Best Texas Online Casinos 2024: Play Legally and Safely!

Like many states, Texas currently does not allow real money online casinos to operate legally within its boundaries. That’s a lot of land for players who can’t partake in web gambling for cash prizes.

Fortunately, there are other ways you can play online casino games and still enjoy the thrill of betting with social casino sites. Social and sweepstakes casinos are the available alternatives to the best Texas online casinos for those who want to play their favorite games, from slot games to poker.

There are also some casinos to spend time and enjoy casino table games in person! These tribal casinos are one of the best ways to participate in gambling in Texas…legally, of course, and also help you win big during your trip to the Lone Star State.

It is important to be wary of some gray areas for different types of legal online gambling sites. This article will give you the rundown on some basic facts about the state’s stance on gambling, help you learn about different ways you can enjoy games, and how to win cash with casino-style games online!

The Best Online Casino Offers in Texas

United States
Texas, United States
  • BetRivers.net
    #1 Rank
    BetRivers.net
    Bonus
    $1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits Everyday
    8.7
    Read review
    About BetRivers.net
    BetRivers.net

    Since 2016, BetRivers.NET has been a powerhouse in the US social casino scene, offering top-quality games from NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. With over 700 slots, live casino games, and ongoing tournaments, it’s a must-visit. All players enjoy automatic enrollment in the loyalty scheme and receive free virtual credits every four hours.

    Read review
    Overview
    • Website us.betrivers.net
    • Established 2016
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus $20 virtual credits
    Rating
    8.7 / 10
    Bonuses
    8/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    8/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    10/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • GoldSlips Casino
    #2 Rank
    GoldSlips Casino
    Bonus
    5S Coins and 100K Gold Coins
    7.1
    Read review
    About GoldSlips Casino
    GoldSlips Casino

    GoldSlips Casino, launched in 2023 and available in most states, is quickly gaining traction as a promising social casino. With a straightforward yet engaging platform, we’re eager to see its expansion in bonuses and promotions. Check out our comprehensive review for insights on gameplay, ratings, and more at GoldSlips.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    7.1 / 10
    Bonuses
    6/10
    Payment Options
    7/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    8/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    7/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • ACH
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Huuuge
    #3 Rank
    Huuuge
    Bonus
    4+ Billion Free Chips
    8.4
    Read review
    About Huuuge
    Huuuge

    Huuuge Casino boasts a robust selection of 201 finely crafted games, making it a major player in the social casino scene since its launch in 2014. Powered by Huuuge Games and supported by well-known providers like Aristocrat and Playtech, it offers over 4 billion free chips for linking your Facebook and Apple ID. Don’t miss the welcome bonus upon login. For more details, dive into our full Huuuge Social Casino review.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.4 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • American Express
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    • PayPal
    • +2
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Casino4Fun
    #4 Rank
    Casino4Fun
    Bonus
    500 VC$ on sign-up
    8.9
    Read review
    About Casino4Fun
    Casino4Fun

    Rush Games Casino4Fun has become a favorite among online social casinos, offering easy account setup and daily virtual coin benefits. Since its 2023 launch, players enjoy jackpot promotions and games ranging from live craps to popular slots crafted by top industry developers. See what our experts at Lucky Gambler have to say about Rush Games Casino4Fun.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • American Express
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply

Texas Online Gambling Laws

Let’s start with the most essential – Texas online gambling remains illegal. This pertains to real-money online casino sites, which, as the name suggests, accept real money in exchange for betting on table games, poker games, slot games, and more.

Many casinos offer table games and betting through roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other popular games. However, you won’t find the same amenities on the Internet. While other states permit web gambling through regular casino sites, like Bally Casino in New Jersey, for instance, Texas online gambling laws are fairly strict when it comes to online casinos. In fact, online gambling in the state is directly outlawed in the state’s constitution. Article 3, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution directly outlaws lotteries, live dealer games (except for tribal casinos legalized in 1988), and other forms of real money casino sites since placing any bets is illegal.

Section 47.02 of the Texas Penal Code states that anyone who participates in online casino gaming and even bets on the performance of a player or the outcome of a game is committing an offense. In short, online casino Texas sites remain illegal.

How does Texas Regulate Gambling?

Different regulatory agencies currently oversee the laws related to gambling, legal age, the state lottery, and everything in between. The two main forms of gambling in Texas are lottery tickets and betting on horse and greyhound racing.

The Texas Lottery Commission is in charge of overseeing lottery and table games like bingo for charitable organizations. That’s right! While there are no real money casinos or casino apps, there are various charitable organizations that might host table games and bingo raffles, which are legal so long as the funds are going toward donations.

There is the TRC, or Texas Racing Commission, which oversees the laws related to horse and greyhound betting. While there aren’t any Texas casino apps available for gambling, there are various horse racing betting options residents can make use of, but only in person. The state has been generous enough to legalize racing, but it must be overseen by the TRC.

Land-based casinos are currently regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission NIGC, putting its oversight on the national level. The same applies to those who need help with responsible gambling. If you need such resources, you’ll need to stick with the national helpline since there is no regulatory body for web or in-person gambling yet!

Online Casino Texas Overview

By far the best Texas online gambling sites that can help you win big and enjoy gambling for free are social casino sites. It’s important to understand how social casinos differ from possibly illegal online casinos. The latter Texas online casino sites do not operate the same way as traditional gambling sites.

Social casinos, for instance, don’t require users to deposit money to partake in online casino gambling. Instead, these are the best options for those on a tight budget since they allow you to play for free. Some social casinos even offer a Texas online casino bonus!

