Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas

Gambling is generally prohibited in Texas but there are many exceptions to the general rule. Game rooms are generally authorized so long as they do not have illegal gambling devices. Specifically, so-called “eight-liner” machines are illegal gambling devices, unless the prizes awarded are non-cash items that are worth no more than 10 times. Casino gambling All forms of casino gambling are illegal in Texas. Every game on offer in a casino, from slot machines to poker, blackjack, and roulette, is categorized as gambling and is. Ph 936-563-2WIN. 24-Hours. 800 Electronic Games. Delectable Dining. Incredible Giveaways. 540 State Park Rd 56 Livingston, Tx 77351. Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling and its laws can cover a wide variety of activities. Under Texas law, (Penal Code §47.02) gambling is considered a criminal offense if someone: makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest.

Texas, along with most Southern states, has implemented some strict laws
toward its online gambling industry. Despite the huge number of people here that
love to gamble, lawmakers here have only legalized one land-based casino to
operate. Today, our team of experts is going to explain how you can find the
safest Texas online casinos currently available.

The popularity of online betting in Texas is growing
exponentially. For those new to internet casino gaming, it can seem a little
daunting to choose which website to play at for the first time. To help with
this, we’re going to break down the most important features that all Texas online casinos
should provide. Later, we’ll be going over the current set of laws and
regulations surrounding this industry.

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How Can I Find Legit Texas Online Casinos to Play At?

Texas has not yet taken the steps to regulate its online casino market.
Fortunately, some of the very best internet casino websites in the world are
operating inside this state. Choosing one of these sites to join should be easy!

We have looked at hundreds of different casino websites over the years. Our
team has come up with four of the most important features that all of the
top online casino sites in Texas should offer. Before signing up to a
Texas casino site, make sure that it provides you with the four points below.

Safe and Secure Payment System

The most important thing that you should look for in a gambling website is
safety. You might find an online casino providing thousands of different gaming
options. If it doesn’t provide a secure payment system, however, it’s not worth
joining.

What exactly is a payment system? It’s how a casino website processes both
deposits and withdrawals. In other words, it’s how the website handles your
money.

Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to look into. One quick way to learn
more about the different payment systems of Texas online casinos is to head over
to our reviews page.
Here, we dive into each casino website’s cashier page. If we find any reports of
withheld payment or unusual fees, we’ll let you know about it.

Another great way is to check out these websites for yourself! All of the
safest Texas online casinos operating today will allow you to
scroll through them before signing up. You can head over to these site’s payment
page to learn exactly which forms of payment are accepted.

We highly recommend that you join a website that allows deposits to be made
using both debit and credit cards. It’s important to know that most US casino
websites only allow payouts to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this scare you!
Bitcoin withdrawals come with extremely low fees and are processed
within just a few days.

Helpful Customer Support Options

Customer service options are without a doubt one of the most important parts
of a betting website. If you ever encounter an issue during your gambling
experience, it’s important to know that you play through a website that will
have your back. This is another quick and easy thing you can look into.

Most websites clearly list which support options are available. Some of the
top casino sites in Texas even have a pop-up tab with a help
feature for new players. There are a few customer service options that we feel
are better than others.

We highly recommend that you join a website offering a live chat option. This
allows you to speak directly with a website representative over live chat. It’s
the quickest and easiest way for you to have your questions answered in
real-time.

It’s never a good idea to join sports betting sites in Texas that only
provide email support. This can often take weeks to answer any questions you
have. As long as the website you are looking to join provides a direct way to
answer questions, you’re good to go!

Wide Range of Different Casino Gaming Options

You might be surprised to find out how many people join a
US casino site without
even looking at which games are available! It’s highly recommended that you look
at exactly which gambling options the site you plan to join provides. Generally
speaking, the more games offered, the better the entire website is!

If you only plan to play one game, make sure to join a Texas online casino website
that provides that game! Are you a blackjack fan? Look for some
Texas online casinos that provide a wide range of blackjack tables with
different minimum bet requirements. Do you love poker? Look for a website
providing popular games like Texas Hold ’em and Omaha.

It’s also a good idea to ensure these sites utilize modern software for their
games. Some of the safest Texas online casinos allow you to play a tutorial game
before you’ve signed up. Take the time to look at a few of the games to see if
the ones you want to play are actually provided.

Most of the online casinos in Texas operating today provide more
gaming options than major land-based casinos. This isn’t always the case,
though. Always ensure that you have access to a wide range of different casino
games.

Modern Design and User Interface

All online casino in Texas should provide a modern design. On the surface,
website design may not seem tremendously important. But in reality, the design
and style of the online casino you decide to join will impact your entire gaming
experience.

