Texas Sports Betting: Latest News & Updates (2026)

TL;DR: Texas does not have legal online or retail sportsbooks as of 2026. Texans can, however, use prediction markets (such as Novig) and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) apps while physically in the state. This page covers what’s legal today, what happened in the most recent legislative session, and what may change next.

Current Legal Status in Texas (2026)

Sports betting is still not legal in Texas.

Several measures were filed during the 2025 legislative session, but none became law, and no sports betting question appeared on a statewide ballot. Since Texas holds regular legislative sessions only in odd-numbered years, most analysts and industry observers continue to point to 2027 as the earliest realistic window for any regulated sportsbook launch.

Recent Sports Betting Bills (2025)

• HJR 134 (Harless) – This proposal would have amended the Texas Constitution to allow lawmakers to legalize wagering on certain sporting events. It was referred to House State Affairs in March 2025 but did not advance. A Senate companion measure, SJR 65, stalled in committee as well.
• HJR 137 (Geren) – Proposed a constitutional amendment authorizing casino gaming and sports wagering through general law. The resolution was introduced but never moved beyond committee.
• SJR 16 (Alvarado) – Sought voter approval for destination-resort casinos and sports wagering. It was referred to Senate State Affairs and did not progress.

Session context: A bloc of House Republicans publicly opposed gambling expansion during the 2025 session. The Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2, 2025 without advancing any sports betting or casino-related measures.

What You Can Do in Texas (today)

Even without legalized sportsbooks, Texans still have compliant ways to engage with sports outcomes.

• Prediction markets (i.e. Novig): Prediction markets allow fans to trade sports outcomes directly with other users instead of betting against a sportsbook. Platforms like Novig operate as peer-to-peer exchanges, where pricing is driven by real market demand rather than house-set odds. Because there’s no sportsbook margin built into each market, users often find more efficient pricing compared to traditional betting models. Availability depends on platform terms and eligibility.
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): DFS contests remain available statewide. Texans can participate in pick’em contests, drafts, best ball, and salary-cap formats on major DFS platforms. Most DFS apps allow participation at 18+, but users should always confirm individual terms.
• Betting while traveling: Texas residents may legally place sportsbook wagers only when physically located in a state where sports betting is permitted.

Nearby options include:

• Louisiana: Mobile sportsbooks live in most parishes; must be 21+ and geolocated in an approved parish
• Arkansas: Statewide mobile betting through casino-operated apps; 21+ and physically in Arkansas
• New Mexico: Retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos only; no statewide mobile betting
• Horse Racing in Texas: Pari-mutuel wagering is permitted in person at licensed racetracks. Online horse race betting is not allowed 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 prediction market where users trade sports outcomes directly with one another. Instead of placing bets against a sportsbook, participants buy and sell outcome contracts in an open marketplace. There are no sportsbook margins and no commissions on trades.

Why many Texans prefer this model:

• Market-based pricing means odds are set by real users, not a house, which can result in fairer prices and better value over time.
• A wide range of markets are available, from full-game results to player stats, in-game moments, and futures.
• The experience is designed to be low-friction, with simple onboarding, clear rules, and fast payouts subject to platform terms.

Popular Texas use cases:

• Trading outcomes across major sports such as NFL, professional basketball, MLB, professional hockey, and soccer.
• Participating in player-focused markets like passing yards or scoring milestones.
• Buying and selling season-long or futures markets, such as playoff appearances or division winners.

2) DFS platforms (examples)

Platforms such as Underdog, DraftKings Pick6, FanDuel Picks, Sleeper, ParlayPlay, and others continue to offer DFS contests in Texas. These include pick’em formats, best ball drafts, and salary-cap contests. Payout structures, scoring, and contest rules vary by operator.

DFS tips for Texas users:

• Confirm whether a contest is pick’em, draft-based, or salary-cap style.
• Review payout timelines and promotional terms before entering.
• Use responsible play tools such as deposit limits or time restrictions when available.

How Texas could legalize next

• Path forward: Most serious proposals assume a constitutional amendment, which would require approval by two-thirds of both legislative chambers followed by voter approval statewide. If passed, lawmakers would still need to adopt enabling legislation and regulators would need time to finalize rules and licensing.
• Models under discussion: Ongoing debate centers on mobile-only or team-tethered sportsbook models versus broader casino-plus-sports-betting frameworks tied to destination resort developments.
• Timeline outlook: Since no sports betting measure advanced in 2025 and Texas meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, most projections still point to 2027 or later as the earliest possible launch window.

FAQs

Is Novig legal in Texas?

Yes. Novig operates as a prediction market rather than a licensed sportsbook. Availability is subject to platform terms, and no purchase is required to participate.

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

No. Sportsbook wagering is not legal in Texas. To place sportsbook bets, you must be physically located in a legal state such as Louisiana or Arkansas, or at a retail tribal sportsbook in New Mexico.

What’s the minimum age?

Novig typically requires users to be 21+. DFS age requirements vary by operator and are often 18+. Always review each platform’s terms.

Can I bet on Texas teams?

While in Texas, you can participate in DFS contests and prediction markets involving Texas teams or players. For licensed sportsbook betting, you must travel to a legal state and follow that state’s rules, including any restrictions on college player props.