Best Texas Sportsbooks: Legal Status & Best Alternatives (June 2026)
| Online Sportsbooks · States · Texas |
Sports betting is not legally permitted in Texas as of June 2026. Despite periodic efforts from lawmakers and industry groups, there doesn't appear to be a path to legalization in the immediate future. While Gov. Greg Abbott has expressed support for legal sports betting, opposition in the state Senate continues to be a major obstacle.
That's especially notable with the 2026 World Cup arriving in Texas this summer. AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host a tournament-high nine matches, including a semifinal, while Houston's NRG Stadium will host seven more games. Soccer fans across the state are expected to be more engaged than ever during the tournament.
That doesn't mean Texans are out of options. DFS apps, social sportsbooks, social casinos, and prediction market apps remain available in the Lone Star State, giving users several ways to get involved with major sporting events like the World Cup. We'll break down those options—and the latest on Texas sports betting legislation—below.
See more about the future of Texas betting sites!
WHY CAN'T I BET ON SPORTS ONLINE IN TEXAS?
It's illegal, in short. Texas has always stood alone when it comes to legislation, and is often one of the first (or, one of the last) to adopt laws that the rest of the country is adopting. However, you still have several legal alternatives available.
In addition to the lottery, horse racing, and DFS contests, Texans can also use social sportsbooks, social casinos, and prediction market platforms.
CONTENTS
- Social Sportsbooks
- Daily Fantasy Sports
- Social Casinos
- Prediction Markets
- Texas Sportsbooks
- Can Texans Bet on the World Cup?
- TX Betting Laws
- Future of Texas Betting Sites
- Betting Markets and Events
- Betting on TX Sports Teams
- FAQ - Best Texas Sportsbooks
- Conclusion
TEXAS SOCIAL SPORTSBOOKS
Social sportsbooks offer Texans a fun alternative to traditional sports betting. These platforms use virtual currencies, sweepstakes promotions, and prediction-style contests to recreate the excitement of a sportsbook while remaining available in states where sports betting is not legal.
The options below are among the top social sportsbooks available in Texas today:
| 👾 Platform | 🎁 Welcome Offer and Promo Code | 📝 T&C | 🔧 Top Feature |
| Rebet Social Sportsbook Texas | Use promo code | Sports prediction platform that combines social features with a sportsbook-style interface. | |
| PlayBracco Social Sportsbook Texas | No promo code is necessary to claim the following promo: | Sweepstakes-based sports picks platform featuring cashback rewards and leaderboard competitions. | |
| Thrillzz Social Sportsbook Texas | Use promo code | Pick'em contests, sweepstakes prizes, and community competitions in one app. |
DAILY FANTASY SPORTS IN TEXAS
Daily fantasy sports have long existed in Texas in a legal gray area. The law does not classify these services as sports betting sites, arguing that they are games of skill rather than gambling. That means fantasy sports can operate outside the usual restrictions for sportsbooks.
The good news is that several major DFS platforms currently accept players from Texas, and we've highlighted some of the best legal options below:
| 👾 Platform | 🎁 Welcome Offer and Promo Code | 📝 T&C | 🔧 Top Feature |
| DraftKings Pick6 Texas | No promo code is necessary to claim the following promo: | Easy-to-use pick'em contests featuring player stats from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. | |
| Underdog Texas | Use promo code | Home to popular Best Ball tournaments, fantasy drafts, and player pick'em contests. | |
| Dabble Fantasy Texas | Use promo code | Social-first fantasy app where users can follow, copy, and share picks with friends. | |
| Bleacher Nation Texas | Use promo code | Fantasy contests and pick'em games backed by the popular Bleacher Nation sports community. | |
| Betr Picks Texas | Use promo code | Quick-entry player prop contests designed for casual and experienced users alike. | |
| Boom Sports Texas | Use promo code | lexible pick'em contests with player props across a variety of sports and leagues. | |
| Chalkboard Texas | TBD | TBD | Group-based fantasy platform built around sharing picks and competing with friends. |
| PrizePicks Texas | Use promo code | Industry-leading pick'em platform with one of the largest selections of player projections available. |
🚨 Before signing up to any other DFS platform, you should always confirm that its available in the state, as eligibility rules can vary by operator.