Of all the features here, this is the easiest to look into. As we mentioned
before, almost every Texas online casino website will allow you to check them out before
you’ve become a member. You can look through these site’s different pages to
make sure they are up to date.

The user interface of these sites should also be fantastic. Scroll through a
few pages to make sure that nothing crashes. It’s never a bad idea to look into
the actual betting process available through these sites as well.

Online casino designs have improved dramatically over the years. Today, many
of the top online casino sites in Texas offer gameplay that makes it feel as if you’re
actually playing inside a brick-and-mortar casino. Make sure that you join one
that provides a fantastic design and solid overall functionality.

Why Are Online Casino Sites in Texas so Popular Right Now?

The entire country is experiencing a huge increase in online gambling.
Today, a number of states including Nevada and New Jersey have fully legalized
internet casino gaming. Within a few years, it wouldn’t be a major surprise to
see almost every state with regulated and online gambling options.

In Texas, online casino gaming is more popular than ever. Millions of people
here are skipping the trip to a casino and choosing to play their favorite games
from home. We asked a number of these casino fans why they love the play online.
There are two reasons that come up time and time again.

Convenience of Playing From Anywhere

There’s no doubt that the convenience of playing your favorite casino games
from anywhere is the top reason why people love online gaming. Imagine driving
miles to a nearby casino just to find that the game you wanted to play isn’t
available! With online casinos in Texas, this never happens.

This is particularly true in Texas. Here, this is only one casino currently
operating. Those wanting to play a few hands have just one option throughout the
entire state. Fortunately, Texas casino sites provide the
opportunity to play every casino game from the comfort of home. Most even allow
you to play on the go using a smartphone!

Massive Number of Betting Options

It’s well-known that Texas online casinos provide more gaming options than even
the country’s biggest land-based casino. There are enough games available online
to keep even the most hardcore bettor busy.

Some of the best casino sites in Texas even provide a live
dealer option. This makes it feel as if you’re playing inside a real-life
casino! An actual dealer is featured to collect your bets. If you want access to
thousands of different games, online casinos in Texas are the way to go.

Are Online Casino Sites in Texas Actually Lawful?

Texas lawmakers have made it clear that they don’t like gambling or Texas online casinos. Technically
speaking, almost all forms of gambling (including most casino games) are illegal
here. There is a tribal casino operating inside the state, which is legal under
the Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

Texas’ definition of gambling can be found in Section 47.01(1) of the state’s
criminal code. It’s defined as the following:

Section 47.01(1) of the state’s criminal code defines gambling as:

” ‘Bet’ means an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or
partially by chance.”

Section 47.02 states:

(a) A person commits an offense if he:

(1) makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on
the performance of a participant in a game or contest;

(2) makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment,
or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate;
or

(3) plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played
with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.

Based on these laws, it would seem that online casino sites in Texas are completely
banned. This is one of the few states with legislation that defines online
gambling. We always recommend abiding by the law. With that being said, many
people here choose to play their favorite casino games online, and some of the
best gaming sites in the country are available here.

Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Online Casino Sites in Texas?

It’s possible, but not very likely. Online gambling in Texas is banned. Lawmakers here are much more concerned with online
gambling website operators than individual players, though. We have not come
across a single case of any individual facing legal trouble for playing at online
casino sites in Texas.

How Do I Stay Safe Playing at Online Casino Sites in Texas?

If you do decide to play at a casino website in this state, there are some
basic tips you can follow to protect yourself. As long as you keep these tips in
mind, there’s a great chance your betting experience will be nothing but fun.
Check them out below!

Only Play Through Reputable Casino Sites in Texas

LegalLegal

The best way to ensure you stay safe while betting online is to only play
through reputable websites. The safest Texas online casinos will take
strict measures to protect their players. Before signing up to any site, make
sure that it provides safe payment options and a fantastic customer support
system.

Keep Track of Changes to Texas’ Online Gambling Laws

In case we haven’t made it clear enough, online gambling in Texas is not exactly
encouraged. Fortunately, laws towards internet gambling are changing
fast around the entire country. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Texas lawmakers
legalize online casino gaming within a few years. Stay updated on changes to
laws here by following our
industry news page!

Never Give out Your Betting Account Information

This is extremely important. Your betting account information should never be
shared with anyone. Think of your online casino account as a bank account. None
of the legit Texas online casino sites operating today will ask you to reveal your
username or password.

Be Willing to Reach out to Customer Service

We feel strongly that a solid customer support system is one of the most
important aspects of a gaming website. If, on the off chance, you encounter an
issue with your betting experience, make sure that you are willing to ask for
help. The sites that we recommend at the top of this page are well-known for
providing their members with amazing customer service options.

