- Bingo (1982), Horse racing (1987), Lottery (1991), Kickapoo Casino (1996)
- $1.2 billion
- $4.6 billion
- 18 for lottery and bingo, 21 for racing and Kickapoo Casino
- Texas does not have a statewide smoking ban
- Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling
Texas casinos and gambling is not very common within its borders. The same cannot be said about its neighbors. Every state that borders Texas offers casinos. Oklahoma stacks casinos along its border with Texas. Lake Charles, Louisiana is just east of the Texas state line. There are also casinos just across the New Mexico border.
As John Redcorn learned in 'King of the Hill,' there's no Indian gaming in Texas or casinos in general. Keeping a 'gambling place' is prohibited in the Lone Star State. Marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal in Texas. And the laws are incredibly harsh on offenders. Remember these laws, and don't mess with Texas. Fundraising laws in Texas require charitable solicitation registration before beginning to raise money. Fundraisers must comply with the Patriot Act and Texas Cottage Food Law. Raffles are also legal, but nonprofits must follow very specific rules when it comes to the fundraising raffles they hold. The Recent Texas Lottery Rulemaking Proceedings list the TLC's recent rulemaking proceedings, including both Bingo and Lottery rules. The Bingo Advisory Opinions allow the viewer to read all TLC issued advisory opinions. As set forth in Bingo Enabling Act Section 2001.059(a)-(f) and Administrative Rule 402.101, an advisory opinion is a written response to a request concerning compliance with the Bingo Enabling Act and Administrative Rules of a particular situation. Gambling set out in Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code, including game rooms, charitable raffles, local option bingoand pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing, as authorized under the Texas Racing Act. Is gambling generally legal in Texas? Article III, Section 47(a) of the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to pass laws. Texas has some of the strictest gambling laws in the whole of the United States, if not the entire western world. Penal Code 47.01 prohibits almost every form of gambling in the state, apart from.
Texas has one tribal casino. It is located near the Mexico border on the Kickapoo reservation. The games available are slots, video poker, bingo, electronic table games, and live poker. The only forms of legalized gambling permitted off that reservation are a state lottery, charitable bingo and horse racing, which includes live and off-track betting.
Paying Gambling Taxes in Texas
OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings. Learn everything about reporting your gambling taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant in our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.
Texas Casinos Map & Guide
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
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Types of Online Texas Gambling Allowed
The only form of online gambling that is legal in Texas is off-track betting on horses. Apps like TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica accept Texans.
Daily fantasy sports sites accept Texans. This goes against the public declaration by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtonthat the games are illegal. The sites that defy this opinion and continue to operate in Texas in what appears to be an illegal market include DraftKings and FanDuel.
Types of Live Texas Gambling
- Slots: Yes
- Blackjack: Yes
- Poker: Yes
- Craps/Roulette: Yes
- Horses: Yes
- Lottery: Yes
There are a few forms of live gambling permitted in Texas. The Kickapoo tribe has a southern Texas casino. It is the only Texas casino in the state. Slots, video poker, electronic table games and live poker are spread. There are about 3,300 machines at the Lucky Eagle Casino on that reservation. There are no other Texas casinos currently operating within its borders. If the Texas gambling laws were to change, this might as well.
The Texas Lottery sells two types of lottery tickets. One is an instant game that involves scratch-off tickets. The other is lotto drawings. Texas is included in the multi-state drawings like Powerball and Mega Millions. It also has in-state drawings like Lotto Texas, Texas Two Step, Texas Triple Chance, All or Nothing, Pick3, Daily4, and Cash5.
Charities may spread bingo for fundraising purposes. These are very popular compared to most other states due to the lack of other Texas casinos and gambling options.
The racing industry also fares better in Texas than other locales. The lack of Texas casinos probably helps the tracks remain active. Live and off-track betting is available at horse and greyhound racing venues in Texas.
