Texas Gambling Laws: What's Legal and What's Not

Texas is known for its strict gambling laws, which are among the toughest in the country. However, there are a few exceptions that allow for some forms of gambling. The Texas Lottery, for instance, allows the sale of digital tickets. However, the use of lottery courier services is banned, with the ban taking effect on April 29, 2025.

When it comes to gambling apps, Texas allows several forms, including the Texas Lottery, daily fantasy sports, prediction markets, and sweepstakes casinos. These activities are either regulated under existing state laws or are not outright banned. Prediction markets, for example, operate under a mandate from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as federally regulated platforms.

Online sports betting, as well as brick-and-mortar options, remain prohibited in Texas. There are no licensed real money Internet casinos in the state, and land-based casino gambling is also limited. The only exceptions are the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass and Naskila Gaming on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe reservation. Horse-race betting is legal at four venues in Texas. Poker games are prohibited, but private games where no outside party may profit are allowed.