offers
- Regulatory Pushback
- Available Markets
- Limited Banking Options
user experience
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Dabble
Dabble Fantasy is a mobile-only daily fantasy (DFS) pick’em platform that does a great job of combining the entertainment of DFS pick’em contests with the social aspect of being a sports fan. When betting, you build entries based on a specific stat for a given player ie. will Alperen Sengun have higher or lower than 20.5 points vs the Nuggets or will CJ Stroud throw for higher or lower than 256.5 passing yards vs the Jaguars?
The minimum stake for your entry is $5 so it’s a low threshold for a novice player and you must make at least two picks which would 3x your entry free. Two correct picks with a $5 wager returns $15. The more selections on your entry, the higher the multiplier up to 12 correct picks which pays out 1,000x your stake up to a maximum of $50,000 💰.
- Huge pick'em selection
- Slick mobile betting app
- Social community and chat
- No desktop version
- No loyalty rewards program
Dabble User Experience
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Betr
Betr focuses entirely on microbetting, allowing users to wager on individual plays or moments rather than full games. This format is perfect for high-intensity sports fans who crave instant gratification and can handle the emotions of in-game betting. That means a wager on the next drive in a football game, or the next pitch in a baseball game, or the next hole in a golf tournament. Click here for our full expert review of Betr.
Betting on the Mavericks next bucket, or Dak Prescott's next play is a lot of fun no matter which Texas team you've sworn your allegiance to.
- Microbetting markets
- Welcome offer for new players
- Smooth interface
- Not available in all states
- Limited betting options
Betr User Experience
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Prophet X
Prophet X is a popular sports exchange that Texans are starting to love because it provides players with much more flexibility than a traditional sportsbook. Whether you're a UT person or lean more toward Texas Tech or Texas A&M, Prophet X has plenty of betting opportunities for you.
You may be interested in our complete review of Prophet X. Instead of wagering against the house and oddsmaker's lines, you make predictions based on odds listed at the exchange, or even set their own prices. There’s just a 3% percent commission rate (much better than the typical 10% sportsbook vig), giving you the chance to keep even more of your winnings. You can find MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL lines (and others) on Prophet X.
- Unique model and great platform
- Low commission rates
- Covers all the major sports
- Limited promotions at the moment
- Limited banking options
Prophet X User Experience
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how to start betting in Texas
Sports betting in Texas is different from most states because betting at sportsbooks hasn't been legalized. However you can still place wagers on sports in Texas through alternatives to sportsbooks like betting exchanges, or Daily Fantasy Sites. If you're 18+ in Texas, you can download one of these alternative sportsbooks and start betting today.
Select an Option
First, decide which betting option (Prophet X, Betr, etc.) you want to use. The details on this page can help you make a decision and you can also read full reviews for each of these options with the links provided on the page.
Register
Once you've decided on a betting app, click the banner on this page to start the registration process and look for a button that says “sign up” or “get started” while you’re inside Texas. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
Deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each app has different deposit options, but common options include Credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each betting option. If you’re just getting started, money lines are the most straightforward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/under, parlays, player props, and futures bets are also popular choices.
place a wager
Each betting option runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each Texas betting option has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful in betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple of days.
Sports Betting Partnerships in Texas
Despite being a big state with tons of professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, Texas doesn't have too many sports betting partnerships. Since sports betting hasn't been fully legalized in Texas, it doesn't make as much sense to partner with pro sports teams there but still a couple of the big names have anyways.
- BetMGM and the Houston Astros go together like peanut butter and jelly. The Astros have lots of BetMGM signage displayed throughout their park and the two entities have worked together closely since 2022.
- Caesars Entertainment owns the Caesars Sportsbook app, which isn't operational in Texas for legal reasons. However, that didn't stop Caesars from partnering with the Houston Texans and promoting the casino side of the house to Texas sports fans. Perhaps if sports betting becomes a reality in Texas one day, the Caesars partnership with the Astros will have won them some loyalty in Houston.
Is sports betting legal in Texas?
No. Sports betting in Texas isn’t a reality yet, but lawmakers made a major push in 2023 and there is optimism that sports betting will be legalized soon. It is legal to participate in Daily Fantasy Sports contests through apps like Underdog Fantasy or via betting exchanges through apps like Prophet X.
Legal Framework
- Sports betting at sportsbooks like you'd find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, is not legal in Texas.
- However, there are not currently laws restricting betting apps that offer alternatives to sportsbooks like betting exchanges and betting market websites like Kalshi.
Regulatory Bodies
- The Texas Lottery Commission: The TLC has been floated out there in various bills as a potential regulatory body responsible for sports betting if it were legalized throughout Texas.
Key Restrictions & Limitations
- Age Restrictions: All bettors must be 21 or older to participate in the betting platforms that are available in Texas.
- Betting restrictions: Each app has its own set of restrictions. For instance, you won't find political bets on Prophet X, but you will on Kalshi. You won't find in-game wagers at Kalshi, but you will at Betr.
- Point Spread Betting: The traditional point spread wagers you'll find at sportsbooks aren't available in the Lone Star State.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
- The Texas Lottery's instagram page and website is regularly producing messages about safe betting and where people can go to get help if they or a loved one are impacted by problem gambling. If sports betting were ever legalized in Texas, there's a good chance that more resources would be poured into helping those struggling with gambling habits.
