Are sportsbooks available in Texas – what’s accessible, what’s not
You’d think Texas would be a thriving hub for traditional sports betting, with 12 pro teams like the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and the Houston Rockets. But, you’d be wrong. The state prohibits all traditional sportsbooks, in fact, it goes so far as to classify it as a criminal offence, which is a little over the top but nevertheless, those are the rules.
Don’t let these rather drastic limitations get you heading for the hills – there is hope in the form of a few alternatives that even things out, and in some instances, offer something even better.
What sports-focused options do Texans have?
There are a few alternatives that are accessible in TX. While not direct one-to-one replicas of traditional sports platforms, they come pretty close and right now, that’s good enough. Here’s what’s available:
- Social or sweepstakes sportsbooks
- Federally-regulated sports prediction markets
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Pick’em contests
Understanding how Texas social sportsbooks work
Sweepstakes sportsbooks are sites that allow you to make picks and predictions on sports teams, players, and events for free. The downside? There is no real-money betting on these sites, but that’s what makes it possible for them to operate in Texas, so it’s a compromise you’ll have to make.
When using these platforms, you place your picks and get winnings using virtual currencies called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). If you’re using Texas social sportsbooks, you’ll only be able to use Gold Coins. Sweepstakes sites are where you’ll find a little more action: you can use both GC and SC. So what’s the difference?
Sweeps Coins can be collected, played through, and then redeemed for real prizes. Gold Coins can only be used to place predictions – basically, they’re for entertainment only. So
where are social sportsbooks legal? Well, in most states, with the exception of Idaho and Washington. Sweepstakes sites are more restricted, and you won’t find them in states like California, Louisianan, Maine, Indiana, Tennessee, Idaho, Washington, and Iowa. As you can see, both are offered in TX.
Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins
If the idea of using two virtual currencies is odd, here’s a table that hopefully straightens it all out:
Onyx Odds – Leading TX social sportsbook
If you’re out for a
list of social betting sites, Onyx Odds should be at the very top. The platform offers sports picks and predictions which you make using two virtual currencies: Onyx Coins and Onyx Cash. Onyx Cash is where you want to focus though, because you can redeem it cash for prizes.
You’ll find the same familiar markets you’d expect from a traditional sportsbook, including moneylines, spreads, totals, and props, so the overall setup feels pretty familiar. You can even build SGPs. The coverage is solid too, with markets across football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, and other popular sports.
A low minimum Onyx Cash redemption limit applies, set at 20 OC, which is far lower than that Betr implements. This is great because you’re not stuck for ages trying to collect OC. As a welcome offer, you can get 200 bonus picks when you make a bundle purchase of $10 or more.
Redemption Time
instant
Purchase Methods
PayPalVisaMastercardApple Pay+4American ExpressACHMuchBetterTrustlyDiscover
VIP Club
yes
Company
Onyx Games LLC
Founded
2024
E-Mail
contact@onyxodds.com
Address
169 Madison Ave, New York, NY, United States, New York
T&Cs apply, 18+
Texas DFS app – another alternative to opt for
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lets you build a roster of real-life athletes and compete in short contests that usually run for a day or a week. You get a virtual budget to pick your players, who rack up fantasy points based on how they perform in actual games. If your roster finishes high enough, you can take home a cash prize.
But
is DFS legal
in Texas? The short answer: yes. Technically, TX hasn’t taken any action for or against DFS in the state, so it really operates in a gray area. But for now it works, making it a solid option for many. Accessibility is pretty straightforward, making it easier to give this option a shot. You can use either Texas DFS apps or online platforms.
Betr – Best DFS app in TX
If you’re not into prediction markets but pick’em DFS is more your thing, then definitely make a stop past Betr. It is worth noting off the bat, though, that the platform is only offered as an app. It’s one of the
best DFS apps
that also features a social sportsbook. This means that if you’re looking for real-money wagering, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Instead, you’ll use Gold Coins (GC) and Betr Cash (BC).
You can redeem Betr Cash for real prizes, but you’ll need to collect and play through (1x) 100 BC or more to be eligible, which is pretty steep when compared with other platforms. It’s forgivable, though, since all the top US sports and competitions are featured, including the MLB, NFL, and NBA.
Betr offers multiple promos, including a welcome offer that gives you $200 in No Sweat entries and a free pick. The site also has some solid ongoing promos including a daily login bonus of 5,000 GC and 1 BC, a reload faucet, and a VIP program.
Payout Duration
instant
Payment Methods
PayPalVisaMastercardACH
Company
Betr Holdings, Inc.