Only Bet on Games You Know How to Play

Most casino sites in Texas provide thousands of different gaming options
every single day. Because of this, many players throw money on games they know
nothing about. This is never a good idea. We recommend that you only wager on
games you understand. It will significantly increase your chances of winning.

FAQ About Online Casino Gambling Sites in Texas

What Are Some of the Most Popular Casino Games Played in Texas?

Texas is the second-most populous state in the US. More than 28 million
people reside here, many of whom love to play casino games. From what we’ve
gathered, the most popular games that Texans play online are blackjack and
slots. All of the legit Texas online casino sites today provide many
variations of both these games.

When Will Texas Online Casinos Become Fully Legal?

There’s no clear answer. Unlike states such as New Jersey and New Hampshire,
Texas has not shown any desire to legalize its online gaming market. This may
change very soon. Lawmakers here are already working to legalize sports betting.
This shows they are open to changes in gambling laws. It’s very possible that
casino sites in Texas will become fully legal within the next few years.

What Are Some of the Best Online Casinos in Texas Available Right Now?

Texan casino fans have access to some of the best online casino websites in
the country. Each of the sites that we recommend at the top of this page is
extremely popular. For now, it seems that Bovada Casino and Mybookie.ag are the
two most-played casino websites in the state.

How Much Money Can I Win Playing at Texas Casino Sites?

There’s really no limit! The more money you wager, the more money you can
win. Your chances of winning will increase with experience. It’s also
recommended to research each game you want to play before betting any money on
them.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas

Conclusion on Texas Online Casinos

Texas is in a very unusual position. Politicians here are clearly not in love
with the idea of legalizing online casino gaming, yet they see the massive
potential for revenue earnings here. Most of the states with legalized internet
casino gaming are seeing massive increases in their gambling revenue.

For this reason, it’s likely that online casino gaming will
become legal here soon. Until then, players will need to decide for themselves
whether they want to play through the Texas online casinos currently available.

  • Bingo (1982), Horse racing (1987), Lottery (1991), Kickapoo Casino (1996)
  • $1.2 billion
  • $4.6 billion
  • 18 for lottery and bingo, 21 for racing and Kickapoo Casino
  • Texas does not have a statewide smoking ban
  • Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling

Texas casinos and gambling is not very common within its borders. The same cannot be said about its neighbors. Every state that borders Texas offers casinos. Oklahoma stacks casinos along its border with Texas. Lake Charles, Louisiana is just east of the Texas state line. There are also casinos just across the New Mexico border.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas

Texas has one tribal casino. It is located near the Mexico border on the Kickapoo reservation. The games available are slots, video poker, bingo, electronic table games, and live poker. The only forms of legalized gambling permitted off that reservation are a state lottery, charitable bingo and horse racing, which includes live and off-track betting.

Paying Gambling Taxes in Texas

OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings. Learn everything about reporting your gambling taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant in our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.

Texas Casinos Map & Guide

  • Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1

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Types of Online Texas Gambling Allowed

The only form of online gambling that is legal in Texas is off-track betting on horses. Apps like TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica accept Texans.

Daily fantasy sports sites accept Texans. This goes against the public declaration by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtonthat the games are illegal. The sites that defy this opinion and continue to operate in Texas in what appears to be an illegal market include DraftKings and FanDuel.

Types of Live Texas Gambling

  • Slots: Yes
  • Blackjack: Yes
  • Poker: Yes
  • Craps/Roulette: Yes
  • Horses: Yes
  • Lottery: Yes

There are a few forms of live gambling permitted in Texas. The Kickapoo tribe has a southern Texas casino. It is the only Texas casino in the state. Slots, video poker, electronic table games and live poker are spread. There are about 3,300 machines at the Lucky Eagle Casino on that reservation. There are no other Texas casinos currently operating within its borders. If the Texas gambling laws were to change, this might as well.

The Texas Lottery sells two types of lottery tickets. One is an instant game that involves scratch-off tickets. The other is lotto drawings. Texas is included in the multi-state drawings like Powerball and Mega Millions. It also has in-state drawings like Lotto Texas, Texas Two Step, Texas Triple Chance, All or Nothing, Pick3, Daily4, and Cash5.

Charities may spread bingo for fundraising purposes. These are very popular compared to most other states due to the lack of other Texas casinos and gambling options.

Gambling

The racing industry also fares better in Texas than other locales. The lack of Texas casinos probably helps the tracks remain active. Live and off-track betting is available at horse and greyhound racing venues in Texas.

Texas Gambling Laws

There are strict Texas gambling laws. The only forms of legalized Texas gambling are ones specifically approved by voters in a constitutional referendum. The only forms of gambling voters have affirmed are charitable bingo, horse racing, and a state lottery. A gaming compact was created between the state and the Kickapoo tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Slots, video poker, electronic table games and a poker room are approved. Table games are not allowed. The Kickapoo tribe has the only reservation recognized by the state for gaming purposes. They are the only Texas casino currently operating.

