Are Casinos Legal In Texas

Are Casinos Legal In Texas 5,6/10 3701 votes

For subscribers: To address ‘overwhelming’ problem of climate change, Texas House Democrats form new caucus. The company’s own efforts will likely be concentrated on the Dallas area first if casinos are legalized in the state, however, “because that is where the greatest bleed of (gambling) money is across the Oklahoma border,” he said.

Texas Gambling Age – 18 for lottery and bingo games, 21 for racing, and Kickapoo Casino. Smoking Ban – Texas does not have a statewide smoking ban. Online Gambling Status – Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling. Types of Online Texas Gambling Allowed. Don’t expect state authorized and regulated Commercial Casinos anytime soon, because the State of Texas seems firmly opposed to the Tribal Gaming (two casinos) that it already has. They’re actively trying to get one of the two casinos closed, though their legal basis for doing so is highly questionable. Legal, real-money online casinos currently operate in only a handful of US states. For most of the US, sweepstakes sites are the go-to option for legal casino gaming. With both play-money and sweepstakes games available to virtually all of the US, sweepstakes sites offer the easiest and most accessible way to enjoy legal casino gaming.

If you are looking for the best Texas online casinos for real money games, then you’ve come to the right place. With online gambling becoming increasingly popular, Texas residents are eager to find a trustworthy casino to play at.

We’ve compiled a list of the best real money online casinos and gambling sites for Texas, so you don’t have to waste time looking for a place to play casino games online. Below is our list of the top recommendations for Texas residents. These sites and apps are some of the most user friendly and safest online casinos that we have found for Texas.

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  • Large Selection of Slots
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  • Over 250+ Online Slots
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For more information about TX casino websites, you can refer to the rest of this page as your go-to guide.

What Makes These the Best Online Casinos in Texas?

We promise that we don’t just pick these sites at random. Actually, we spent hours testing and researching dozens of sites in order to find the ones that meet our high standards. Here are some of the criteria a site must meet to be considered one of the best Texas online casinos.

Safe and Secure Online Gambling Experience

These real money online casinos all make your safety a top priority. Sites should offer a full-time security team, an up-to-date SSL site encryption, a third-party company to hold them accountable, solid relationships with banking establishments, and a proven track record of keeping their players safe.

If a site fails to have the necessary tools in place to fully protect their players, then they will automatically be taken off our list of recommendations. We hold the safety and security of players in high regard. We want you to be able to have peace of mind knowing that both your funds and your personal information are protected.

Feedback from Texas Gamblers

One of the first things we did while searching for the best real money online casinos accepting Texas players was to check out those casinos’ user reviews.

We believe a casino’s user feedback can give you major insight into their overall quality. If nothing else, user reviews highlight the casinos’ pros and cons.

After spending several hours scouring different review sites, we discovered there was predominantly positive feedback. Users seem to enjoy themselves while playing at these Texas gambling sites, and most importantly, they feel safe there.

Diversity of Available Casino Games

We dedicate a massive chunk of time to playing the online casino games offered at the Texas online gambling sites we visit. Not only are we checking the quality of the games we play, but we’re also looking to see how diverse their game selection is.

Do the best TX online casinos offer poker? Do they have a wide variety of slot games? Do they offer ample ways to win money? These are just a few of the questions we ask ourselves while analyzing the casino’s value at hand. The more types of games we see offered at a casino, the more confident we become that they’ll have something for every player that comes their way.

Banking Methods Offered

Obviously, your money matters. That’s why we pay close attention to what banking methods are available at the best online casinos in Texas.

We only recommend casinos with a wide selection of safe online banking methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.

We also check to see how long it takes for both deposits and withdrawals or any additional fees or limits enforced by the casino. We take all of this and more into consideration when determining which sites we’ll recommend.

Top-Notch Customer Service Team

Another thing we are looking for from the best online casinos accepting TX players is a high-quality customer service team. We ask various customer service reps several different questions to see how kind and knowledgeable their staff is.

We also note how their staff can be contacted, the amount of time it takes to get a response, and whether or not they can be reached 24/7. We only recommend sites that go above and beyond in these areas.

The Legality of Online Gambling in Texas

At this point, you are probably wondering about Texas online casino laws. Here is everything we know.

In 2006, when the United States passed the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), many sites closed their doors to American players. Through this legal document, the USA made it illegal to “knowingly accept payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet.”

As a result, Texas created its own laws on the subject. Texas Penal Code 47.02 states that a person is at fault when he or she knowingly “plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.” Since real money online gambling in Texas would fall under this description, it is technically illegal.

However, there are still plenty of opportunities to participate in Texas casino gambling online. While there aren’t any US online casinos that accept Texas players, there are casinos in Costa Rica and other parts of the world that will take Texas players with open arms.

