Gambling in the State of Texas

Live greyhound and horse racing are legal in Texas. However, no greyhound races are currently run in the state. Pari-mutuel wagering is only permitted at racetracks and simulcast locations. There are only tribal casinos, no commercial casinos in Texas.

Leaving from Texas ports, casino day cruises take place in international waters. However, no regulatory group oversees these casinos. Other allowed forms of gambling are daily fantasy sports contests, sweepstakes, and charitable bingo.

Poker rooms operate in some jurisdictions. These fall into a legal gray area.

Gambling in the United States

US Casino Advantage is supported through advertisements and sponsors. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Texas tribal casinos

There are three tribal casinos in Texas. These casinos offer a selection of bingo games. Video bingo games look and play similar to slot machines. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle also has live bingo and a poker room.

Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino – 794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX

There are more than 3,300 slot machines, a poker room, and bingo at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. The poker room deals limit and no-limit Texas hold’em. Open 24 hours a day, players must be at least 21 years of age. The property has four restaurants, a food court, and multiple bars. Overnight accommodations include a 20-site RV park and a 249-room hotel.

Naskila Casino – 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX

There are 800 video bingo machines at Naskila Casino. It is owned and operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Players must be at least 21 years of age. The property also has two restaurants: a grill, and a cafe. Shuttle bus service is available to and from select locations in the Houston metro area. A Seven Feathers players card is required to reserve the bus service.

Speaking Rock Entertainment Center – 122 S Old Pueblo Rd, El Paso, TX

Speaking Rock Entertainment Center hosts live entertainment events. The property also has video bingo machines, dining, and drinks. It is open 24 hours a day and restricted to guests 21 years of age and older.

Sports betting in Texas

Retail and mobile sportsbooks are not licensed to operate in Texas. The soonest that legislation for sports betting can be passed in Texas is 2025. However, there are many unregulated options available to bettors in the state. Additionally, daily fantasy sports contests are permitted in Texas. Daily fantasy sports contests are available to players 18 years and older.

Texas poker rooms

Texas poker rooms appeared in the 2010s. The legal theory behind the legality of Texas poker lies in the state’s social gaming law, which permits private poker games if there is no rake and all players have an equal chance of winning.

The poker rooms make money by selling memberships to private clubs, as well as food and beverages. However, some Texas jurisdictions disagree with this legal opinion and have banned poker rooms from operating in their cities and counties. Poker is permitted at tribal casinos based on the same legal theory as the private clubs.

Online gambling options in Texas

While mobile horse racing and sports betting are not permitted, online daily fantasy sports contest wagers are allowed in Texas. This includes contests through companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. Sweepstakes contests are also allowed in the state.

Live racing in Texas

The Texas Racing Commission oversees greyhound and horse racing in the state. It approves the racing calendar each year. There are three main racetracks in Texas. Other racetrack locations may host a few live events or only air simulcast events. No greyhound races are currently run in the state, only live horse racing.

Wagering on races is permitted at racetracks and off-track betting parlors. Advance mobile deposit apps are not allowed in the state. Apps like FanDuel Racing, TVG, and Twinspires cannot accept pari-mutuel wagers in Texas. However, mobile wagers may be permitted while connected to the racetrack’s Wifi. Bettors must be at least 21 years of age.

Lone Star Park – 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX

Lone Star Park hosts live thoroughbred and quarter-horse races. General admission is $10 for most races. Reserved seating and suites are available for an additional fee. Accompanied children are welcome at the racetrack. It is home to the Steve Sexton Mile Stakes, a Grade III race. The race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds is held in late May.

Simulcast wagering is available daily. Open daily at 10am, admission is free to the Bar & Book. Seating is not reserved. However, a minimum spend of $12.50 on food and beverage is required. Carrels are available for $3, or $10 on premium race days.

Concessions are available on the first level of the Grandstand. Silks offers dining with a view of the racetrack. It is located on the fourth level. Except during quarter-horse season, indoor dining is available on the second level.

Retama Park – 1 Retama Parkway, Selma, TX

Retama Park is home to quarter-horse races. General admission is $7 per person at this PENN Entertainment property. Discounts are available for military and seniors ages 62 and older. Selma residents and children age 12 and under are free.

Simulcast wagering is available Wednesday through Sunday. Games open at 11am. Admission is $3.

Retama Park has five dining options. Options include a sports bar, concessions, burgers, quick bites, and dining with views of the racetrack.

Sam Houston Race Park – 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, TX

Live quarter horse and thoroughbred racing events are held at Sam Houston Race Park. General admission is $5 per person. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under. Upgraded seating is available for an additional charge. Reservations may be required. Admission varies for other events. It hosts two grade III races in January: the John B Connely Turf Cup and the Houston Ladies Classic. Both are for thoroughbreds 4 years of age and older.

Gates open at 10:30am Wednesday through Sunday for simulcast wagering. There is no charge for admission on non-live race days and on live race days, up to an hour prior to live racing. The simulcast lounge has more than 500 TVs. Carrels are available for $3.

Dining is available at the Winner’s Circle Experience. With views of the finish line, reservations may be required on live race days. Concessions are available on the paddock and club levels.

Other racetracks in TX

• Gillespie County Fair (live racing summer events)
• Gulf Coast Racing
• Laredo Downs
• Manor Downs
• Valle de los Tesoros
• Valley Race Park

Texas state lottery

There is a state lottery in Texas. Tickets must be purchased at a retail location. Online sales are not permitted. Games include Lotto Texas, Texas Two Step, All or Nothing, Pick 3, Daily 4, Cash Five, scratch tickets, and multistate drawings. Texas participates in both Powerball and Mega Millions. Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.

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Texas Gambling FAQs

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Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Kristina Mehaffey