These casino gambling bonuses typically include free coins. They can be used to play casino-style games or partake in low-stakes casino gambling. If you continue to play table games or other popular casino games on these sites, you can then win more coins.

Gather your coins and sign up for sweepstakes for a chance to win real money. In short, you don’t need to pay to gamble online, which makes any social online casino site legal, but you do need more coins for a bigger chance to win real cash prizes through sweepstakes.

This type of Texas casino online platform allows you to play online slots and other casino games for free for a chance to win real money and enjoy online casino bonuses. If you’re new to web gambling in Texas or casino gaming in general, these sites are also a great way to perfect your skills.

Texas Online Poker

Unfortunately, online poker is one of the many live dealer games that remains illegal in the state. While you might think Texas online casinos offer poker even for fun, the fact is that the only real-money online casinos where you’ll be able to get and win on poker are located in other states. The best Texas online casinos that offer even a slight chance of winning money on poker are sweepstakes platforms.

Texas Daily Fantasy Sports

We know that online casinos are illegal in this state. But, what about DFS? Is this type of Texas online gambling also outlawed? Sort of.

That’s because previous legislation has ruled that DFS is not a game of skill, which has made it outlawed in the state, like other live dealer and slot games. Still, you can sign up and play, but know that it’s been deemed illegal (just not enforced)!

Texas Sports Betting

If you want to bet on your favorite sports teams on the Internet, it’s a no-go. Similarly to online Texas casinos, there are currently no laws that legalize online sports betting. This would be one of the best ways gambling in Texas could produce much-needed revenue.

Even the best Texas online casino could benefit from adding sports betting to the range of their services. Sadly, there are no legal online casinos in Texas that accept sports wagers within the state.

Texas Online Horse Betting

In addition to social and sweepstakes casinos, there are other ways you can partake in online gambling. Like casinos in Texas that gain a massive audience, so do horse racing and greyhound racing sites!

Unfortunately, like real money Texas online casinos, there is currently no online horse betting in Texas. This means online gambling on horses or greyhounds must be done on the racetrack where the race is occurring. This is known as retail betting, and like casinos in Texas, it’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and win big (although you’ll have to do this in person).

Texas Lottery

While you might not find online casinos in Texas, one thing you can find is the lottery! If you’re wondering if the online lottery is legal, the answer is, unfortunately, a stern no. Yes, you can play scratch-offs and buy lottery tickets in the state. However, that’s where the benefits end.

You won’t be able to play the lottery online. You also won’t be able to buy tickets through these lottery sites. Nevertheless, since online gambling in Texas is limited, the lottery is a great chance to win millions and help your community too!

Texas Land Based Casinos

Texas online casinos won’t allow you to win real money. This might be difficult to deal with for some experienced players. Fortunately, there are ways to win money in person, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gambler! Just visit one of the three land-based casinos in the state.

History of Gambling Legislation in Texas

While Texas was once known for its rich history of gambling and live dealer games, this was as far back as the 1860s. Unfortunately, not all good things last.

Gambling Outlawed by Progressive Movement

In 1903, the state finally outlawed gambling, thanks to the Progressive Movement of the day.

Introduction of Pari-mutuel Betting

It was only in 1933 that strides were made to improve the gambling situation in the state. Today, pari-mutuel and simulcasting are still available for horse betting. This means you must be physically located at the racetrack before placing a bet.

Lottery Legalization in the State

Finally, in 1992, the state also legalized the lottery. Players can now win the lottery by purchasing scratch-offs and other lottery tickets at select stores. While you cannot bet online, this type of gambling is great for those who need a bit more help keeping up with sports or training.

Texas AG Declares DFS Sites Illegal, Debate Continues

In 2016, the Texas Attorney General issued an opinion on Sports Fantasy Leagues and found DFS sites to be illegal. However, this hasn’t stopped players from continuing to bet on their favorite sports teams, as many other states consider DFS sites legal. Whether this attitude will apply to casino gaming is up for debate.

Texas Online Casino FAQ

What is the gambling age in Texas?

The legal gambling age in Texas is currently 21 years old. In addition, some of the best Texas online casino websites, such as social casinos, allow players as young as 18 to participate.

Who regulates gambling in Texas?

There are several bodies that regulate gambling in Texas, including the TRC, or Texas Racing Commission, and the Texas Lottery Commission to regulate the lottery. However, there is no other body to regulate online gambling yet.

Are Texas online casinos legal?

Texas online casinos are currently illegal. This means you can’t play at an internet casino by wagering real money on casino games. Instead, you can partake in online gambling in Texas through social and sweepstakes casinos.

Can I win real money online casinos in Texas?

No, there are currently no real money online casino websites where you can participate legally and win real money for cash or credit deposits. However, you can still win real money with social casinos.

Are gambling winnings taxable in Texas?

Playing at casinos is never free. A gambling establishment will withhold a 24% flat rate fee if your earnings are enough to trigger a W2 form. This means you won’t need to worry about paying your taxes for all of your favorite casino games. The Texas casino will do it for you.

When will online casinos be legal in Texas?

There’s no telling when Texas online casinos will become legal. This decision requires many members of the government to pass laws, which hasn’t seemed to happen. Texas’ former governor has declared DFS sites illegal in the state, but this still hasn’t deterred people from gambling with DFS sites. Only time will tell if they can continue to do so, or face legal repercussions.

Veronica Foster Written by Veronica Foster

I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.

Veronica's articles and reviews