April 11, 2023
Texas Online Casinos for Real Money
Texas residents can access all of the best offshore online casinos in the industry, even though online casinos cannot be based in the state. In this guide, we’ll break down the Lone Star state’s gambling laws, the trajectory of regulated gambling in the state, and show you how to bet safely at the offshore online casinos available in Texas.
The scale of online gambling the Texas residents have at their fingertips is growing every month. You can find slots, poker, blackjack and roulette at online casinos. Let us help you narrow down your options with our list of the best online betting sites for Texans.
Texas Gambling – Quick Overview
Online Casinos Available
Retail Casinos Not Available
Online Sports Betting Available
Retail Sports Betting Not Available
Online Poker Available
Tribal Casinos Available
DFS Available
Lottery Not Available
Gambling Age 18+
Best Online Casinos For Texas Players
- DuckyLuck – Best Online Casino Available to Texas Players
- Slotsandcasino – Top Online Slots Casino For TX Gamblers
- Bovada – #1 Live Dealer Casino
- Ignition Casino – Best Option for TX Crypto Users
- Las Atlantis – Best Customer Support for TX Players
- El Royale – Outstanding Mobile Game Selection
- Slots.lv – Best Game Variety Available In Texas
- BetUS – Best TX Community Engagement
#1
DuckyLuck – Best Overall Online Casino Available in Texas
DuckyLuck is our top pick for Texas-based players looking for an online casino. Lone Star State gamblers are welcomed with a package of a 500% match deposit, up to $7,500, along with 150 free spins. There is a $25 minimum deposit, but the more you deposit, the bigger your bonus will be. The free spins can also be used at three different online slots.
From there, TX players can choose from over 500 online slots of all types, along with popular table games like blackjack and roulette. Video poker is also on the casino menu, while you can also roll with jackpot slots and casual games like scratch-offs and bingo. There is truly something for all TX gamblers at DuckyLuck, regardless of your experience level.
Make deposits with 10 different types of credit cards and cryptos, and you can also withdraw with Bitcoin as well. Speaking of crypto, alongside the DuckyLuck Rewards loyalty program, there is a Crypto Elite program if you want to use that instead.
Whether you’re an old-school player from Amarillo, or a newer player from Houston, you can rest assured that DuckyLuck is the top online casino available to you in the Lone Star State.
#2
SlotsandCasino – Top Online Slots Casino For TX Gamblers
SlotsandCasino steps up to the plate with a dazzling array of online slots for TX players to pick from. There are over 500 slots alone in their library. The whole library is categorized to make it easy to find games based on categories like Popular Slots, Video Slots, and Classic 3-Reel Slots. You can even choose based on the software provider, like Rival Gaming, BetSoft and Saucify.
You’ll find slots titles that you might recognize, such as the Cleopatra and Buffalo series. There are animal-themed titles (Safari Stampede), anime themes (Saiyan Warriors), sports themes (Basketball Legends) — you think of a theme, and there is a title for it at SlotsandCasino.
There’s also a stellar welcome bonus to help extend your slots experience. At the end of the day, SlotsandCasino makes it easy for us to choose it as the top casino for slots.
#3
Bovada – #1 Live Dealer Casino
There are more live dealer tables at Bovada than any other casino we’ve reviewed. They have vast leaderboards to cover every game, paying out thousands of dollars in prizes every day.
You can choose from 43 different live dealer lobbies at any time. Blackjack is featured in 34 of them, and the options round out with roulette and baccarat. There are three table limits for half of the lobbies; for example, $5-100, $25-100 and $100-2,500. This helps with bankroll management, so you can budget accordingly.
You can play these live dealer casino games 24/7. There is also a graphic that shows you how many seats are available at a table. The live dealer experience at Bovada is about as close as you can get to playing at a brick-and-mortar casino without actually going to one of the three tribal casinos in Texas.
#4
Ignition Casino – Best Option for TX Crypto Users
If crypto gambling is your thing, then Ignition Casino has you covered. Its wealth of crypto payment options make it a go-to site for players who want to gamble with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and Litecoin.
But Ignition also looks to educate people from Texas on using crypto. In the FAQ section, there is a spot dedicated to crypto, including fees, deposits, withdrawals and general questions. There is even a video library with a handful of tutorials showing players how to actually use crypto.