Founded
2023
CEO
Joey Levy
E-Mail
support@betr.app
Address
290 NE 68th Street Miami, FL 33138
T&Cs apply, 18+
A look at sports prediction markets in TX
Sports prediction markets allow you to trade binary (yes/no) contracts on sports matches and events. Basically, you’re posed a question, like will the Dallas Cowboys win their match against the Washington Commanders? You can choose to trade on “Yes” or “No”. The price attached to each option is set between $0.01 and $0.99.
For instance, a “Yes” on the Cowboys to win may be priced at $0.73 per share. This also means that there is a 73% probability of this prediction being correct. In other words – price mirrors probability.
Okay, so
what states are prediction markets legal
in, and is Texas on the list? While prediction markets are federally regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), they are prohibited in states like Minnesota and Nevada. But for now, prediction markets are available in Texas. Thankfully Texas hasn’t jumped on that bandwagon.
Kalshi – Top for trending sports prediction markets
Kalshi Review
Kalshi is easily one of the
best prediction markets
in TX – no jokes. The platform has, at any given time, over 3,500 markets on sports alone, giving you plenty of trading options. Over 21 sports are covered, and naturally these include popular options like football and the NFL. Niche options, like running, where you can make picks and predictions on the winner of the New York Marathon, make things a little more exciting.
The platform lays out its markets in an easy-to-read way, so even if you’re new to prediction markets, it’s quick to learn. Prediction tickets show the pricing and probability of both outcomes, and outline your potential winnings based on the current market value.
Kalshi is available online and via an app, so you can pretty much make predictions from anywhere. The site is transparent about its fees and offers secure purchase methods, including Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, PayPal, and crypto.
Payout Duration
instant
Payment Methods
VisaMastercardApple PayPayPal+6Bank TransferACHBitcoinUSD CoinVenmoCash AppWire Transfer
Public Track Record
yes
Push-Alerts for Odds & Outcomes
yes
Bet Tracking History
yes
Signup Options
AppleGoogle
Trusted Brand
yes
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at http://kalshi.com/tc/55. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Polymarket – Most extensive sports trading markets
Polymarket Review
Polymarket is available online and through its app, so you can check markets and make predictions wherever you are. But there’s a lot more going on here than just convenience. The platform calls itself the “World’s Largest Prediction Market”, and it’s easy to see where that claim comes from. While its sports selection is smaller than Kalshi’s, with around 14 sports, it makes up for it with deeper markets and plenty of event coverage.
You’re also given the option to trade on pre-match markets or on live sports, which shakes things up a little. You can build predictions which becomes a lot easier with Polymarket’s clear representation of share prices and probabilities. Trading markets for a single sports event bring a little spice, and include options on match totals, spreads, and game and player props.
Purchasing shares at Polymarket is straightforward with a pick of common payment options like debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer.
Payout Duration
instant
Payment Methods
VisaMastercardBank TransferEthereum+0Polygon (MATIC)
Bet Tracking History
yes
Trusted Brand
yes
Company
Polymarket
Founded
2020
18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading involves high risk and may result in loss of your entire investment. See polymarket.us/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing organization.
The pros and cons of using alternatives to Texas sportsbooks
If you’re concerned about the downsides of using Texas social sportsbooks, there aren’t many. The benefits, are a different story:
Pros
+
Available on mobile apps
+
Place predictions/picks on 20+ sports
+
Easy to sign up and accessible at most states
Cons
−
Subject to eligibility restrictions
−
Verification and age requirements
The verdict – Are the alternatives to Texas sportsbooks worth it?
If the four platforms covered here are anything to go by, there’s still plenty of ways to get involved with sports in Texas. Social sportsbooks, DFS apps, and prediction markets all offer something a little different, whether you want to make picks, build fantasy lineups, or trade on sports events.
Sure, they don’t completely replace the traditional real-money sportsbook experience, but they can still give you plenty to explore without going down the usual sportsbook route. Easy access and free-to-play options are another nice bonus.
Ready to make your picks for the Dallas Cowboys? Check out the on-page banners and choose the platform that fits what you’re looking for.
FAQs about Texas sportsbooks
❓ Are sportsbooks available in Texas?
No, traditional sportsbooks are not allowed. Instead there are alternatives such as social sportsbook, predictions markets, and DFS.
🏈 Can I use prediction market platforms in TX?
Yes, provided they’re regulated by the CFTC. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket allow you to trade contracts on sports in Texas.
💰 Do Texas social sportsbooks offer bonuses?
Yes, both Betr and Onyx Odds offer promos, including welcome offers and ongoing bonuses like daily login offers and AMoEs.