History of Sports betting legislation In Texas
Despite a strong effort from lawmakers in 2023, Texas has still not legalized sports betting. Because the state currently has no legal casinos operating, Texas would be more suited to be an online sports betting state. Bills launched in 2023 sought to accomplish that, but ultimately they failed. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has publicly stated that Texas has a real shot at legalizing sports betting in 2025, so check back here for updates
may 1, 2019
Texas lawmakers vote 116-27 in favor of Daily Fantasy Sports legislation, deeming it a game of skill (not chance).
feb. 6, 2023
Jeff Leach files HB 1942 and HJR 102, which would legalize and regulate online sports betting in the state.
may 10, 2023
HJR 102 passes 97-44 in the house, but 100 yes votes were required to move it to the senate.
may 13, 2023
Lt. Governor Patrick announces he won’t call HB 1942 to the senate floor.
may 29, 2023
The legislative session ends with no last-minute effort to legalize sports betting in Texas.
Feb. 12, 2025
Rep. Sam Harless filed HJR 134 which could open the door for a retail sports betting ballot vote in November of 2025. The bill was later declared dead.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Texas?
Online casinos are not regulated in Texas yet. However if you're looking to entertain yourself with games like black jack and roulette, Sweepstakes games might be right up your alley and are legal.
Comparison with Other States
Texas has two neighbors who also haven't fully legalized sports betting (New Mexico and Oklahoma) while its other two neighbors to the east have (Arkansas and Louisiana). Arkansas doesn't have any professional sports teams, but Louisana has a handful thanks to the city of New Orleans. There's no question that if Texas were to legalize sports betting one day, it would absolutely dwarf the Arkansas and Louisiana markets.
Market Size & Wagering Handle:
- If Texas were to legalize sports betting, there is no question it has the potential to be the No. 1 state in the U.S. in terms of sports betting handle. California, another large state that's yet to legalize, would also be in contention in a hypothetical scenario where both states legalized.
- In contrast:
- Louisiana: Thank in large part to the city of New Orleans and the Saints' NFL franchise, Louisiana took home a $3.7 Billion sports betting handle in 2024 even though several parishes in the state still don't allow sports betting.
- Arkansas: The 2024 sports betting handle in Arkansas was $557.9 Million, a far cry from Louisiana's handle and not having professional sports teams in Arkansas is a big reason why.
Tax Rates & Impact on the Market:
- Texas: Of course a Texas tax rate on sportsbooks is purely speculative at this point, but with so may fans in the state an with several major sports cities like Dallas and Houston, and San Antonio it sure does seem like Texas could get away with one of the higher rates in the country and still have the volume of bets to make everyone happy.
- Louisiana: Any sportsbook in Louisiana has a tax rate of 15% which is lower than many places (New York's is 51%) and higher than some too (Nevada is 6.75%).
- Arkansas: Tied with Ohio and Massachusetts for the 6th highest tax rate in the country, Arkansas has a hefty 20% tax rate on its sportsbooks.
Overall Implications:
- Since Arkansas and Louisiana have legalized betting and Texas doesn't, Texans living in the eastern portion of the state may be lured across the border to place bets from time to time.
Potential Legislative Changes & Market Growth in Texas Sports Betting
Texas to Legalize Sports betting in 2026?
Obviously the biggest legislative change that could happen in Texas would be the full sports betting legalization like we've seen take place in dozens of other states. 2026 is starting to seem unrealistic and 2027 is probably the earliest Texans would see legalized online sports wagering. If that were to happen it'd be massive news in the sports betting industry because Texas is such a huge state and it's loaded with opinionated sports fans. Case in point, America's team resides in the heart of Texas.
Dan Patrick opposes sports betting
Dan Patrick, the Lt. Governor of Texas has been outspoken against legalizing sports betting in the state and he is a political power house. It's tough to image legalized sports betting happen without him jumping on board.
Emerging Trends & Technologies in Texas Sports Betting
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USA Betting News
Responsible Gaming Message From Texas
The Texas Lottery is committed to generating revenue for the state of Texas through the responsible management and sale of entertaining lottery products. The Texas Lottery will incorporate the highest standard of security, integrity and responsible gaming principles. "Integrity and Responsibility" is a core value of the Texas Lottery Commission that incorporates educating retailers and the public about responsible play including identifying the signs of problem gambling and resources available for help.
Gambling Addiction Support:
- Access to counseling services and support groups in Texas is available through national organizations like Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER).
- Gamblers Anonymous, a great resource for family and friends of compulsive gamblers, can be reached in Texas at 718-352-1671.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives:
- The Texas Lottery promotes responsible gaming through various initiatives, brochures and campaigns on its website.
Operator Tools and Safety Features:
- In states that have legalized sports betting entirely, regulators mandate safety features. Despite Texas not reaching this milestone, these safety features are still often in place on the sports betting apps Texas does have.
- For instance, Underdog Fantasy has a "Responsible Gaming tab that allows bettors to self-exclude, set "cool-off" breaks and even the ability to be notified when you deposit more than a certain amount.
Gamblersannonymous.org also provides phone numbers to get in touch with local chapters in your area. For instance, Dallas (214-890-0005), Houston (855-442-7105), and Austin (512-860-2958) all have chapters.
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