At Ignition, you get a 100% match up to $1,000 for first-time poker and casino, totaling $2,000. However, if you deposit with crypto, that goes up to $1,500, which means a $3,000 welcome bonus. There is also a weekly crypto boost of a 100% match bonus up to $1,000.
#5
Las Atlantis – Best Customer Support for TX Players
Where Las Atlantis stands apart from the rest is its high customer satisfaction rate. Our experts give the site five stars for how it takes care of players and resolves issues that might come up. Texans can reach out to them via live chat, email, and telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
We tested their live-chat feature and got an instant response, which is what we like. The person on the other end was friendly, and answered our question within a few minutes. We should also shout out their thorough bank of betting resources. The questions are broken up into four sections:
- General Questions
- Deposit Questions
- Payout Questions
- Promotions and Bonuses
With timely and responsive customer support and a plethora of helpful betting resources, Las Atlantis has your back.
#6
El Royale – Best Mobile Game Selection
The El Royale online casino is one of those sites that has something for everyone, but what it does really well is mobile gaming. Their mobile site is completely responsive and plays seamlessly on all smartphone and tablet devices. You can also play the entire game library on your mobile device, whether it’s for Apple, Android or Windows.
The evolution of its mobile platform is the result of El Royale teaming up with world-class software developers. One such developer, RealTime Gaming (RTG), is one of the top-rated casino software producers worldwide. This means Texans have access to a smooth-running mobile site that players rate among the best in the world.
#7
Slots.lv – Best Game Variety Available In Texas
Joining a new casino gives players the opportunity to explore the wide range of slots and table games. Slots.lv has become one of our favorite sites for newcomers who want to test the waters on various free versions of games before they place real money bets.
The variety offered at Slots.lv cannot be underestimated. There are more than 200 games for players to sample, with free play available for the majority. This includes iconic table games like roulette and blackjack, as well as progressive slots. You can watch live dealer games in action before betting from your bankroll, and read up on how to master different casino games.
#8
BetUS – Best Casino for TX Community Engagement
BetUS has been a big name among Texas sports bettors since it launched way back in 1994. In more recent decades, it has also broken into the Texas casino market. Over that time, they’ve built up a massive social community on:
As you’ll find, their team actively engages with users on a regular basis. It’s a great way to gain insights or clarity about their online casino offering. More importantly, it’s exactly why we’ve picked BetUS as the best for community engagement.
Comparing Online Casinos in Texas
| Online Casino | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | # Games | Live Casino | Free Play | # Payment Options | Read Review | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuckyLuck | 500% up to $7,500 | N/A | 430+ | Yes | Yes | 6 | DuckyLuck review | Sign up |
| SlotsandCasino | 300% up to $1,500 | N/A | 550+ | Yes | No | 10 | SlotsandCasino review | Sign up |
| Bovada | 100% up to $3,000 | CAWELCOME100 | 150+ | Yes | No | 5 | Bovada review | Sign up |
| Las Atlantis | 280% up to $14,000 | N/A | 151+ | No | Yes | 5 | Las Atlantis review | Sign up |
| Ignition Casino | 300% up to $3,000 | N/A | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 6 | Ignition Casino review | Sign up |
| El Royale | 250% up to $12,500 | N/A | 144+ | Yes | Yes | 4 | El Royale Casino review | Sign up |
| Slots.lv | 200% up to $1,000 | HELLOSLOTS200 | 150+ | Yes | Yes | 6 | Slots.lv review | Sign up |
| BetUS | 200% up to $5,000 | TSG200 | 150+ | Yes | Yes | 4 | BetUS review | Sign up |
How We Choose Online Casinos in Texas
We choose the best online casinos for Texas players based on a stringent review process by our expert team. Here is a summary of the review criteria we use to bring you the best TX casinos, based on decades of gambling experience.
Availability in Texas
We only recommend online casinos that are actually available to Texans. Some sites are geo-blocked for TX players, so we make sure Texans can access these casinos before putting them forward as a viable option.
Bonuses and Promotions
All top casinos need to offer online casino bonuses. We look at the full range of online promos and deals available to Texan players. At minimum, we expect all sites to offer you a welcome bonus. We also look for reloads, referral bonuses, free wagers, and seasonal promos, to name a few. Whether you live in Amarillo or Corpus Christi, you’ll be able to trigger a great promo on our casino recommendations.
