Texas remains one of the largest states without legal online sports betting as of 2026. Despite having massive sports markets — Cowboys, Texans, Rockets, Mavericks, Spurs, Rangers, Astros — and one of the most passionate college football fan bases in the country, the best sports betting app in Texas is a complicated question given the state's current legal landscape.
Why Texas Doesn't Have Legal Online Sports Betting
Texas has conservative gambling laws rooted in longstanding political opposition to expanded gambling. Efforts to pass sports betting legislation have stalled repeatedly in the Texas Legislature, which meets only biennially. Major operators including DraftKings and FanDuel have lobbied aggressively for access to the Texas market, and major professional sports leagues have backed legalization, but as of 2026 the legislature has not passed a bill that would enable legal online sports betting statewide.
What Texas Bettors Can Do Legally
Texas does allow the state lottery, charitable bingo, and horse racing wagering through parimutuel systems. Horse racing tracks in Texas — including Lone Star Park and Sam Houston Race Park — offer legal parimutuel wagering on horse and greyhound races. Some daily fantasy sports platforms also operate in Texas under existing law.
Neighboring States With Legal Sports Betting
Texas bettors who want access to legal mobile sports betting have options when traveling. Louisiana, Colorado, Arkansas, and New Mexico all have legal sports betting, and Texas bettors can legally place mobile bets when physically present in those states. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars all operate in Louisiana, which is a practical option for East Texas residents near the border.
The Future of Texas Sports Betting
Texas represents the single largest untapped sports betting market in the United States. When the Texas Legislature passes sports betting legislation — which many analysts expect to happen within the next legislative session — the market launch will be among the most significant in US history. Major operators are prepared to move immediately.
Preparing for When Texas Launches
Getting your accounts set up on major platforms ahead of Texas's launch will position you to take advantage of welcome bonuses and early market promotions. In the meantime, building smart betting habits is the best preparation. Oddible is the free bet-tracking app that helps you log every wager, measure your ROI, and develop the data-driven habits that will serve you once Texas goes live. Start tracking now so you're ready when the market opens.