What Are the Penalties for Gambling Online in Texas?

Again, according to Texas Penal Code 47.02, participating in Texas online gambling would be considered a Class C misdemeanor, and it could cost you up to $500 in fines.

We scoured the internet for examples of people who got in trouble for playing at real money Texas casino sites and came up short. This shows us that it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll ever get arrested for this action.

If you have any concerns about the legality of online casinos in Texas, then we recommend you reach out to a legal professional who is more educated on the subject and who will be able to answer your questions about TX online gambling more thoroughly.

Real Money Casino Apps for Texas Residents

If you love playing at online casinos on the go, you should definitely consider checking out real money USA casino apps. We love playing our favorite casino games on our phones. It gives us the flexibility to enjoy them anywhere we go!

If we’re stuck in traffic, waiting in line at the DMV, or on break at work, you’ll probably find us playing poker or our favorite slot game right on a mobile device. Texas gambling apps online give us the flexibility to make mundane activities more exciting. Plus, they give us the chance to earn some extra cash!

Despite our enthusiasm for real money Texas gambling apps, we always feel obligated to mention something to our readers when we are on this topic. As with other online casino apps, Texas gambling apps may not offer the same number of games as their desktop counterpart. This is simply a result of compatibility issues.

Luckily, as technology advances, we run into this issue less and less. Expect to find most of the games you want to play offered on TX casino apps, but not all.

Online Sports Betting in Texas

Many TX gambling sites offer online sports betting. You’ll have the opportunity to place real money wagers on baseball, basketball, boxing, football, golf, hockey, and just about any other sport you can think of. Yes, even esports doesn’t get left out.

Types of bets you might find offered at TX sports gambling sites include:

  • straight bets
  • total line bets
  • money line bets
  • parlay bets
  • teaser bets
  • head-to-head bets

Why Should I Play at Texas Online Casinos With Sportsbooks?

Betting with money on your favorite teams can make watching your favorite sporting events even more exciting, as you’ll have the chance to earn some extra cash! Plus, most online casino sites with sports gambling allow you to place your first bet for free, so there’s no risk involved.

Land Based Casinos in Texas

Like many other states, US brick and mortar casinos are illegal in the state of Texas; the only exception to this rule are casinos built on Native American reservations. Casinos owned and operated by Native Americans don’t have to follow Texas casino laws, so they are 100% legal. There are only two brick and mortar casinos in Texas at this time.

Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino

  • Website: www.luckyeagletexas.com
  • Address: 794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
  • Phone #: (830) 773-2255
  • Number of games: Over 3300


This is the oldest casino in Texas, as it opened its doors in 1996. While there are no table games offered here, they do have just about any slot game you can think of. Stay at any of their 249 high-quality rooms and indulge at any of their four gourmet restaurants for a wonderful experience.

Naskila Gaming

  • Website: www.naskila.com
  • Address: 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351
  • Phone #: (936) 563-2946
  • Number of games: 793


Naskila is a newer casino, having only been around since 2016. They have a mix of slot games and video poker games to choose from. Members will enjoy a private lounge and three fine-dining restaurants. There are no hotel rooms connected to this casino at this time.

In addition to these casinos, Texas also has several racetracks and bingo halls growing in popularity. We’ll make sure to update this section as land-based gambling in Texas hopefully expands in the years to come.

TX Online Casinos FAQ

  • How Can I Have A Safe Experience While Gambling Online in Texas For Money?

    Since we have already researched where to play casino games online in Texas and have selected ones that offer a safe and secure environment, sticking with our list of recommendations is the most important thing you can do.

    Here are other things you can do to ensure your safety at real money Texas online casinos:

    • Use a unique password and change it regularly (every couple of months or so should be sufficient).
    • Refrain from logging onto your Texas online casinos from a public computer.
    • Choose high-quality antivirus software to put on your computer and update it as needed.
    • Avoid gambling online with more funds than you can afford to lose.
  • How Can I Make A Deposit/ Withdrawal at Texas Online Casinos?

    All real money online casinos have slightly different banking options. Most online casinos accept major debit/credit card companies like Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. eWallets like Neteller, Paypal, and Skrill are also commonly accepted. Some sites even allow you to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin. Which method you choose is entirely up to you!

    You’ll have to enter your payment method and answer a few security questions to place your deposit or withdrawal. Depending on what banking option you choose, your request could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to process.

  • What Casino Games Are Available at the Best Texas Online Casinos?

    When it comes to playing at real money Texas online gambling sites, there is a wide selection of games to choose from:

    • Table games
    • Keno and bingo
    • Slot machines
    • Sports betting
    • Scratch-offs
  • Almost all real money Texas casinos online can be played on a mobile device. This wasn’t the case ten years ago, but it is the case today. Thanks to breakthroughs in technology, more and more online casinos are mobile compatible. While some casinos have a dedicated app, others can only be accessed through your device’s web browser.

