Texas Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Texas. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Texas. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in Texas in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Texas is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALTexas prohibits all forms of online casino gambling and online poker under the Texas Penal Code § 47.02. The state only allows limited in-person gaming such as charitable bingo and the Texas Lottery. Internet gambling is explicitly illegal.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software intended for illegal gambling is prohibited.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms is illegal under Texas Penal Code § 47.02.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor or felony charges depending on amount wagered (Texas Penal Code § 47.02).
Minimum Age
21+ for legal gambling activities; online gambling not authorized.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
ILLEGALTexas prohibits all forms of online gambling and sports betting under Texas Penal Code Title 10, Chapter 47. No state law currently authorizes online sports betting or online casino gambling.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of online gambling devices or software is illegal.
Licensed Operators
Sale or facilitation of online gambling or sports betting is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the violation under Texas Penal Code § 47.06.
Minimum Age
21 years old for legal gambling activities (where permitted).
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Texas as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to social gambling laws in recent years.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
ILLEGALSports betting is not legal in Texas. Legislative efforts to legalize sports betting have consistently failed.
In-Person Betting
Illegal. Texas has not legalized sports betting despite being the second-largest state by population. Multiple bills have been introduced but none have advanced. Opposition from social conservatives, the powerful horse racing lobby, and tribal gaming interests have blocked progress. A constitutional amendment would be required, needing two-thirds legislative approval and voter referendum.
Online/Mobile Betting
No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in Texas.
Penalties
Texas Penal Code § 47.02: gambling is a Class C misdemeanor (fine only, up to $500). Promoting gambling is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $4,000 fine). Keeping a gambling place is a Class A misdemeanor.
Minimum Betting Age
N/A — not legal