First of all, it is illegal to own or operate an online poker room in Texas (or anywhere else in the United States). As for actually playing poker online, it looks like it may be illegal, although there is no threat of enforcement at this time. Texas Online Poker Poker in Texas seems like a no-brainer. After all, the most popular poker game in the world bears the name of the state. However, the unfortunate reality is that Texas is largely hostile to the idea and, at present, seems unlikely to join the ranks of states with legal online poker.
ByOne of the greatest mysteries in the world of poker is the notion that Texas Hold'em – and any other kind of poker game – is illegal in the state of Texas. No matter the mainstream popularity of poker or the many reports showing the level of skill overrides luck in the game, Texas lawmakers have never legalized casinos or card rooms.
The state of Texas tends to be a conservative one, and the second largest state in America has been dominated by Republicans for several decades. A predominantly Republican legislature tends to lean toward old-fashioned and religious values that put poker in a gambling category as a vice and generally troublesome activity.
Poker players, however, are looking to change that. And if it has to be done through the normalization of social card clubs and court battles, so be it.
Gambling in Texas
Despite the stereotype of cowboys sitting around poker tables in the backrooms of seedy establishments playing cards, Texas has been one of the slowest states to adopt any pro-gambling laws. And even into 2017, there are only a few legal gambling-related activities.
The lottery began in 1992, but pari-mutuel wagering had been legal since 1987 when voters passed a referendum to legalize it. Simulcast wagering then took hold a few years later, and there are numerous horse and greyhound tracks across the state. And there is one – only one – casino in Texas, operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino was one of three tribal-run casinos in Texas at one time, but the other two were closed in 2002. The Kickapoos continue to run their casino, which opened in 1996 and offers bingo, poker, blackjack, pull-tabs, and now slot machines. It has somehow escaped the legal challenges that closed its two competitors.
A Long Fight for Poker
Efforts to legalize land-based card rooms in Texas gained momentum in the aftermath of Chris Moneymaker's 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event win. The poker boom put the game on television, online, and in casinos around the globe. Some players ran private games, but the number of armed robberies and police raids grew fast enough to discourage some of those events.
But no matter the motivation to legalize the game in Texas, there was never sufficient support in the legislature to push a bill forward. Senator Rodney Ellis of Houston did put forth bills in 2012 and 2013 to legalize casinos with poker games, but he never found enough co-sponsors to help with the push or even enough momentum to garner a hearing.
Ironically, US Representative Joe Barton of Texas was one of the legislators to introduce legislation on the federal level to legalize online poker in America. He proposed the Internet Poker Freedom Act in 2015 after failed attempts in 2011 and 2013, but that failed as well.
A Different Tactic
Since offering a poker game for money and collecting rake is illegal in Texas, others are opening poker rooms as private clubs. One of the most recent ones is the Post Oak Poker Club in Houston, which just opened in August 2017.
Join me this Friday 6-8p at the Post Oak Poker Club! ♠️♥️♦️♣️ Every detail is here ~> https://t.co/ZfqY5AcCbLpic.twitter.com/TAo9zEKUUU
— TheresaRockFace (@TheresaRockFace) August 2, 2017
The business model is similar to a country club, only the business is poker. Membership is required, and the company's website offers 'no commission tournaments and rake free cash games, spreading Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Stud and more.' The club then makes its money from memberships and seat rental fees instead of charging rake, thereby skirting the law.
Owner Daniel Kebort says he has a longer-term vision for such clubs, as he wants them to be respected and eventually regulated by the state via a licensing structure that will allow them to grow in number. He hopes to make the establishments into entertainment destinations with liquor licenses and poker options, and with a growing clientele, the stakes of the games can vary even more in the future as well.
Look for me on tonight's segment covering the new Post Oak Poker Club on @KPRC2 ! pic.twitter.com/mpRtzZT7RN
— H-town Wiggy ?⚾⚽? (@HtownWiggy) August 10, 2017
However, clubs such as Post Oak are already seeing pushback from city council members who are afraid of criminal elements, late-night activities, and other potentially seedy activities. But with Post Oak being as transparent and open about his business and the legality of it as possible, there is little that politicians can do at this point.