Customer Support
With Texas the US capital of call centers, it’s clear Texans know good customer service. For this reason, we place a high priority on our customer support review. Luckily, casinos for Texas players rate highly for support features, whether it be live chat, email contact, 24/7 phone lines, or responsive social media accounts. Support must also be available across the state, so you can get the same service in McAllen as you can in Dallas.
Mobile Compatibility
Around 85% of Texans have access to the internet, and the majority use their smartphones to connect online. So, it’s crucial for online casinos to offer a mobile version of their sites – and this mobile compatibility is something we value highly. Mobile sites must be free from glitches, run smoothly, and be easy to navigate for players!
Safety & Security
We place the highest priority on recommending only safe online casinos, especially when the lack of gambling regulations in Texas can leave players unprotected. We thoroughly review sites and ensure they have proactive security protocols that ensure players’ details are safe and secure. If there are any questions over safety, we won’t recommend that online casino.
Payment Options
Whether you’re paying with Texas Bank, AMEX, Bitcoin, or any other payment method, you’ll need a casino that’s right for you. We look at payment options and give high scores for casinos that cater to all players. With Texas one of the leading states for Bitcoin mining, we keep a special eye out for crypto options.
Game Variety
Online casinos should have expansive game offerings. The sites we recommend for Texan players certainly all deliver on this point, with scores of online casino games to choose from – including Texas-themed games like Gold Canyon, and Well Oil Be! (at DuckyLuck).
The Legality of Gambling in Texas
Texas remains one of the more restrictive states for gambling within the USA. Penal Code 47.02 makes it illegal for any online or brick-and-mortar retail casino to be based within Texas state boundaries. There are only a handful of gambling exceptions allowed within Texas, like charitable gaming and pari-mutuel wagering.
That said, there are still many online casinos that accept registrations from Texan players. These online casinos are licensed by international authorities and based offshore, away from state jurisdiction. Texans can also choose from three land-based tribal casinos located on Native American reservations and numerous poker rooms.
Who regulates online gambling in TX?
Texas law states that the Attorney General has a large say in all things gambling. However, it’s ultimately left to the courts to decide on the laws. Offshore casinos are controlled by regulatory boards outside of the United States, for example, in Curaçao and Panama. These boards have their own standards that these sites must adhere to, which include player information safety and security protocols. Check out our list of online casino reviews for our recommended sites.
Are Online Casinos in Texas Legal?
Online casinos are not legal or regulated within Texas. Any online casinos operating within the state of Texas are not legal. That being said, residents who wish to participate in online gambling have to turn to offshore gambling websites. These sites are regulated by international bodies. They are definitely available to Texas residents to play casino games and online poker. Again, check out our list of recommended online casinos.
Texas Gambling Timeline
You won’t be surprised to hear that gambling in Texas began before the state even came into existence. Back in the early 1800s, prospectors and frontier workers out West began gambling in saloons across Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. These days you’re not going to find card games taking place at Texas bars, but it is an activity still enjoyed by many people.
Key Facts About Online Gambling in TX
The Future of Online Gambling in Texas
As of May 2023, the Texas House committee considered bills that would legalize in-person casino play, plus online and brick and mortar sports betting. HB 2843 would permit casino gambling in Texas, and allow sports wagering. HB 1942 would legalize online sports betting.
On May 11th 2023, HB 1942 was voted through the Texas House by a single vote and is now awaiting Senate approval to bring legalized sports gambling one step closer. The vote for HB 2843 was postponed until November 2023, which is six months after the conclusion of the legislative session. Either way, both bills face a stringent test to even reach the Senate, much less pass through the Senate. According to The Texas Tribune:
“The expansion of gambling would require changes to the Texas Constitution — requiring two-thirds majorities in both chambers. That seems increasingly unlikely, however, as the Senate has signaled little appetite for the bills.”
In May 2023, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated in a Twitter post, which was then reported in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
“I’ve said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP,” the post reads. “I polled members this week. Nothing changed. The senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass. We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support. HB1942 won’t be referred.”
The future doesn’t look bright for Texas residents hoping for casinos in their state. That’s why we reiterate that offshore casinos are currently your best option.