  • At What Age Can I Play at Real Money Texas Casino Sites?

    Most United States gambling apps and casinos won’t let you create an account on their site unless you’re 21 or older. They ask for your ID as part of the withdrawal process, so there’s no way to get around this rule, either. Waiting until you’re old enough can be frustrating, but it will be worth it.

    • What Should I Do If a Texas Online Casino Site Tries to Rip Me Off?

      Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do here. Since online gambling is an unregulated market in America, there’s no one local to report these discrepancies too. That’s why we cannot stress enough how important it is to stick to our list of recommended casinos, as these casinos are safe and trustworthy.

Texas was the 28th state to join the United States and has earned a reputation for being one of the most business-friendly states in the country.

Yet, to this day, Texas remains the state least likely to legalize online gambling in the US.

Currently, online gambling is illegal in The Lone Star state. Brick and mortar casinos built in the state are also deemed to be illegal.

However, there are still a few ways you can gamble legally in the state:

  • Indian Casinos
  • Boat Cruise Casinos
  • Horse and Dog Tracks
  • Lottery/Raffles

Online Casinos in Texas

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like online casinos will ever be legalized in Texas. The government is very opposed to the idea and dismisses any attempts at trying to regulate it.

That being said, there are still options for those who want to play casino games for real money! Texas allows sweepstakes which means you can play slots online and potentially win cash.

You can also participate in legal online poker games through sweepstakes sites or Daily Fantasy Sports leagues. The state tends to move quite slow when it comes to gambling laws, land andonline, so we don't expect much out of Texas.

Land-Based Casinos in Texas

There are two Indian casinos and one casino boat in Texas.

Both Indian casinos offer class II gaming machines based on bingo. Class II video gaming devices in Texas casinos look like slot machines but are actually bingo games and the spinning reels arefor “entertainment purposes only.”

Is gambling legal in texas

No public information is available concerning the payback percentages on any gaming machines in Texas casinos. Unlike the casinos in Texas, in many states, the slot machine payback statisticsfor that particular state’s casinos are released as a matter of public record. Just click here to seea list of slot machine payback statistics for all U.S. casinos.

If you are looking for Texas casinos near Houston this is your best bet. While Houston has no casinos, Jacks or Better Casino is only about an hour away.

Types of Casinos in Texas

Currently, there are only 2 land-based casinos in operation in the state of Texas. Both of these are owned, operated, and built on Native American territories. There is also one casino cruiseship, and horse tracks which accept parimutuel betting.

Indian Casinos

Under federal law, all Native American territories are considered to be independent and operate under their own jurisdiction.

However, ever since the 'Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act' came into play in 1988, the government of Texas has been trying to change this. A campaign was launched within the court system toshut down all forms of gambling, specific to those on Native American soil within the state.

The state of Texas argues that the 'Federal Restoration Act' of 1987, which officially recognized the Tigua and Alabama - Coushatta tribes, should take legal priority. Why? Because this billexplicitly prohibits gambling.

One of the Indian casinos in Texas, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, offers pull-tab machines, bingo, and poker. That casino is the larger of the two casinos in Texas. It has a hotel, fiverestaurants, and a casino with 3,300 gaming machines.

The other casino, Naskila Gaming, does not have a hotel. It has one cafe and more than 800 gaming machines.

Both of these casinos are open 24 hours daily.

Casino Cruise Ship

The casino boat, Jacks or Better Casino, is based in Galveston. The boat sails nine miles out into the Gulf of Mexico where casino gambling is permitted.

The casino boat offers blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker, a sportsbook, slots, and video poker. You must provide a photo ID or you won’t be allowed to board.

Parimutuel Wagering

Surprisingly, Texas does allow residents to wager at horse and dog tracks in the state.

Horse Tracks

The horse tracks are broken down into Classes:

Class 1 horse tracks:

  • Lone Star Park - Grand Prairie
  • Retama Park - Selma
  • Sam Houston Race Park - Houston

These tracks are allowed to host races as many times as they would like.

Class 2 horse tracks have yet to be built in Texas. Multiple tracks are in the works, and once open, will be permitted to host up to 60 race days a year.

Class 3 horse tracks:

  • Gillespie County Fair - Fredericksburg

Currently, this is the only Class 3 horse track that operates in Texas. The Texas Racing Commission allows Class 3 tracks to host up to 16 race days a year.

There are no Class 4 horse tracks in Texas.

Greyhound Tracks

Texas has three greyhound tracks, as permitted by the Texas Racing Commission. Dog racing isn't nearly as popular as horse racing in the state, but still offers residents the chance to watchraces live or virtually. The most popular greyhound track is the Gulf Greyhound Park, located in La Marque.