TEXAS SOCIAL CASINOS
Social casinos give Texans a way to enjoy online slots, table games, and sweepstakes-style promotions without visiting a traditional casino. Most platforms use virtual currencies and offer free-to-play games, with some providing opportunities to redeem prizes through promotional sweepstakes systems.
Below are some of the most popular social casinos available in Texas:
| 👾 Platform | 🎁 Welcome Offer and Promo Code | 📝 T&C | 🔧 Top Feature |
| Stake.us Casino Texas | Use promo code | Huge collection of slots, live casino games, and one of the strongest ongoing rewards programs in the social casino space. | |
| CrownCoins Casino Texas | No promo code is needed to claim this promo: | Extensive game selection paired with daily bonuses and regular sweepstakes promotions. | |
| McLuck Texas | Use promo code | Popular destination for slot fans, featuring jackpot games, exclusive titles, and frequent promotional offers. | |
| RichSweeps Texas | Use promo code | Beginner-friendly social casino with a mix of slots, table games, and value-packed sweepstakes offers. | |
| Jackpota Texas | No promo code is needed to claim the bonus: | Fast-growing platform known for its large slot library, free spins promotions, and jackpot-style gameplay. |
PREDICTION MARKETS APPS IN TEXAS
Prediction markets have become increasingly popular in Texas, especially around major events like the World Cup, NFL season, and presidential elections. Rather than placing traditional sports bets, users buy and sell contracts based on the likelihood of an outcome occurring.
The platforms below are among the most popular prediction market options currently available to Texans:
| 👾 Platform | 🎁 Welcome Offer and Promo Code | 📝 T&C | 🔧 Top Feature |
| Polymarket Texas | Use promo code | Active marketplace covering everything from sports and politics to financial and cultural events. | |
| FanDuel Predicts Texas | No promo code is needed to claim the promo: | User-friendly platform offering prediction markets on sports, entertainment, and real-world events. | |
| Kalshi Texas | Use promo code | Wide selection of event contracts backed by federal regulatory oversight. | |
| Novig Texas | Use promo code | Fee-free sports exchange that matches users directly against each other. | |
| ProphetX Texas | Use promo code | Trading-style sports marketplace where users can buy and sell positions before and during games. |
MOST LIKELY TEXAS SPORTSBOOKS
As of June 2026, there are no Texas sportsbooks available to accept customers. However, if and should the state legalize sports betting in the near future, here are some of the best providers likely to open for business.
All of these providers are U.S.-based companies, which means that they will comply with any Texas regulations. These are all well-established providers as well, making them wise choices.
FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the leading sports betting operators in the U.S. The platform combines a clean mobile app with competitive odds and a rewards program that lets users earn FanCash on qualifying wagers.
While sports betting remains illegal in Texas, Fanatics would likely be one of the operators interested in launching in the state if regulations change in the future.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
Backed by one of the biggest names in gaming, BetMGM has become one of the most popular sportsbook apps in the United States. The platform offers competitive odds, a large selection of betting markets, and a robust rewards program tied to MGM Resorts properties.
If Texas eventually legalizes sports betting, BetMGM would likely be among the major operators seeking to launch in the state.
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK
DraftKings already takes customers in Texas for daily fantasy sports. Once Texas online sportsbooks go live, you’ll be able to get your fantasy sports and sports betting all through the same provider.
DraftKings accepts wagers on all major U.S. and international sports. They also offer a convenient mobile experience, meaning they are sure to be one of the best Texas sportsbooks once they’re given the approval to operate in the state.
Can Texans Bet on the World Cup in the State?
Not through a traditional online sportsbook. Since sports betting is not currently legal in Texas, you won't be able to place World Cup wagers with operators like FanDuel Sportsbook or bet365 while you're in the state.
That said, Texas soccer fans can still use the prediction markets, DFS pick'em apps, and social sportsbooks featured above to add some excitement to the World Cup. Depending on the platform, you can make picks on individual matches, player performances, and even tournament winners.
Texas World Cup Match Schedule
Texas will be one of the most important host states during the 2026 World Cup. Between AT&T Stadium in Arlington and NRG Stadium in Houston, the state will welcome 16 matches, including multiple knockout-round games and a semifinal.
Dallas / Arlington (AT&T Stadium)
AT&T Stadium will host a tournament-high nine matches, making it one of the marquee venues of the World Cup.
