Online Gaming in Texas

In December 2012, State Representative Eddie Rodriguez sponsored a new bill, the Texas Poker Gaming Act of 2013. The bill proposes to regulate the offering of brick-and-mortar poker games while banning electronic and online poker. The future of the bill was unclear at press time. But Texas legislators have shown little willingness to vote for or even take up measures expanding gaming, so little is expected.

In March 2013, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte proposed legislation that would legalize online poker in the state of Texas should online poker be legalized by the federal government. If federal legislation regarding online poker is not passed, the joint resolution provides for Texas to offer online poker through its state-run lottery system. Texas voters would have to approve the language as an amendment to the state constitution.

A January 2016 statement from Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed the illegality of daily fantasy sports in the state. However, traditional fantasy sports leagues were found acceptable. FanDuel reached a settlement that saw the operator leave the state by 2 May in return for no legal action being taken against the company. DraftKings chose to challenge the Attorney General's findings.

In April 2019, the Texas House of Representatives said it will consider a bill to make fantasy sports betting legal in the state. HB 2303 was reported favorably by the Texas House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures. Pending passage in the Texas House, it will be sent to the Texas Senate for consideration.

While daily fantasy sports sites are not legal in Texas, residents of state are able use DFS sites and are not subject to legal action.

Texan Online Gaming News



Texas Online Gaming Legal and Regulatory Documents