Texas residents can also visit the following greyhound tracks:

  • Valley Race Park - Harlingen
  • Gulf Coast Racing - Corpus Christi

List of Land-Based Casinos In Texas

Shown below is a list of all casinos in Texas. Click on a casino name below to see a page of detailed information about all Texas casinos.




Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel

  • 794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
  • 1 830-773-2255
  • Games: 3,000 slots and 1 poker room

Naskila Gaming

  • 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351
  • 1 936-563-2946
  • Games: 800 slots

Texas Land-Based Casinos Map

Map

You can easily see all casino locations by using our Texas casinos map. To zoom in, just click the + (plus) sign in the lower right corner of the map, or to zoom out, just click the – (minus)sign in the same area.

To move the map of casinos in Texas, click and hold down either of your mouse buttons. Then use the hand icon to drag the map in whichever direction you desire.

Each of the red icons on the map is a casino location. Just click on any red icon to see the name of the casino at that location. If you want more information on that casino, simply click againon the casino’s name and it will direct you to another page with detailed information on that particular casino, including address, phone number, toll-free phone number, room rates, casinosize, dining information, games offered, availability of discounts for seniors, any special features, and a direct link to that casino’s website.

History of Gambling in Texas

Gambling has been in Texas since it was founded, and while it has always been illegal, was still considered an accepted form of entertainment in Texas. It was so popular that even the childrenwere allowed to participate with adults!

Gambling halls and saloons were built before churches within the new settlements. As the years progressed, this pastime became more organized and gambling establishments were being opened incities across the state.

In the 1920s, multiple organized crime groups took control of the under-world gambling industry in Texas. Their clubs were some of the most elegant in the nation and attracted a lot ofcelebrities from all across the country.

The most famous crime bosses who ran their operations out of Texas include:

  • Sam and Rosario Maceo - Galveston
  • Benny Binion, Carlo Piranio and Joseph Piranio - Dallas
  • Fat Jack Helfman - Houston

Famous gambler Jackie Freedman ran his exclusive club 'Domain Privee' out of his mansion. He is, apparently, the guy to have saved Houston's oldest financial company, The First National Bank,by not withdrawing his money during the Great Depression.

Come the 1940s, things began to change in Texas. Local officials started cracking down on illegal gambling. This forced a lot of the clubs to close and instead, picked up and moved theiroperations to Las Vegas.

By 1957, all gambling operations were shut down in the state of Texas.

The Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

30 years later, in 1988, the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was legislated. This was followed by legalizing lottery sales, and the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act (CREA) being created inthe 90s.

Gambling In Texas Law

The CREA approves qualified organizations to hold up to 2 raffles per year.

Texas Gambling Laws and Regulatory Organizations

Many people ask, 'are casinos legal in Texas?' The short answer is yes. However, there are some details that must be included. They are only allowed if they are located on a boat and sailout to international waters or if they are located on a federally recognized Indian reservation. but even then, there is still some room for dispute.

The state is in a legal fight to try and shut down one of the two Texas casinos, Naskila Gaming, but it has not been successful and the casino is still open. However, be sure to call the casinoahead of time if planning a trip there.

The minimum age for gambling on a casino boat is 18. The minimum gambling age for Indian Casinos is 21.

Legal

The following organizations have been set up to monitor and regulate gambling in Texas:

  1. The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act
  2. Texas Lottery Commission
  3. Texas State Law Library
  4. Texas Racing Commission

The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act

The CREA monitors all raffles in the state. All proceeds from these raffles are to benefit only charity organizations, which the CREA defines as:

  • A religious group that has been practicing for at least 10 years
  • Qualified volunteer fire departments that do not pay more than normal compensation
  • Qualified volunteer emergency medical services that do not pay more than nominal compensation
  • Qualified non-profit organizations that have been operating for at least 3 years and do not pay taxes

Texas Lottery Commission

Regulates all types of lotteries within the state.

Texas State Law Library

The Texas State Law Library is a website that provides information on gambling laws in Texas.

Are Casinos Legal In Texas

Texas Racing Commission

Casinos

The Texas Racing Commission regulates, enforces, and issues all licenses for track racing.

Gambling In Texas Today

As of today, Texas still has a government very opposed to most forms of gambling. However, residents still have a few options like going to the horse track or an Indian casino.

There have been a few efforts to discuss legalizing sports betting over the past few years, but nothing has ever come from it.

Fun Facts

Did you know?

In 2019, a resident from Leander claimed the largest single-player jackpot winnings in the history of the Mega Millions in Texas! Cash prize: $227 million.

Useful Resources

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For more information on visiting Texas casinos or general tourism information, call (800) 888-8TEX or go to www.traveltex.com.