Payment Options for Online Casinos in TX
The most popular payment options in Texas and the US, from bank wire and credit cards, to cryptocurrencies and e-wallets, are available at the online casinos we recommend. Below is a list of the most common types of payment options available to Texan players using online casinos:
| Payment Type | Fees | Withdrawal Time | Best Casino For this Option | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISA | None | 3-5 days | El Royale | Sign up |
| AMEX | 5.9% (1st Deposit is Free) | Instant | Cafe Casino | Sign up |
| Mastercard (incl. Texas Bank) | None | 3-5 Days | El Royale | Sign up |
| Wire Transfer | Possible Fees | 1-5 Days | Las Atlantis | Sign up |
| eWallets | None | 2-7 Days | Bovada | Sign up |
| Crypto | None | Within 24 Hours | DuckyLuck | Sign up |
Popular Online Casino Games in TX
Making it to a land-based casino in Texas might be difficult, as there are only three tribal casinos located in the state. But Texans certainly have an appetite for casino games. Our data from search engine research reveals the top seven online casino games TX players enjoy, and where in Texas these games are most popular:
Online Slots
Playing online slots is incredibly fun due to the fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and exciting themes. They are particularly popular among gamers in Waco and Temple. Slots games offer a range of bonus features, such as free spins and multipliers — casinos usually focus their welcome offers on these games too. Online slots also provide the chance to win life-changing jackpots, which adds to the thrill of the experience. According to a 2021 survey, approximately 48 million Americans have tried their luck at online slots.
Online Blackjack
The appeal of playing online blackjack lies in its combination of skill and chance. Players enjoy the strategic element of the game, which involves making decisions based on their hand and the dealer’s up-card. We’re not certain why the search data shows more people in Austin look for online blackjack than anywhere else in the state. Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the rules and the potential for big wins that make blackjack such a popular choice.
Online Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game that has been popular with Texans for decades – and it’s hugely popular in Harlingen. The excitement of watching the ball spin around the wheel, the anticipation of where it will land, and the potential for huge payouts make it a thrilling experience, and this is replicated online. Online roulette allows for a variety of betting options, catering to different risk appetites.
Video Poker
Video poker offers a unique combination of poker strategy and slot-like gameplay, which makes it perfect for in-person and online gambling. Players enjoy the challenge of trying to make the best possible hand, while the random element of the dealt cards keeps the game fresh and exciting. The high return-to-player (RTP) percentages in video poker also make it an attractive option for casino enthusiasts, as they are often better than slots.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games bring the authentic casino experience directly to your screen from any Texas. The fun of interacting with real Texan dealers and other players – from Houston to El Paso – in real time creates an immersive and social atmosphere. Texans now have access to more live dealer casinos than ever, featuring popular live dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Bingo
Texans have played bingo for more than 30 years, and online bingo is the latest way for residents to get a relaxed and social gaming experience. You can chat with one another as you play, and chase big rewards. The simplicity of the game and the potential for big jackpots make it an enjoyable pastime for many. Our data search found bingo hotspots in both Abilene and Victoria, TX.
Online Poker
It’s no surprise that Texas Hold’em is popular in Texas, with private member poker clubs across the state. But away from in-person games, our data shows the areas around Beaumont, Odessa, and Tyler are big on online poker. And no wonder! The game combines skill, strategy, and the excitement of competing against other players. It’s satisfying and thrilling in equal measure. And with a variety of game types, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, there’s always a new challenge to tackle. Amazingly, it’s thought 0.6% of all American internet users play regular online poker.
Land-Based Casinos Located in Texas
Texas has a great deal of gambling pedigree, yet only three land-based tribal casinos exist on Native American reservations. Unregulated “casino cruises” depart from Galveston for international waters each year, but the demand for these types of casino experiences has waned. The Texas Star, a 180-foot vessel that provided passengers with an authentic gambling experience in the Gulf of Mexico, operated from 1977 to 2005. It was sunk offshore near Redbird Reef in July 2022 to provide an artificial marine wildlife habitat.