Texas Gambling Laws
There are strict Texas gambling laws. The only forms of legalized Texas gambling are ones specifically approved by voters in a constitutional referendum. The only forms of gambling voters have affirmed are charitable bingo, horse racing, and a state lottery. A gaming compact was created between the state and the Kickapoo tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Slots, video poker, electronic table games and a poker room are approved. Table games are not allowed. The Kickapoo tribe has the only reservation recognized by the state for gaming purposes. They are the only Texas casino currently operating.
While Texas bans most forms of betting, its punishments are lenient compared to other states. All gambling crimes that are not handled on a federal level are only misdemeanors.
A bet is defined as “an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance”. Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Texas, likely because of this definition. The sites claim to be bona fide contests of skill that fall outside of this definition. The state attorney general and most legal analysts that follow the industry find that to be a laughable position.
The minimum Texas gambling age for lottery players is 18 years old. Live racing and off-track betting has a minimum Texas gambling age of 21 years old. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino also is required to exclude anyone under 21. Bingo players must be 18 but state law permits minors to play if accompanied by an adult.
List of Texas Casinos and Racetracks
There is only one Texas casino and it is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass. There are six active racetracks in Texas that have live and off-track betting. Three offers horses while the other three are greyhound tracks.
Casino | Size | Address | Website |
---|---|---|---|
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino – Eagle Pass | 3,300 Slot Machines | 768 Lucky Eagle Dr. | www.luckyeagletexas.com |
Racetrack | Type | Address | Website |
Gulf Coast Racing – Corpus Christie | Greyhounds | 5302 Leopard St. | www.gulfcoastracetrack.com |
Gulf Greyhound Park – La Marque | Greyhounds | 1000 FM 2004 | www.gulfgreyhound.com |
Lone Star Park – Grand Prairie | Thoroughbred | 1000 Lone Star Pkwy | www.lonestarpark.com |
Retama Park – Selma | Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse | 1 Retama Pkwy | www.retamapark.com |
Sam Houston Race Park – Houston | Quarter Horse | 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W. | www.shrp.com |
Valley Race Park – Harlingen | Greyhounds | 2601 S. Ed Carey Dr. | www.valleyracepark.com |
In addition to the Texas casinos and tracks, there are thousands of lottery retailers in the state where bettors can buy instant game and lotto tickets. There are also more than 100 places to play bingo.
Texas Gambling History
Horse racing dates back to before Texas became a state. Old time bookmakers took bets without any oversight. The industry had its issues with legitimacy before the industry died off in the middle of the 20th Century. It returned in a regulated state in 1987 to keep bettors from traveling to neighboring states for action. Live horses and greyhounds may be used.
Racing was not the first time gambling was legalized in Texas. Voters approved charitable gambling in 1980. The first bingo license was issued in 1982.
Voters approved the Texas Lottery in November 1991. The first ticket was sold in May 1992.
Tribal Texas Casinos Enter the Picture
Texas casino gambling has an interesting past in Texas. The Kickapoo tribe is the only one permitted to hold a gaming pact with the state.
The Tigua tribe was the first to open a casino in Texas. That occurred in 1993. It was done without a gaming compact. Governor Richards refused to enter into one.
The Tigua tribe sued the state and lost in 1994. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state could not be compelled to sign a gaming compact. The Tigua casino remained open without a gaming pact. The state sued in 1999 and prevailed to shut the casino down. The casino did not close until 2001 when the Tigua tribe lost its appeals.
The Tigua tribe tried again in 2008 to roll out cash games. It opened a slot parlor but was forced to shut down after enforcement action was brought by Texas officials.
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino opened in 1996. It is still open today as it holds a gaming pact.
The Alabama-Coushatta tribe opened a casino in 2001. It closed after the Tigua Indians lost its initial court battle.
State law considers any activity that involves partial chance with money on the line to be gambling. Chumba casino sweepstakes. Many gaming lawyers assumed that these meant daily fantasy sports were illegal in the state. The companies that operate those contests did not agree and operated in the state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared the games illegal in January 2016. The sites ignored his opinion as it did not include a demand to leave the market.
Texas Casinos & Gambling FAQ
What is the minimum Texas gambling age?