Could these kinds of clubs open lawmakers' eyes to the desire for card clubs or possibly casinos in Texas? That will depend on how many legislators pay attention or how many citizens gather signatures to put it on the ballot in an upcoming election.
Related Articles
Texas is one of the strictest states in the US when it comes to gambling. Only a few types of gambling are technically allowed within the state, and online gambling isn't one of them.
However, some Texas legislators are attempting to amend the standing legislation. It's possible that Texas may allow online gambling in the near future. However, exactly what this will look like remains to be seen.
When Will Legal Online Gambling Come To Texas?
Online Sports Betting In Texas
At the moment, Texas is behind most other states when it comes to legalizing online gambling, and this includes online sports betting.
However, there are five sports franchises in Dallas and four in Houston. So, with interest groups in the area, it's possible that online sports betting will become a reality sometime soon. With nearly 30 million residents, Texas represents a huge market for sports betting and similar online gambling opportunities.
There are currently two bills within Texas' House of Representatives aiming to legalize sports betting and other types of online gambling. But there's no exact timeline for when they may (or may not) be passed.
Online Casinos In Texas
As mentioned above, online gambling for real money is not allowed in Texas. However, there are several online sweepstakes casinos available to state residents. These casinos allow you to exchange digital coin winnings for sweepstakes prizes, which can include real money.
Currently, the Texas House of Representatives is considering a bill that would legalize casino gambling.
Online Poker In Texas
It is not currently legal to play online poker for real money in Texas. However, sweepstakes online poker is an option. In fact, it is quite popular in the state given Texas residents' proclivity toward this card game.
What Online Gambling Options Are Allowed In Texas Today?
Sweepstakes Online Poker
As previously mentioned, Texas does not currently allow online real money poker games. Poker options are limited to recreational (no money) games or online sweepstakes. Sweepstakes games are legally distinct from gambling. They essentially operate under a loophole and are allowed to persist despite the state's regulations against gambling for money online.
How Online Sweepstakes Poker Works
Global Poker is a great example of an online poker sweepstakes site. It allows you to play poker legally all across the United States and win prizes along the way. Even better, the software is browser-based and compatible with most modern mobile devices or computers.
In a nutshell, on Global Poker you bet using 'Sweeps Coins', which you can later exchange for cash prizes. New users start out with a free sign-up bonus of $20 worth of coins.
To sign-up, all you need to do is fill out a relatively simple form. You don't even have to verify your information until you're ready to cash out. When that time comes, you can get paid out through Visa, Mastercard, or Skrill e-wallet, with more options arriving soon.
Global Poker Online Games, Bonuses, And Tournaments
Another reason why Global Poker is a good choice is that it has a leaderboard and challenges system. Essentially, if you play poker at a certain time or hit certain challenge specifications, you can win free Sweeps Coin bonuses.
There are also weekly and monthly tournaments you can take advantage of at Global Poker. These give you the opportunity to win top-tier sweepstakes prizes. Other tournaments feature cash winnings.
At Global Poker, you can play No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Fixed-Limit Texas Hold'em, and Pot-Limit Omaha. Six-player and nine-player tables are available, and it's usually pretty easy to find them populated even during reduced traffic hours in the afternoon or evening.
Online Sweepstakes Casinos
You can technically play at online casinos for money on Chumba Casino and LuckyLand. Both of these sweepstakes providers offer cash prizes for player redemptions.
Chumba Casino Online Sweepstakes
Chumba Casino features both slot and table games, and you play with virtual Gold Coins. However, if you want to earn cash prizes while playing their games, you'll go after Sweeps Coins. You can get these for free when you sign-up or purchase a Gold Coins package. They are the currency you need to enter sweepstakes games and win cash prizes.
Signing up for Chumba Casino is pretty easy. It only takes a few minutes and doesn't require ID checks. The website is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, and game options are easily accessible. Its collection of 36 games can be browsed in just a couple of minutes, as everything is presented cleanly on a single page.