Group Stage Matches
- June 14, 2026: Netherlands vs. Japan
- June 17, 2026: England vs. Croatia
- June 22, 2026: Argentina vs. Austria
- June 25, 2026: Japan vs. Sweden
- June 27, 2026: Jordan vs. Argentina
Knockout Stage Matches
- June 30, 2026: Round of 32
- July 3, 2026: Round of 32
- July 6, 2026: Round of 16
- July 14, 2026: Semifinal
Houston (NRG Stadium)
Houston will host seven World Cup matches, including five group-stage contests and two knockout-round fixtures.
Group Stage Matches
- June 14, 2026: Germany vs. Curaçao
- June 17, 2026: Portugal vs. DR Congo
- June 20, 2026: Netherlands vs. Sweden
- June 23, 2026: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
- June 26, 2026: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
Knockout Stage Matches
- June 29, 2026: Round of 32
- July 4, 2026: Round of 16
Can Texans Bet in Another State?
Yes. Texans can legally place sports bets in states where sports betting is permitted, as long as they are physically located in that state when placing the wager.
For example, if you're visiting nearby states such as Louisiana or traveling to another legal betting market, you can download a licensed sportsbook app and place bets after completing the required geolocation check. Sportsbooks verify where you're located—not where you live.
Once you're back in Texas, however, traditional online sportsbooks will no longer accept wagers unless state laws change in the future.
TEXAS BETTING LAWS
Like all states, Texas is subject to federal gambling laws. While many states have legalized sports betting since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, Texas has yet to follow suit.
Traditional sports betting remains illegal in Texas, and no legislation to legalize online sportsbooks advanced during the 2025 legislative session. However, Texans still have access to several legal alternatives, including daily fantasy sports (DFS), horse racing, the state lottery, social sportsbooks, social casinos, and prediction market platforms.
FUTURE OF TEXAS BETTING SITES
The future of sports betting in Texas remains uncertain. Supporters of legalization, including the Texas Sports Betting Alliance and several professional sports franchises, continue to advocate for regulated sportsbooks in the state. Gov. Greg Abbott has also expressed support for legal sports betting on the Texas Take podcast stating:
I don't have a problem with online sports betting. The reality is that I'd be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already.
Despite that support, significant political hurdles remain. The 2025 legislative session ended without a sports betting bill reaching the governor's desk, meaning Texans will likely have to wait until a future session before legalization is seriously considered again.
For now, sports fans can continue to use legal alternatives such as DFS apps, social sportsbooks, social casinos, and prediction markets while lawmakers debate the future of sports betting in the Lone Star State.
Stay tuned for more updates!
TEXAS SPORTSBOOKS: EVENTS AND BETTING MARKETS
When it comes to sporting events in the Lone Star State, it’s hard to find anything much bigger than college football. Texas has the bragging rights of hosting the sport’s second-oldest bowl, the Sun Bowl. Hosted in El Paso since 1935, this annual game features some of the top college teams around.
Expect Texas sportsbooks to be busy with the Sun Bowl in the future once sports betting is approved. Local events such as this would likely be a mainstay of the best TX sportsbooks.
POPULAR TEXAS EVENTS
Along with the Sun Bowl, here are some other local sporting events that may be popular for Texas bettors in the future.
- Cotton Bowl
- Texas Bowl
- Frisco Bowl
BETTING ON PRO SPORTS TEAMS IN TEXAS
Once sports betting becomes available, fans will be able to place wagers on all their favorite professional teams from the state. Here are some of the local franchises to keep in mind once sports betting is launched.
NFL BETTING IN TEXAS
Texas is one of a handful of states to boast more than one NFL team.
Dallas Cowboys Betting
With five Superbowl wins to their name, this team has a winning pedigree. Texas sportsbooks will surely back these local favorites when sports betting launches.
Houston Texans Betting
A fairly new team who joined the league in 2002, the Texans already have a sizable local following. They had a great season in 2019, only losing in the playoffs to eventual Super Bowl champs the Kansas City Chiefs. Certainly, Texas sportsbooks will have exciting offers for Texans fans once the service goes live.
NBA BETTING IN TEXAS
Three NBA calls the state home. Texas online sportsbooks will have plenty of variety to offer for basketball once it’s given the green light.
