Texas Sports Betting Guide: The Best Texas Legal Sportsbook Apps

The state of Texas is famous for many aspects of its culture and natural resources. But if you were to take a survey at random, the top three things that people mostly associate with Texas are its cowboys, crude oil and colossal cities. Interestingly, not everyone knows just how much of a football-loving state Texas is.

With two franchises in the National Football League (NFL) and other leading professional sports teams, sports fans in the state enjoy a unique experience.

Now, having lots of professional and collegiate sports franchises usually always results in the creation of a large sports betting market. However, online gambling in Texas is not that simple. If you live in Texas or you're visiting and are left wondering what your options for legal sports betting are, then you are in luck.

Here, leading sports betting analyst with MightyTips, Kate Richardson highlights the sports wagering options available in Texas and just how you can take advantage of them.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas: A Look at the Texas Sports Betting Bill

Before dropping the bombshell on the status of legal sports betting in Texas, it is important to provide some background to story to sports betting laws in the United States.

For a long time, the sports betting industry in the country was largely illegal, no thanks to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act passed back in 1992. However, in a big win for sports bettors, the Supreme Court nullified the law, effectively allowing states to legalize sports betting if they so wish.

About seven years down the line, Texas lawmakers have failed to amend the Texas constitution in a move that would permit the operation of casinos and legalize sports betting.

However, this has not been for want of trying, with HB 1942 and HJR 102 being the closest Texans have come to the legalization of sports betting. Introduced in 2023, the bills passed the House but was struck down by the President of the Senate before its members even had a vote.

Many surveys have further revealed that up to 43% of residents support legalizing sports betting in Texas, with only 26% opposing regulated sports betting in the state.

Considering all of these, it is little wonder Kinky Friedman, singer, novelist and one-time gubernatorial candidate of Texas humorously said, "How can you look at the Texas legislature and still believe in intelligent design."

In sum, sports betting is not currently legal in Texas but all hope is not lost as you can still access some of the best online sportsbooks through offshore betting. We explore more of that in the next section.

How to Bet on Sports in Texas Using Online Sports Betting Apps

Although in-state sports betting is not yet legal in Texas, there is a wide range of sports betting activity that is still possible in the state. Thanks to international sites, residents can bet on pro sports teams and leagues from anywhere. Since these online sportsbooks do not base their operations in Texas or the United States, bettors are safe and their experience is 100% legal.

To bet using any of these apps in Texas, you simply need to follow these proven four-step process:

• Visit the official website of your preferred or download the mobile app.

• Sign up using your email address or phone number and set a strong password.

• Verify your identity using a government-issued ID and complete your profile registration.

• Make a deposit and you're ready to start wagering on top sports.

Now that you know the process, it's time to introduce you to the best Texas online sites 2025.

Top 7 Texas Betting Sites and Online Sportsbooks

Your online betting options in Texas are strongly limited due to the legal restrictions in the Texas sports betting market. However, with these top mobile sites, you can bet online on different sports leagues and stand a chance to win real money on your action.

Our list comprises some of the best online sportsbooks internationally, and they allow betting on the NBA, NFL, NHL and other professional sports franchises in and out of the US.

BetOnline Texas

With BetOnline, you invariably enjoy access to dozens of Texas sports betting markets with opportunities to wager on the MLB, NFL, MLS and even politics.

And if you're a lover of top international sports events like the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and athletics, BetOnline is sure to offer more than your money's worth. Even better, you can bet on the moneyline, spreads, over/unders and other props, depending on your preference.

XBet Texas

There are a ton of features to love about the XBet sportsbook in Texas. Perhaps the leading of them all is the smooth interface with a modern layout and sleek navigation.

Moving from one part of the app to another feels super fast. There are also incredible bonuses like the 50% match bonus offering up to $200. Of course, you have the regulars: access to tons of betting markets and a chance to bet on leading teams and leagues.

Bovada Texas

Bovada is one of the most dependable offshore sites on this side of the continent. It boasts an amazing customer service that is available 24/7 and laced with tons of frequent promotions to keep bettors active. Beyond its broad sports betting catalogue, Bovada also presents a unique blend of poker betting.

Coupled with reliable payouts and strict licensing, players can rest assured that they are good hands.

MyBookie Texas

If you’re out for creative odds and prop bets, then MyBookie Texas is a perfect option. Many players already see it as the perfect alternative to FanDuel Sportsbook as it is packed with a blend of sports betting and casino games. Although the platform’s rollover requirements on its bonuses are quite high, the user-friendly interface and fast payouts makes it a top choice for Texas bettors regardless.

BetUS Texas

Some offshore betting sites have built a solid reputation within the US market. One of such is BetUS.

The platform boasts one of the most incredible bonuses ever, offering its new players a 125% matched bonus up to maximum of $2,000 or even $5,000 if you make a deposit in crypto. You also get to enjoy live betting and in-depth sports analysis each time you wager. An aspect that needs fixing, though, is its slightly aged website layout.

1xBet

1xBet is a household name in the world of live sports betting. Known as one of the best online sportsbooks in the international market, the brand is known for niche bets, spanning football, soccer, basketball, athletics, rugby and a ton of other options

In fact, many players report that the sheer number of betting markets can feel overwhelming. But luckily, 1xBet knows how to hold it all in excellent fashion. It also boasts a ton of betting payment methods, allowing you to make deposits and withdraw from wherever you are in the world

Melbet

Last but not least is Melbet. Since its establishment in 2012, the site has provided exquisite sports betting services to players in more than 100 countries while supporting over 60 languages. Melbet offers robust in-play betting options and live streaming, with some of its betting markets ranging from the NFL to the NHL, NBA, MLS and MLB. It also has a special category for esports and virtual sports.

Wrapping Up: Deciding the Top Online Sportsbook for Best Sports Betting in Texas

While Texas has yet to open its doors to state-based sportsbooks, some may think sports betting is illegal in Texas. But that's not the case. It only means that bettors in Texas cannot enjoy localized Texas sports betting apps and need to settle for offshore sportsbooks like BetUS, 1xBet and Melbet.

Thankfully, these options also provide viable alternatives for residents seeking to engage in sports wagering with their unique benefits catering to a diverse range of betting preferences.

In conclusion, it was the legendary Michael Jordan who said, “I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it’s meant to be, which is fun and entertaining.”

This stresses the need for responsible gambling at all times, whether playing offshore or locally.

With all of that in check, what's left to wonder about? Select from our list of Texas sportsbooks today and enjoy what is sure to be a top sports betting experience.

The article was provided by Kate Richardson