If you’re looking to gamble in-person at a casino in Texas, here are your three options:
| Casino | Address | Size | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino | 794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852 | 3,300 gaming machines | 24/7 |
| Naskila Gaming | 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351 | 800 gaming machines | 24/7 |
| Speaking Rock Casino | 122 South Old Pueblo Road, El Paso, TX 79907 | 1,500 gaming machines | 24/7 |
Poker Rooms Located in Texas
In addition, you can find 58 different poker rooms in the Texas area. Most of these are private member clubs that require you to pay a membership fee to join. Here are a few options if you want to test your poker skills in person and click here for a full list of Texas poker rooms:
| Poker Room | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Kings & Cards Poker Club | 9099 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063 | 24/7 |
| Texas Card House | 13376 Research Blvd Suite 605, Austin, TX 78750 | 24/7 |
| SA Card House | 13400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216 | 24/7 |
| Poker House Dallas | 1676 Regal Row, Dallas, TX 75247 | 24/7 |
How to Gamble Online in Texas
Finding a place to gamble in Texas isn’t easy if you want to wager in-person. But if you want to use an online gambling site, it’s easy to get started. Here are the steps you can take to play at the best online casinos available to Texas players:
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Begin by researching different online casinos through our recommended sites, and find the one that best suits your needs. All our recommended casinos are safe, offer a variety of games, have great customer support, and provide amazing bonuses and promotions.
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It’s now time to create your profile, so click on the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button. Fill out the registration form and enter your personal details such as name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. Choose a username and password for your account and make sure you don’t share it with anyone else.
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To comply with anti-money laundering regulations and ensure player safety, online casinos in Texas require identity verification. You’ll be asked to provide documentation to prove your identity and address, such as a scanned copy of your government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card) and a utility bill or bank statement from the last three months. The verification process may take a few hours to a few days, depending on the casino’s procedures. However, some casinos can process this info in minutes. At some casinos, you won’t be asked for this information until your first withdrawal.
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Once your account is verified, it’s time to make a deposit to start playing. Navigate to the “Banking” or “Cashier” page and select your preferred deposit method (credit/debit card, e-wallet, bank transfer, crypto etc.). Enter the amount you want to deposit and confirm the transaction. Most deposits are processed instantly but some may require further ID checks.
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All of the best online casinos available in Texas provide new players with at least one welcome bonus. To trigger a bonus, you might need to enter a bonus code during the registration or deposit process, or simply opt-in to the promotion. Carefully read the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements and any restrictions on the bonus.
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Once your deposit and bonus have been credited to your account, it’s time to navigate to the casino’s game lobby. Browse through the selection of games, which may include slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games. Choose one that interests you, click on it to load, and start playing. Many top casinos also let you play for free, so you can test out a game before playing for actual money. Make sure you understand the rules and betting limits of the game before you begin by reading through the pay table.
Texas Online Gambling News
Responsible Gambling in Texas
Below are some resources available to players who either have problems with gambling addiction or want to know more about responsible gambling:
Texas Lottery Commission
The Texas Lottery Commission is responsible for overseeing lottery operations in the state and promotes responsible gambling practices. They provide resources and information on their website to help players play the lottery responsibly and recognize problem gambling signs. It’s a great resource and players can use it for more than just tackling problem gambling with the lottery.
Gamblers Anonymous
This Texas branch of Gamblers Anonymous offers support and resources for individuals who have a gambling problem. They have local meetings in many areas, including Austin, Dallas / Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston, where individuals can share their experiences and find support from others facing similar challenges.
National Council on Problem Gambling
Though not specific to Texas, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is an organization that offers resources, support, and a helpline for those struggling with problem gambling. They can help connect you with local resources and support groups. There is also a helpful page for finding problem gambling resources in Texas.
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
University of Texas at Austin
The Counseling and Mental Health Center at the University of Texas at Austin has a useful resource for spotting problem gambling signs. You can call 512-471-3515 for information and to set up a talk with a counselor. And you can phone the CMHC Crisis Line (dial 512-471-CALL) for a telephone counselor.
Texas Gambling Sources
With a degree in English Language and a passion for online gaming, Eddie has been writing for the online gambling industry since 2016. He specializes in reviewing online casinos and sportsbooks, looking for features that make the best gambling sites stand out. When not crafting informative and insightful reviews, Eddie enjoys playing poker and practicing his skills on the dartboard. With a keen eye for detail and a love of gaming, Eddie provides readers a valuable perspective on the world of casinos and sports betting.