San Antonio Spurs Betting
One of the most successful NBA franchises of history, the Spurs have taken home five championship rings. Undoubtedly, Texas betting sites will be able to cater to Spurs fans once betting services become available.
Houston Rockets Betting
Rockets fans have a history to be proud of as a championship team. The Houston Rockets were the first team from the state to win a championship and the only Texas team to have won back-to-back championships.
Dallas Mavericks Betting
Taking home their first NBA title in 2011 with star Dirk Nowitzki leading the way, the Mavs are looking to build on that success. The Mavericks are sure to be a popular offering for future Texas sportsbooks.
NHL BETTING IN TEXAS
Hockey is growing in popularity in Texas, and the state has one professional team in the NHL.
Dallas Stars Betting
After moving to Texas in ‘93, the Stars won the 1999 Stanley Cup to bring the trophy to Texas for the first time.
MLB BETTING IN TEXAS
Texas has two MLB teams based in the state.
Houston Astros Betting
Texas’ longest-running pro baseball team, the Astros have been a presence since 1962. They became the first World Series champions from Texas after winning the title in 2017. Texas sportsbooks will hopefully be offering fans a chance to bet on the Astros building on that success.
Texas Rangers Betting
After relocating from Washington, D.C. in 1972, the Rangers spent decades chasing their first championship before finally breaking through with a World Series title in 2023. Since then, Texas has remained one of the most closely followed teams in the American League, led by stars such as Corey Seager, Josh Jung, and Wyatt Langford.
If Texas ever legalizes sports betting, sportsbooks would offer a wide range of Rangers markets, including game lines, player props, division futures, and World Series odds.
OTHER TEXAS TEAMS TO BET ON
As well as this sizable selection of professional teams, Texas betting sites will also have plenty to offer for college sports.
BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL IN TEXAS
The state has a host of college football teams active in the area, each with its own unique fan culture. Texas sportsbooks will be able to cater to these fans if sports betting is legalized.
Texas Longhorns
One of the top collegiate football teams in the state, the Longhorns managed a third place finish in the Big 12 conference in the 2019 season. Expect them to be a betting favorite once betting is available in the state.
Texas A&M Aggies
The fighting Aggies are a local favorite in Texas. Fans can wager on the Aggies if sports betting becomes available.
BETTING ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL IN TEXAS
As well as being one of the best states for college football, Texas also offers plenty of excitement when it comes to college basketball.
Texas Longhorns
Just like in football, the Longhorns stand out in basketball as well. They are sure to be one of the favorites for future Texas sportsbooks.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST SPORTSBOOKS IN TEXAS
Sports betting is still not legal in Texas, and while lawmakers continue to debate the issue, no bill has yet made it into law. That means Texans can't place traditional sports bets through licensed sportsbooks, at least for now.
The good news is that there are still several legal ways to enjoy a sports-focused experience. Daily fantasy sports apps, social sportsbooks, social casinos, and prediction market platforms give fans a chance to engage with major events like the NFL season, March Madness, and the 2026 World Cup without breaking state laws.
We'll keep an eye on any changes to Texas sports betting regulations and update this guide as things develop. In the meantime, the platforms highlighted above offer some of the most accessible and enjoyable alternatives for sports fans across the Lone Star State.
BEST TEXAS SPORTSBOOKS FAQ
Here’s a quick rundown of some commonly asked questions about sports betting in Texas.
IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN TEXAS?
As of June 2026, sports betting is not legally permitted in Texas. There have been bills introduced to legalize it, but no law has been passed as of yet.
WHAT ARE THE LEGAL ALTERNATIVES TO SPORTS BETTING IN TEXAS?
The legal alternatives to sports betting in Texas are DFS platforms, social casinos, social sportsbooks, prediction markets platforms, horse racing or the lottery.
WHERE CAN I BET ON SPORTS IN TEXAS?
There are no legal Texas sportsbooks. You will need to wait for a change in the law for sports betting to become available.
CAN I BET FROM MY PHONE IN TEXAS?
There aren’t any Texas online sportsbooks available as of June 2026. Most providers do offer mobile service, but sports betting is currently prohibited, leaving Texas betting sites unavailable.
WHEN WILL SPORTS BETTING BE LEGALIZED IN TEXAS?
It is uncertain when sports betting will be legalized. There have been bills brought before the state Legislature, but as of June 2026 nothing has been signed into law.