Sports fans in Texas are as passionate as anywhere in the country, and with the rise of mobile betting nationwide, many are eager to know: what sports betting apps are legal in texas? The short answer is… none. But the reality behind that answer is worth exploring in detail, especially if you’re tempted by the flashy ads for online sportsbooks.

Why Texas Doesn’t Have Legal Sports Betting Apps Yet

Despite huge sports markets and millions of potential bettors, Texas still prohibits sports betting. No law has been passed to legalize wagering on sports, either online or in-person.

Unlike states such as New York, New Jersey, or Louisiana, Texas maintains strict gambling laws. Political divisions, conservative values, and concerns about gambling addiction keep efforts to legalize sports betting in a constant state of gridlock.

So, when people ask what sports betting apps are legal in texas, the unfortunate truth is that Texans simply don’t have legal options available within state lines.

The Confusion Around Betting Apps in Texas

It’s easy to be confused if you’re living in Texas. National advertising for apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM appears everywhere—from TV commercials to social media feeds.

These apps are indeed legal in some states—but not in Texas. The moment you try to sign up or place a bet while physically in Texas, the app’s geolocation software will block you.

Yet many Texans mistakenly believe that because an app is legal in one state, it’s legal everywhere. That’s a dangerous misconception and one of the reasons it’s essential to clarify what sports betting apps are legal in texas.

What Options Do Texans Have Right Now?

Since legal sports betting apps are unavailable in Texas, what do people do instead?

• Travel to Legal States – Texans living near the border often cross into Louisiana, where both in-person and mobile sports betting are legal. Bettors can use their phones legally while inside Louisiana, but apps stop working once they cross back into Texas.
• Offshore Sportsbooks – Some bettors turn to offshore websites that claim to accept Texans. However, these are illegal, unregulated, and risky. There’s no guarantee you’ll get paid if you win, and your personal data may be at risk.
• Free-to-Play Apps – Apps exist that let users make predictions for entertainment or for small prizes, without risking real money. These are legal because they don’t count as gambling under Texas law.

Tips for Texans Considering Sports Betting

While waiting for the laws to change, there are some crucial things Texas sports fans should keep in mind:

• Avoid Offshore Gambling – These sites might look professional, but they operate outside US laws. You’d have zero protection if they refuse to pay out your winnings or mishandle your personal data.
• Stay Updated – Texas lawmakers discuss sports betting almost every legislative session. Follow local news outlets or advocacy groups to know when things might finally change.
• Know the Risks – Trying to bypass restrictions or using offshore apps isn’t worth the legal and financial risks. It’s better to wait until Texas passes laws allowing regulated betting.

Could Sports Betting Apps Become Legal in Texas?

Many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before sports betting becomes legal in Texas. Major sports franchises—including the Cowboys, Rockets, and Mavericks—support legalization, seeing it as a new revenue stream and a way to engage fans.

Polls show public opinion is shifting in favor of legal gambling, especially as neighboring states embrace sports betting and rake in tax dollars. But the Texas legislature remains cautious, and any change will require overcoming significant political hurdles.

Still, for sports fans and potential bettors asking what sports betting apps are legal in texas, there’s reason for cautious optimism. Lawmakers will likely revisit the issue in the next legislative session.

Final Thoughts: Patience Is the Smart Play

Right now, there’s no satisfying answer to what sports betting apps are legal in texas, because there simply aren’t any legal options. For Texans eager to join the sports betting craze, waiting for laws to change is the safest choice.

In the meantime, keep your bets hypothetical and stay informed. The tide could turn sooner than you think—and when it does, Texans may finally be able to place legal sports bets from the comfort of their phones.