Texas Gambling Laws 2025

What forms of gambling are legal in Texas?

There are a number of different forms of gambling legal in the state of Texas. Texas has had a state lottery since 1991 when the voters amended the state constitution to allow for it, and of course it is legal to take part. Pari-mutuel (from the French, meaning "mutual") wagering involves pooling of winners' and losers' piles and forming of odds based on the number of persons betting for or against an outcome and is based on horse or dog racing. This kind of gambling was legalized in Texas in 1933 during the Great Depression to raise revenue, banned again in 1937, rejected in multiple state-wide referendums, and finally legalized again on a 1987 ballot. That 1987 ballot measure also created the Texas Racing Commission since most pari-mutuel gambling in Texas involves wagers on horse and greyhound races. You can reviews the actual statutes and laws in place in Texas by visiting the official Texas State Legislature Website.

Is casino gambling legal in Texas?

Betting on Indian reservations in Texas must be allowed to take place at the same level as is allowed in the rest of the state according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). There have been numerous court battles between the state of Texas and Indian nations over what qualifies as equal gaming, and many tribal casinos have been shut down almost immediately after opening.

Of the multiple casinos located in Texas that gave it a go, only one tribal destination, the Kickapoo Casino, remains open and legal. It has escaped the fate of the casinos on other reservations because a court ruled their pull-tab dispensers that closely resemble slot machines to be "class two" rather then "class three" gaming devices.

You can learn more about the games found in Texas gambling establishments from our guide to Texas casino games. Thus, although a Texas law officially bans on-shore casino gambling, there nevertheless exists this single casino in the state of Texas due to its use of modified game-types. Eight-liners, which also resemble slot machines, are allowed throughout Texas so long as their prizes are worth less than $5.00, in accordance with a 1993 law designed to protect carnival and state fair prize-winning games.

Under certain conditions, casino gambling is admissible in Texan waters on board a Texas casino boat. Both state and federal law require a casino boat to have just previously come from a foreign port before being permitted to dock at a Texas Gulf-coast city or allow passengers there to use the casino games. There has been a constant back and forth fight over casino boats in Texas, and many times ships take quick "trips to nowhere" so that gaming can take place in international waters where state and federal restrictions do not apply.

Is online casino gambling legal in Texas?

No person in the state of Texas can legally operate an online casino, however, state and federal laws do not prohibit Texans from participating in legally licensed and regulated online casino establishments that are based somewhere outside of U.S. jurisdiction. This website features a list of recommended Texas online casinos that not only accept Texas players, but that are vetted by industry professionals, and verified to be legally licensed and regulated through a legitimate and respected governing jurisdiction. They are legal, secure and offer high quality casino gambling options online that deliver high quality Texas online casino games as well as some very nice perks, such as their Texas online casino bonuses.

What is the UIGEA law, and how does it affect Texas online gambling?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 is the only U.S. law that regulates online gambling. It was an addition (Title VIII) of the SAFE Port Act that deals with port security. This law simply places regulations on how online gambling transactions can be processed. This law does not make online gambling illegal for US players, and its enactment has led to a safer and more refined financial environment for online gamblers. There are some gray areas and dispute as to the law's exact limits, but it does not disallow Texans from taking part in legally licensed and regulated offshore online casino gambling. It is aimed at the operators, banks, and payment processors involved in online gambling rather than at the players.

What is the legal gambling age in Texas?

The legal age for gambling in Texas varies by type of game. One can play the state lottery at age 18, bet on horse or greyhound races at age 21, and also use casino and slot machines on a legally-operated casino ship at age 21. Those under 18 can bet at charity-sponsored bingo tournaments and purchase and use pull-tab gambling tickets so long as a parent is present and in approval of the transaction.

Conclusion

While there are many ins and outs to the laws on gambling in the state of Texas, there is no state nor U.S. law that bans individuals from making wagers online at legally licensed and regulated online casinos located outside of the United States. The laws that do target online gambling have to do with the facilitators rather than the players. With the state's staunch opposition to allowing casino gambling through brick and mortar destinations, we are not anticipating they will get on board with state regulated online gambling any time soon.