Players have their choice of either a blackjack table or a 'Jacks or Better' poker table. The other 34 games are slot machines, three of which are progressive jackpot slots. They aren't particularly flashy or innovative, but they're fun options and one of the few ways to play online casino games in Texas.
LuckyLand Slots Online Sweepstakes
Texas residents have a second option for playing casino games online: LuckyLand Slots. Players can purchase virtual currency packages that are bundled with Sweeps Tickets or Coins. They can use the Sweeps currency to enter sweepstakes contests and later exchange their winnings for cash prizes.
The games are entirely browser-based, making them easily accessible and compatible with almost every computer or mobile device. High-speed Internet is a must-have if you want the site's full experience. The LuckyLand Slots online casino app is now available for Android users, with an iOS version on the way.
Once you're on the site, you can enjoy 19 slot games, each of which is exclusive to this site. The gameplay is robust and exciting, and all games feature excellent 3D graphics and good sound effects. There are different games for different styles of play, and a variety of cash prize options.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports, also called daily fantasy sports (DFS), are games in which participants assemble imaginary teams of digitized avatars based on real professional sports players. Simulated games are then carried out based on statistical data points gathered from the real-life actions of the sports players.
For that reason, DFS games aren't entirely games of chance. They can be won through intimate knowledge of players and statistics. As such, there's an open debate about whether or not DFS games should be considered gambling. Of course, whether or not they are classified as such has legal implications in Texas.
History of Fantasy Sports In Texas
Currently, Texas allows DFS games through a couple of different online providers including DraftKings and FanDuel. FanDuel only recently returned to Texas in 2018. The opinion of a standing Attorney General had led to a hostile environment for the sports gambling provider. To avoid possible legal complications, it left Texas for a short two-year period.
Prior to 2016, DraftKings and FanDuel had teamed up to convince Texas legislators that winning at DFS is more about skill than luck. Thus, such competitions could not be classified as actual gambling and should remain legal. When the campaign did not prove fruitful, FanDuel left Texas only to return two years later. DraftKings remained and continues to offer DFS gaming to Texas residents.
With FanDuel now back and both providers currently operating in Texas, legislation could swing in either direction. Time will tell whether the standing Attorney General is successful in his bid to get rid of daily fantasy sports.
Fantasy Sports Offerings In Texas
Both DraftKings and FanDuel provide access to DFS games via online or mobile apps. You can play for real money through these websites or applications, all the way up into the thousands or millions of dollars.
Both providers offer a robust and thorough selection of daily fantasy sports offerings. They allow you to participate in DFS contests across multiple sports and organizations including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Participants can enter into various contests with potentially millions of dollars on the line.
Betting On Horse Races
Currently, betting on horse races is legal on eight different racetracks in Texas. However, these tracks only allow wagering on the racing site itself, meaning you have to be physically present at the race. Off-track betting (OTB) is not allowed in Texas.
Online Lottery Options
Texas law currently forbids buying or redeeming lottery tickets online. The Texas Lottery Commission clearly outlines that 'state laws and regulations do not permit the sale of tickets by mail, phone or Internet'. Residents of Texas may purchase State Lottery, Powerball, and Mega Millions tickets in person only. However, if legislation is passed, online lottery ticket purchases may become possible.
What's Holding Texas Back From Legalizing Online Gambling?
In a nutshell, Texas isn't likely to legalize online gambling anytime soon. Currently, the state has stringent laws when it comes to gambling and doesn't even allow retail casinos. This stands in stark contrast to what many people believe to be a state of rebels and outlaws, particularly because of Texas' unique iconography and history.
Although poker is almost synonymous with Texas itself, playing poker for money in Texas will only net you a misdemeanor charge. Similar charges are possible if you are caught gambling online. Texas' penal codes restrict any form of gambling, which is defined in this state as, 'a bet based on the notion of winning or losing something based purely on chance'.
Gambling On Native American Reservations
There are three casinos operating on Native American reservations either within or just outside the Texas border. Texas residents can theoretically gamble in these territories, since they are not subject to state law.
Play Poker For Money Online
Only federal laws regarding gambling apply within these reservations. This means that Texas residents, when on Native American land, can fully participate in these casinos' online gambling platforms or websites that would otherwise be illegal within Texas state territory.
