Texas Sports Betting: Latest News & Updates (2025)

TL;DR: Texas does not have legal online or retail sportsbooks as of October 2025. You can, however, use prediction markets (e.g., Novig) and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) apps while physically in Texas. This page explains what’s legal now, what may change, and the most compliant options.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas (today)
No. Multiple measures were filed in 2025 but none became law, and no sports-betting question appeared on the 2025 ballot. Because the Legislature meets biennially, most observers peg 2027 as the earliest realistic launch window.

Recent Sports Betting Bills (2025)

• HJR 134 (Harless) – Constitutional amendment to let the Legislature legalize wagering on certain sporting events. Referred to House State Affairs (Mar 19, 2025); no further action. Companion: SJR 65 (Hinojosa) in Senate State Affairs.
• HJR 137 (Geren) – Constitutional amendment to authorize casino gaming and sports wagering by general law. Introduced; remained in committee.
• SJR 16 (Alvarado) – Constitutional amendment for destination-resort casinos and sports wagering; referred to Senate State Affairs; did not advance.

Context: A bloc of House Republicans publicly opposed any gambling expansion this session, and the Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2, 2025 without moving these items.

What You Can Do in Texas (today)

• Prediction Markets (i.e. Novig): Trade sports outcomes peer-to-peer with no house or commissions; available in most states and offering better odds than traditional sportsbooks since you play directly against other real users.
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Pick’em, drafts, best ball, and salary-cap contests on major DFS platforms; typically 18+ in TX (confirm each app’s Terms).
• Travel betting (nearby states):
  • Louisiana: Mobile sportsbooks live in 55 of 64 parishes. Must be 21+ and physically located in an approved parish.
  • Arkansas: Statewide mobile betting via AR casino apps. 21+ and geolocated in Arkansas.
  • New Mexico: Retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos only; no statewide mobile.
• Horse racing (in-state): Pari-mutuel wagering in person at tracks; online horse betting is not permitted in Texas.

Compliant alternatives in Texas (2025)

1) Novig (Prediction Market)—our top legal alternative in TX

What it is: Novig is a peer-to-peer exchange where fans trade outcomes directly (think “markets” vs. house-set lines). No sportsbook margins; no commissions on trades.

Why it’s different:

• Market-based pricing: Users set odds, improving price fairness and potential value.
• Depth: Wide range of outcomes—from game results to micro-moments and player/stat markets.
• Low friction: Simple on-ramp, transparent rules, and fast payouts (per operator terms).

Popular Texas use cases:

• Game markets across major sports—NFL, Professional basketball, MLB, professional hockey, soccer, and more—traded like stocks.
• Player outcomes (e.g., “Will the QB hit 275+ passing yards?”) as dynamic markets.
• Event/futures (e.g., “Will Dallas make the playoffs?”) as tradable contracts.

2) DFS platforms (examples)

Underdog, DraftKings Pick6, FanDuel Picks, Sleeper, ParlayPlay, and others offer pick’em, best ball, and salary-cap contests. Payouts and formats vary by app and contest type.

Tips for DFS in TX:

• Confirm contest rules (pick’em vs. drafts vs. salary cap).
• Check payout timelines and promotions.
• Enable responsible play tools (deposit limits, timeouts).

How Texas could legalize next

• Path: Most proposals require a constitutional amendment (two-thirds of each chamber + voter approval), followed by enabling laws and regulator rulemaking. Competing visions include team-tethered/mobile-only versus broader casino + sports wagering packages.
• Timeline: With regular sessions in odd-numbered years and no 2025 ballot measure, industry outlets and analysts point to 2027+ for any launch.

FAQs

Is Novig legal in Texas?

Yes—as a prediction market, not a licensed sportsbook. Availability is app/terms-dependent; no purchase is necessary to play.

Can I use DraftKings or FanDuel as a sportsbook in TX?

Not in Texas. For legal sportsbook wagering, you must be physically in a legal state such as Louisiana or Arkansas (or at a retail tribal book in New Mexico).

What’s the minimum age?

Must be 21+ to sign up and play Novig. DFS ages vary by operator (often 18+). Follow each app’s Terms.

Can I bet on Texas teams?

Inside Texas, you can enter DFS contests and use prediction markets featuring Texas teams/players. For licensed sportsbooks, you must travel to a legal state and follow that state’s rules (e.g., some restrict certain college player props).