Lottery and bingo players must be at least 18 years old. Racing and casino players must be at least 21.
A bingo patron under 18 is allowed to play for real money if accompanied by an adult.
Yes. There is three horse racing tracks in Texas.
Yes. There are three greyhound tracks in Texas.
Yes. All six tracks have race books. TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica all have mobile racing apps available to Texans.
There is one. It is Kickapoo’s Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass.
Slots, video poker, live poker and electronic table games are spread at Lucky Eagle Casino.
Sunland Park Race Track and Casino is just across the border in New Mexico from El Paso.
There are dozens of casinos along the Oklahoma state line.
Lake Charles, Louisiana is home to the closest casinos to Houston.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared daily fantasy sports illegal in January 2016. His opinion was ignored by most of the companies that provide the games.
FanDuel and DraftKings are the major daily fantasy sports sites still in the state.
Is online poker, casino or sports betting legal in Texas over the Internet?
Oh, Lone Star State. I have a bone to pick with you. This is a touchy subject, too, as I’m a proud citizen of the great state of Texas.
I love your food; I love your diverse cultures and climates. I love that you can be country and hipster all at the same time.
But.
I want to know why you hate gambling. Jackpot capital casino bonus codes.
Texas Bingo Laws By County
This is a heart breaker for this gambling Texan girl.
Why are almost all forms of gambling illegal in my home state?
Why do you want me to take my hard-earned dollars out of state to spend on my favorite hobby?
I don’t want to give that taxable revenue to Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Nevada. I want to go to the Gulf Coast and let my family enjoy our warm waters.
Then I want to gamble.
Why are you keeping this from me?
Did I do something wrong?
Why are you so mad at gambling?
So many questions.
Let’s see if I can answer some of them.
The History of Gambling in The Lone Star State
Texas, much like its neighbors to the east and west, has changed hands many times of the course of its history. It was once even its own sovereign nation. Texans often refer to the Republic of Texas.
Texas was originally part of multiple native tribes, but we know how this goes. It changed hands between the Spanish (Tejas is the Spanish spelling), American, Mexico, and even the French.
Texas has the strictest real money gambling laws in the United States.
I would’ve guessed our Mormon friends in Utah would be a no go on gambling, but no.
It’s Texas.
Texas outlawed almost all forms of gambling during Prohibition in the 1920s when vice laws became prevalent in Texas. This move towards outlawing vices like alcohol, prostitution, gambling, and narcotics became prevalent in this once wild country.
This was huge swing from the Wild West attitude of the 1800s. Texas is the home of many outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. Let’s not forget that Bonnie and Clyde were Texas residents, too.
This is not a neat or prim and proper state. We like to be left alone, not told what to do, and keep to ourselves.
The Prohibition Era ushered in a clamping down of the above vices to almost do a 180 from the torrid, wild past of the state.
So, when did the State of Texas make gambling illegal?
It’s a long drawn out answer. I wish it were easier. I wish it were something simple like 1920.
But no, it was a slow suffocation of the hobby.
The state would see local governments outlaw vices in their regions starting in the Reconstruction Era of the post war South. The nail in the coffin was the passage of the 18th amendment to the United States Constitution. This made alcohol and gambling illegal throughout the country.
Once this amendment was overturned, many states started to reopen racetracks and saloon or bars. Texas dug its heels in the ground on the topic of gambling.
The legality of gambling has wavered throughout the state over the years, but one thing has stayed true.
Texas doesn’t condone most forms of gambling.
Texas has 2 casinos. We are number 2 in size and population in America. We are last in gambling.
And it doesn’t look like the legislature is going to budge anytime soon. Diamond dash online.
There are some obscure loopholes in our gambling laws, and the lottery is a big government business.
What Type of Gambling Are Legal in Texas?
There are a few types of gambling that are legal in Texas.
Most of these are weird – except for the lottery.
The Texas State Lottery
The State of Texas legalized a state lottery in July of 1991. That was a big win. I remember when my parents got together with their friends to go in a ton of tickets. My siblings and I started seeing scratch off tickets in birthday and holiday cards from our grandparents.