Current Online Gambling Legislation In Texas
Recently, Texas representative Eddie Lucio filed H 1275, a legislative bill that would both authorize and regulate various sports betting operations (including in-person and online variations). An additional bill, House Resolution 61, is currently being debated though it has not yet made it to the floor. House Resolution 61, if passed, would authorize betting on collegiate and professional sports.
At Global Poker, you can play No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Fixed-Limit Texas Hold'em, and Pot-Limit Omaha. Six-player and nine-player tables are available, and it's usually pretty easy to find them populated even during reduced traffic hours in the afternoon or evening.
Online Sweepstakes Casinos
You can technically play at online casinos for money on Chumba Casino and LuckyLand. Both of these sweepstakes providers offer cash prizes for player redemptions.
Chumba Casino Online Sweepstakes
Chumba Casino features both slot and table games, and you play with virtual Gold Coins. However, if you want to earn cash prizes while playing their games, you'll go after Sweeps Coins. You can get these for free when you sign-up or purchase a Gold Coins package. They are the currency you need to enter sweepstakes games and win cash prizes.
Signing up for Chumba Casino is pretty easy. It only takes a few minutes and doesn't require ID checks. The website is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, and game options are easily accessible. Its collection of 36 games can be browsed in just a couple of minutes, as everything is presented cleanly on a single page.
Players have their choice of either a blackjack table or a 'Jacks or Better' poker table. The other 34 games are slot machines, three of which are progressive jackpot slots. They aren't particularly flashy or innovative, but they're fun options and one of the few ways to play online casino games in Texas.
LuckyLand Slots Online Sweepstakes
Texas residents have a second option for playing casino games online: LuckyLand Slots. Players can purchase virtual currency packages that are bundled with Sweeps Tickets or Coins. They can use the Sweeps currency to enter sweepstakes contests and later exchange their winnings for cash prizes.
The games are entirely browser-based, making them easily accessible and compatible with almost every computer or mobile device. High-speed Internet is a must-have if you want the site's full experience. The LuckyLand Slots online casino app is now available for Android users, with an iOS version on the way.
Once you're on the site, you can enjoy 19 slot games, each of which is exclusive to this site. The gameplay is robust and exciting, and all games feature excellent 3D graphics and good sound effects. There are different games for different styles of play, and a variety of cash prize options.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports, also called daily fantasy sports (DFS), are games in which participants assemble imaginary teams of digitized avatars based on real professional sports players. Simulated games are then carried out based on statistical data points gathered from the real-life actions of the sports players.
For that reason, DFS games aren't entirely games of chance. They can be won through intimate knowledge of players and statistics. As such, there's an open debate about whether or not DFS games should be considered gambling. Of course, whether or not they are classified as such has legal implications in Texas.
History of Fantasy Sports In Texas
Currently, Texas allows DFS games through a couple of different online providers including DraftKings and FanDuel. FanDuel only recently returned to Texas in 2018. The opinion of a standing Attorney General had led to a hostile environment for the sports gambling provider. To avoid possible legal complications, it left Texas for a short two-year period.
Prior to 2016, DraftKings and FanDuel had teamed up to convince Texas legislators that winning at DFS is more about skill than luck. Thus, such competitions could not be classified as actual gambling and should remain legal. When the campaign did not prove fruitful, FanDuel left Texas only to return two years later. DraftKings remained and continues to offer DFS gaming to Texas residents.
With FanDuel now back and both providers currently operating in Texas, legislation could swing in either direction. Time will tell whether the standing Attorney General is successful in his bid to get rid of daily fantasy sports.
Fantasy Sports Offerings In Texas
Both DraftKings and FanDuel provide access to DFS games via online or mobile apps. You can play for real money through these websites or applications, all the way up into the thousands or millions of dollars.
Both providers offer a robust and thorough selection of daily fantasy sports offerings. They allow you to participate in DFS contests across multiple sports and organizations including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Participants can enter into various contests with potentially millions of dollars on the line.
Betting On Horse Races
Currently, betting on horse races is legal on eight different racetracks in Texas. However, these tracks only allow wagering on the racing site itself, meaning you have to be physically present at the race. Off-track betting (OTB) is not allowed in Texas.
