Legal Online Casinos in Texas

Online betting is strictly limited in the Lone Star State. Texas only boasts two brick and mortar casinos, but some pari-mutuel racing is permitted. 

So far, Texas has resisted the calls for legalized online gambling in the state. And despite many other US states regulating sports betting, Texas books have been left behind. 

Current Gambling Laws in Texas

Texas has one of the strictest laws on gambling in the US. The home of Texas Hold’em has no legal poker games and no legal casinos. Some bingo, raffles, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is permitted, however. 

Like most US states, Texas does have tribal casino gaming, but there aren’t many casinos operating. Each of the state’s three tribes operate a casino each. 

Since 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned the PASPA, legalized sports betting Texas has been finding a way to pass sports betting legislation. But with barely any casinos or history of sportsbooks, the going has been tough. 

HB 1275 is the best shot at a gambling bill in Texas. But it’s been sitting around since 2019 and doesn’t look like getting approved any time soon. 

Timeline of Texas Online Casino Legislation:

• 1994: Texas tribal casino Speaking Rock expands to introduce casino games
• 1996: Kickapoo tribal casino opens its doors
• 2019: Two bills – HJR 61 and HB 1275 – are considered in the Texas House of Representatives. 
• 2019: Soon after, a bill is presented which would pave the way for a dozen brick and mortar casinos to be built.

Top Land-Based Casinos in Texas

Texas has three land-based casinos in Texas. The largest is the tribal casino, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Resort, which opened in 1996. However, some cruise ship casinos run from Galveston, offering slots and table games. 

The Kickapoo spreads thousands of online slots, as well as poker and bingo. Naskila Gaming is smaller and has been fighting closure for a few years. 

The best option for Texans is to cross the border into Oklahoma and visit the WinStar casino in Thackerville. It’s the largest casino in the US and boasts some of the biggest selections of games in the world. 

Texas Online Casinos*

• BetMGM
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• 888 Online Casino TX
• BetRivers Texas

*The prospect for legal online casino gaming is bleak. However, should Texas ever legalize slots and table games, which operators could move in? One or all of these gaming operators could set up store in Texas:

Casino Games to Play in Texas

The few casinos in Texas offer a range of games like slots, poker and bingo. You can also try your luck at progressive slots offering million-dollar jackpots. Table games are harder to find. 

• Video slots
• Progressive slots
• Bingo
• Poker
• Pull tabs

Texas Online Casino FAQs

Can I play online casino games in Texas?
No. There are no gaming laws in Texas that permit online casino slots and table games. However, you can travel to one of three tribal casinos to play real money games, bingo, and poker.

How old do I have to be to play casino games?
You must be 21 or over to visit a land-based casino in Texas and play table games or video slots.