Despite the state’s tremendously massive sports culture, betting on sports is not permitted in Texas.
Historically, Texas has been staunchly opposed to gambling of all kinds, and while there are some encouraging indicators, residents shouldn’t hold their breath for the introduction of legal sports betting any time soon.
There are, however, a few exceptions. Although traditional sports betting is prohibited, daily fantasy sports websites are authorized to operate in the state.
At the beginning of 2019, a politician from the state of Texas introduced a new measure that would legalize sports betting both in-person and via mobile device. Although the idea sounds great and looks great on paper, it is going to have to overcome a few significant obstacles. More about that in the following section.
Can you place a sports bet in the Lonestar state?
Offshore sports betting sites, admit international participants, including Texans, into their sites. Players from the state of Texas must be at least 18 years of age to participate in any kind of gambling activity on any of the online casinos.
In order to bet on sports in Texas, one should first register at one of the best Texas sportsbooks available today. It’s also always important to read the terms and conditions for any additional limitations. Additionally, each website has the right to request evidence of age from new users to stop minors from registering.
Another reason Texans should check out the terms and conditions before joining up is to verify that they are not breaking any rules. Ex-Texas residents should check that their current nation of residence is accepted by their selected sportsbook.
The State of Sports Betting in Texas
Estimates predict that legalizing sports betting might generate billions of dollars in tax revenue and that Texas would be the country’s second-largest sports betting state.
Even without internet and mobile wagering, it is anticipated that Texans will yearly wager $9 billion on sports. A tax of 6.25 percent on these sales would amount to over $500 million.
The drive to access that potential cash is colliding with a primarily conservative, anti-gambling establishment, creating an interesting dynamic if this law is passed.
A prevalent anti-gambling sentiment is not the only obstacle this bill must overcome. Even if the state chose to legalize sports betting, it would need to modify its constitution. Excluding the lottery system and thoroughbred and dog racing, all forms of gambling are prohibited in Texas.
There is only 1 tribal casino inside the entire state, and it is only permitted to offer slots rather than casino table games. Bookmaking is considered a Class A misdemeanor in the state of Texas, which is known for its extremely stringent rules against gaming.
Even though it is against the law in Texas to bet on sports, the Dallas Cowboys have signed a sponsorship deal with the WinStar World Casino. The Cowboys were the first NFL team to work with a casino as a result of the agreement.
This does not indicate that legalization is imminent in Texas, but the signing of a huge deal between the state’s premier sports club and a casino firm is another piece of the puzzle.
Another significant consideration is that Texas’s neighbors, notably New Mexico, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, have either fully authorized bookmaking or have bills in the works to do so. That means texas citizens will have plenty of opportunities to wager their billions of dollars outside of Texas.
What Is the Future of Texas Online Sports Betting?
Historically a dark zone for legal gambling, the future of sports betting in Texas has become somewhat brighter. Even if there is still a long way to go, the presentation of a new measure to regulate sports betting gives us hope that the finish is in sight.
Various estimates exist, but according to the American Sports Betting Coalition, legalizing sports betting could bring in close to $2 billion and generate over 9,000 employees in the region. Given that Texans are already wagering on sports in ways that are against the law and in other jurisdictions, new laws may actually have a shot at being passed.
On the opposing side of the debate are organizations such as the National Baptist Convention of Texas, which represents over three million Texans. They are not only opposed to legalized sports betting, but they also wish to abolish the entire state lottery.
In a similar vein to the lottery, Baptist Convention lobbyist Rob Kohler asserts that the state’s poorest residents will bear the brunt of a planned tax on sports wagering. Its regressivity would cause a sales tax to blush. Is it wise for us to use the people we’re giving money to aid to finance our government? “No,” Kohler replied.
Nevertheless, the state lottery was able to bring in $1.3 billion for the education system of the state in 2017. Legalized sports betting will generate much more tax money.
