Texas Sports Betting: Where Does the Lone Star State Stand in 2026?
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As the Super Bowl approaches, Americans are bombarded with advertisements encouraging sports wagering. But for Texans, the landscape remains complex, with legal sports betting still largely unavailable despite the growing national trend.
The surge in sports betting across the United States is undeniable. According to the Siena Research Institute, nearly 22% of Americans – and a striking 48% of men aged 18-49 – currently hold at least one online sportsbook account. Since 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, states have been empowered to regulate – or prohibit – sports betting within their borders. Currently, 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have embraced legalized sports betting, with Missouri slated to join them in December 2025. But does this include Texas?
Is Mobile Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
The short answer is no. Major mobile sports betting apps like DraftKings and FanDuel are not permitted to operate within Texas. However, a growing number of companies are offering alternative wagering products, arguing they comply with existing Texas law. These alternatives are attempting to navigate a legal gray area, offering sports-themed wagering options to Texas residents.
What options are available to Texans looking to participate in sports-themed wagering? Two primary alternatives have emerged: social sportsbooks and sweepstakes-based sportsbooks.
According to a report from Deadspin, social sportsbooks allow users to wager with virtual currency instead of real money, fostering competition around major sporting events. These platforms provide a risk-free environment for fans to engage with games.
Sweepstakes-based sportsbooks operate under a different model. Because they do not require users to wager real money, they are generally considered legal under Texas’s existing sweepstakes and gambling laws, though their legality is increasingly being challenged in other states. Players utilize virtual currencies – typically “Gold Coins” (GC) and “Sweepstakes Coins” (SC) – to bet, with the opportunity to redeem real prizes after fulfilling certain requirements. This model, proponents argue, aligns with sweepstakes regulations.
The Current Legal Status of Sports Betting in Texas
As of 2026, sports betting – both online and in-person – remains illegal in Texas. Gambling is classified as a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code 47.02, carrying potential criminal penalties.
Despite this, legislative efforts to change the status quo have been ongoing. On February 12, 2025, State Representative Sam Harless introduced House Joint Resolution 134 (HJR 134) in the Texas House. This resolution proposed an amendment to Article III, Section 47, of the Texas Constitution, which would allow the Legislature to legalize and regulate sports betting under specific conditions.
The proposed amendment outlined a licensing system prioritizing professional sports franchises, PGA Tour hosts, and Class I racetracks – all of which would have needed to be operational before January 2025. Approved license holders would also have been permitted to partner with management service providers to oversee betting operations.
Unfortunately for proponents of legalized sports betting, HJR 134 ultimately stalled in the House State Affairs Committee in March and is currently listed as “Introduced-Dead.” However, the proposal could be reintroduced during the next regular legislative session in 2027.
Sports Betting vs. Online Sports Betting: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish between traditional sports betting and online sports betting. Sports betting traditionally involves placing wagers at physical locations like casinos and retail sportsbooks. Online sports betting, conversely, allows bettors to place bets at any time through websites or mobile apps.
Online platforms offer increased convenience, a wider variety of betting options – including live, in-play, and niche markets – and frequent promotional offers. Traditional sportsbooks, on the other hand, emphasize the social and in-person experience.
The future of sports betting in Texas remains uncertain, but the continued debate and evolving landscape suggest the issue will remain a prominent topic for years to come.