Online Lottery Options
Texas law currently forbids buying or redeeming lottery tickets online. The Texas Lottery Commission clearly outlines that 'state laws and regulations do not permit the sale of tickets by mail, phone or Internet'. Residents of Texas may purchase State Lottery, Powerball, and Mega Millions tickets in person only. However, if legislation is passed, online lottery ticket purchases may become possible.
What's Holding Texas Back From Legalizing Online Gambling?
In a nutshell, Texas isn't likely to legalize online gambling anytime soon. Currently, the state has stringent laws when it comes to gambling and doesn't even allow retail casinos. This stands in stark contrast to what many people believe to be a state of rebels and outlaws, particularly because of Texas' unique iconography and history.
Although poker is almost synonymous with Texas itself, playing poker for money in Texas will only net you a misdemeanor charge. Similar charges are possible if you are caught gambling online. Texas' penal codes restrict any form of gambling, which is defined in this state as, 'a bet based on the notion of winning or losing something based purely on chance'.
Gambling On Native American Reservations
There are three casinos operating on Native American reservations either within or just outside the Texas border. Texas residents can theoretically gamble in these territories, since they are not subject to state law.
Play Poker For Money Online
Only federal laws regarding gambling apply within these reservations. This means that Texas residents, when on Native American land, can fully participate in these casinos' online gambling platforms or websites that would otherwise be illegal within Texas state territory.
Current Online Gambling Legislation In Texas
Recently, Texas representative Eddie Lucio filed H 1275, a legislative bill that would both authorize and regulate various sports betting operations (including in-person and online variations). An additional bill, House Resolution 61, is currently being debated though it has not yet made it to the floor. House Resolution 61, if passed, would authorize betting on collegiate and professional sports.
Two-thirds of Texas's House of Representatives and Senate will need to vote in favor of the bills in order for them to pass. In essence, Texas legislators and the people will need to amend the state constitution in order for any headway toward legalizing online gambling.
It's likely that the legislation will eventually pass, though it might not be anytime soon. Other states are collecting enormous amounts of tax revenue from online gambling, and Texas will at some point want to embrace the opportunity.
Legal Online Gambling In Texas FAQs
Can you play at online casinos in Texas?
It depends. The only online casinos that are legal in Texas are those that allow you to play for sweepstakes, through which you can get real cash prizes. There are no online casinos that allow you to gamble with real money available to play in Texas at this time.
You can technically access online casinos that are not based in Texas or registered with Texan organizations. However, most of these online casinos use geolocation technology. This technology will detect that you are from Texas and block you from accessing the website.
Can you legally bet with sportsbooks in Texas?
No. It is not legal to bet with sportsbooks in any context in the State of Texas, whether it's online or in-person.
Where's the nearest state to Texas where you can participate in legal online sports betting?
Oklahoma is the closest state for many Texans looking to get their gambling fix. Technically, Oklahoma doesn't have any laws allowing or prohibiting people from playing online games or using a sports betting interface. It's a bit of a gray area. Other nearby states that allow gambling include Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Blackjack card counting software free.
Is DraftKings available to play in Texas?
Yes. DraftKings allows Texas residents to play daily fantasy sports, and it allows you to play for real money. Note that you will not be allowed to access its other online gambling options because its geolocation technology will detect that you are in Texas.
Is FanDuel available to play in Texas?
Yes. Texas residents can play daily fantasy sports through FanDuel's online website and app. Similar to DraftKings, gambling options will not be available because of Texas laws against these activities.
Will this year be the one that Texas legalizes online casinos and sports betting?
Online Gambling In Texas
Perhaps. As mentioned earlier, Texas representatives are currently putting forward bills that may amend the state constitution and allow for certain types of gambling to be regulated. However, this may take some time. Even if the bills are passed this year, they will take time to implement.
Texas Online Gambling Laws
Online casinos and sports betting organizations will need to create infrastructure to bring these activities to Texas residents. Residents should not expect online casinos or sports betting to become available for at least another year, and it will likely be longer.