While Texas bans most forms of betting, its punishments are lenient compared to other states. All gambling crimes that are not handled on a federal level are only misdemeanors.

A bet is defined as “an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance”. Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Texas, likely because of this definition. The sites claim to be bona fide contests of skill that fall outside of this definition. The state attorney general and most legal analysts that follow the industry find that to be a laughable position.

The minimum Texas gambling age for lottery players is 18 years old. Live racing and off-track betting has a minimum Texas gambling age of 21 years old. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino also is required to exclude anyone under 21. Bingo players must be 18 but state law permits minors to play if accompanied by an adult.

List of Texas Casinos and Racetracks

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas Right Now

There is only one Texas casino and it is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass. There are six active racetracks in Texas that have live and off-track betting. Three offers horses while the other three are greyhound tracks.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas States

CasinoSizeAddressWebsite
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino – Eagle Pass3,300 Slot Machines768 Lucky Eagle Dr.www.luckyeagletexas.com
RacetrackTypeAddressWebsite
Gulf Coast Racing – Corpus ChristieGreyhounds5302 Leopard St.www.gulfcoastracetrack.com
Gulf Greyhound Park – La MarqueGreyhounds1000 FM 2004www.gulfgreyhound.com
Lone Star Park – Grand PrairieThoroughbred1000 Lone Star Pkwywww.lonestarpark.com
Retama Park – SelmaThoroughbred & Quarter Horse1 Retama Pkwywww.retamapark.com
Sam Houston Race Park – HoustonQuarter Horse7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W.www.shrp.com
Valley Race Park – HarlingenGreyhounds2601 S. Ed Carey Dr.www.valleyracepark.com

In addition to the Texas casinos and tracks, there are thousands of lottery retailers in the state where bettors can buy instant game and lotto tickets. There are also more than 100 places to play bingo.

Texas Gambling History

Horse racing dates back to before Texas became a state. Old time bookmakers took bets without any oversight. The industry had its issues with legitimacy before the industry died off in the middle of the 20th Century. It returned in a regulated state in 1987 to keep bettors from traveling to neighboring states for action. Live horses and greyhounds may be used.

Racing was not the first time gambling was legalized in Texas. Voters approved charitable gambling in 1980. The first bingo license was issued in 1982.

Voters approved the Texas Lottery in November 1991. The first ticket was sold in May 1992.

Tribal Texas Casinos Enter the Picture

Texas casino gambling has an interesting past in Texas. The Kickapoo tribe is the only one permitted to hold a gaming pact with the state.

The Tigua tribe was the first to open a casino in Texas. That occurred in 1993. It was done without a gaming compact. Governor Richards refused to enter into one.

The Tigua tribe sued the state and lost in 1994. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state could not be compelled to sign a gaming compact. The Tigua casino remained open without a gaming pact. The state sued in 1999 and prevailed to shut the casino down. The casino did not close until 2001 when the Tigua tribe lost its appeals.

The Tigua tribe tried again in 2008 to roll out cash games. It opened a slot parlor but was forced to shut down after enforcement action was brought by Texas officials.

The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino opened in 1996. It is still open today as it holds a gaming pact.

The Alabama-Coushatta tribe opened a casino in 2001. It closed after the Tigua Indians lost its initial court battle.

State law considers any activity that involves partial chance with money on the line to be gambling. Many gaming lawyers assumed that these meant daily fantasy sports were illegal in the state. The companies that operate those contests did not agree and operated in the state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared the games illegal in January 2016. The sites ignored his opinion as it did not include a demand to leave the market.

Texas Casinos & Gambling FAQ

What is the minimum Texas gambling age?

Lottery and bingo players must be at least 18 years old. Racing and casino players must be at least 21.

A bingo patron under 18 is allowed to play for real money if accompanied by an adult.

Yes. There is three horse racing tracks in Texas.

Yes. There are three greyhound tracks in Texas.

Yes. All six tracks have race books. TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica all have mobile racing apps available to Texans.

There is one. It is Kickapoo’s Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas 2019

Slots, video poker, live poker and electronic table games are spread at Lucky Eagle Casino.

Sunland Park Race Track and Casino is just across the border in New Mexico from El Paso.

There are dozens of casinos along the Oklahoma state line.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas Due

Lake Charles, Louisiana is home to the closest casinos to Houston.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared daily fantasy sports illegal in January 2016. His opinion was ignored by most of the companies that provide the games.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas Coronavirus

FanDuel and DraftKings are the major daily fantasy sports sites still in the state.

Is Casino Gambling Legal In Texas

Is online poker, casino or sports betting legal in Texas over the Internet?