BetOnline is in a legal gray area in Texas, but it’s what 30 million Texans use because there’s no alternative. Texas is the largest state without legal sports betting - no apps, no retail, nothing. The legislature has blocked legalization attempts repeatedly, leaving offshore books as the only option.
Texas: America’s Biggest Betting Desert
Texas facts:
- Population: 30+ million
- NFL teams: 2 (Cowboys, Texans)
- MLB teams: 2 (Rangers, Astros)
- NBA teams: 3 (Mavs, Rockets, Spurs)
- College football: Massive (Texas, A&M, TCU, Baylor, Tech, Houston)
- Legal sports betting: Zero
The demand is enormous. The supply is offshore only.
Why Texas Won’t Legalize
Texas requires a constitutional amendment to legalize casino gambling, which includes sports betting under most interpretations. That means:
- Two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers
- Statewide voter approval
The obstacles:
Religious conservatives - Significant political power in Texas, opposed to gambling expansion.
Existing interests - Texas tribal casinos and horse tracks have their own lobbying concerns.
State pride - “We don’t need gambling” attitude from some legislators.
Every session, bills get introduced. Every session, they die in committee.
The Gray Area Reality
Texas law prohibits operating gambling businesses in Texas. It doesn’t specifically address residents placing bets with offshore operators.
What’s clearly illegal:
- Running a sportsbook from Texas
- Operating betting kiosks in Texas
- Being a bookie in Texas
What’s not addressed:
- Using websites operated elsewhere
- Individual residents placing bets online
No Texas resident has been prosecuted for using BetOnline. Law enforcement occasionally busts illegal local bookies, but offshore users aren’t targeted.
The Friday Night Lights Factor
Texas takes high school football seriously. Towns shut down for games. The culture extends to all levels:
- High school playoffs draw 50,000+ crowds
- College football is religion (especially A&M’s cult-like following)
- Cowboys are America’s Team (love them or hate them)
- Texans have a passionate fanbase
All this sports passion, zero legal betting outlet. BetOnline captures what the state legislature refuses to provide.
What Texas Bettors Use
Without legal options, the Texas betting market flows through:
BetOnline - Full sportsbook, poker, reduced juice Tuesdays
Bovada - Anonymous poker, sports, casino
Heritage Sports - Sharp-friendly, high limits
Local bookies - Still exist, actually illegal unlike offshore
The offshore market in Texas is massive. Millions in action that could be taxed flows to Costa Rica instead.
Comparing to Neighboring States
| State | Legal Sports Betting | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | No | 30M+ |
| Louisiana | Yes (most parishes) | 4.6M |
| Oklahoma | Tribal only | 4M |
| New Mexico | Tribal only | 2.1M |
| Arkansas | Retail only | 3M |
Texas stands alone as the giant with nothing. Louisiana residents drive to New Orleans. Texans drive to their phones.
The Revenue Texas Loses
Estimates suggest Texas loses $1-2 billion annually in potential tax revenue by not legalizing sports betting.
That money:
- Goes to offshore operators
- Isn’t taxed
- Doesn’t fund schools or roads
- Just… leaves
Other states watch Texas and shake their heads. The opportunity cost is staggering.
Will It Ever Change?
Eventually. Probably.
The most likely path: Texas eventually legalizes to capture revenue when budget pressures mount. But timing is impossible to predict.
Optimistic view: 2027-2028 legislative session
Realistic view: Could be 2030 or later
Pessimistic view: Texas never fully legalizes
Don’t hold your breath. Use BetOnline in the meantime.
FAQ
Is BetOnline legal in Texas?
Gray area. Texas law doesn’t specifically prohibit using offshore sportsbooks. No Texan has been prosecuted for using BetOnline. But Texas also has zero legal betting options.
Why doesn’t Texas have legal sports betting?
Requires constitutional amendment, faces religious conservative opposition, and lacks political will. Bills fail every legislative session.
When will Texas legalize sports betting?
Unknown. Could be 2027, could be never. The legislature has shown no serious movement toward legalization despite massive potential revenue.
What do Texas residents use for sports betting?
Offshore books like BetOnline, Bovada, and Heritage Sports. Or illegal local bookies. No legal in-state options exist.