Playing the lottery in Texas is a big deal. An estimated 68% of Texan play some form of the lottery. With almost 40 million residents, that is a lot of money.
I am from Austin, the capitol of the state. Downtown they used to live film the drawings and we would watch through the window on our way to the bar when I was in college at University of Texas at Austin.
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t played the lottery. When my husband and I were young and broke we would buy scratch off in hopes to win enough to cover our bills
The Texas lottery is as common as a rodeo or going 2 stepping after a meal of Mexican food or BBQ.
The state makes billions off the proceeds. This money is allocated to schools and wildlife and land protections. Texans are big hunters which makes them conservationists by default.
Horse and Dog Racing
Under the pari-mutuel racing rules, Texans can participate in dog and horse betting. There are 3 class 1 racetracks in the entire state.
This type of gambling was legalized in Texas in 1978. Texas was about 30 years behind the rest of the country.
I didn’t grow up with adults going to the races because of the old hold over of prohibition and the Progressive Movement.
Native Tribe Casinos
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the 3 recognized native tribes of Texas were granted the right to open gaming establishment.
The Kickapoo Tribe has the Lucky Eagle Casino. It’s found in Eagle Pass, in far West Texas on the Mexican border. It’s a long hot drive from almost anyone in the state except Laredo.
The Tigua Tribe owns and operates the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.
You’ll find it in El Paso on their native lands. El Paso is the 5th most populated city in the state, but it’s still a 9+ hour drive from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.
Are you seeing a trend?
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe offers gambling, too – at Naskila Gaming.
That’s located in Livingston, just north of Beaumont, Texas. It’s only a 3-hour drive, but there’s not a lot to see once you get there
The Naskila Gaming and Speaking Rock Entertainment have been wrapped up in red tape and legal disputes for years and may not be able to survive. This is against trend for other native casinos in other states.
You’ve heard of WinStar?
The largest casino in the world?
It is a native owned casino and has its own economy. It’s literally an hour drive from my house over the Oklahoma border.
What gives?
What Are 8-Liners and How Do They Work?
Texas Gaming Laws Bingo
If you’re not from here, you’ve probably not seen these shady little machines. They’re the video poker looking machines in gas stations and dive bars.
They are gaming machines that offer noncash prizes of less than a $5.00 value. I have played these at a now closed bar (probably because they didn’t ID people).
Nowadays I see them mostly in underserved communities. It’s always a slimy gas station. The state legislature has been trying to outlaw them since the 80’s.
They argue that they qualify as in-person gambling and don’t follow that state guidelines of approved gambling.
That’s not the type of hobby gambling I’m look for in my home state, are you?
Casino Cruises
This one is tricky. I’m impressed to be honest. These one day “cruises” take people to a cruise to essentially nowhere.
They stop in international waters so that there is no jurisdiction to say, “Quit it!”. It is pretty genius but expensive.
The cost has caused many startups to fail or rebrand with more failure. They leave out of a Texas port with mostly Texas passengers.
The problem is most of the Texas ports are a short drive to Louisiana, our eastern neighbor. Louisiana is very pro gambling.
See the problem?
Why would I get on a day cruise and risk sea sickness when I can take my entire family to the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Casino and Resort for an all-inclusive resort vacation?
Conclusion
It’s not good. Texas has even made friendly wagering illegal in the state. If I host a poker night with real money, I could serve some prison time.
When will Texas catch up and join the 21st, heck even the 20th, century?
I don’t know.
Every year it’s on the state legislature’s docket.
Every session it fails.
Maybe other states have made it too easy for Texans to come visit.
I see it as a missed opportunity for tax revenue for the state. And tourist dollars. Texas is so big that driving from Dallas to the coast is considered being out of state in other parts of this country.
Austin has 100s of 1000s descend on it every March for the SXSW festival.
Why not also make some tax venue off them with gambling?
It just doesn’t make sense.
But this state likes to do things the hard way because that’s how it’s always been. For a long time.
I would love to hear your thoughts and questions. Please leave a comment below.