Can You Legally Bet with Bet365 in Texas?
I get this question a lot as a gaming insider focused on the Texas market. Unfortunately, as of now the answer is no – Bet365 does not legally operate in the Lone Star State under current law. But with bills proposed and the market booming nationwide, legal Texas sports betting could open up sooner than you think!
As an avid gamer and content creator passionately following this issue in my home state, let me walk you through everything we know.
The Current State of Texas Gambling Laws
Texas gambling laws have historically been conservative and restrictive compared to most other states. Social gambling at home among friends is allowed, but apart from that lawful gambling is limited to:
- State lottery
- Raffles for certain charity groups
- Horse and dog racetracks betting
- Three Native American casinos under federal rules
So standard casino games, poker, sports betting and other wagering is largely prohibited currently.
Efforts to Legalize Texas Sports Betting
Bills to legalize mobile and retail sports betting in Texas have been proposed over the last few legislative sessions but not enacted.
The closest attempt came in 2021 with a bill that passed a Senate committee but didn‘t get a final vote. It would have legalized mobile sports betting apps that partner with existing land-based casino interests in the state.
Why it failed: Conflict over who would control the licenses and tax revenue. Native American tribes argued they should have first rights under existing federal gaming compacts.
Projected Timeline for Legalization
It‘s tough to say exactly when Texas might pass a sports betting bill, but momentum is accelerating rapidly.
As of 2023, 33 states have now legalized some form of sports betting following the repeal of PASPA. Heavyweights like New York, California and now Kansas passed new laws just in the last two years.
With over $73 billion now wagered annually in the US, the economic appeal of a new tax revenue stream cannot be ignored forever.
US sports betting handle and revenue growth 2016-2022. Source: American Gaming Association
My projection based on industry analysis and sources: Very strong chance Texas passes a sports betting bill by end of 2024, with apps launching by start of 2025 football season.
There‘s too much money being left on the table with all Texans either sitting on the sidelines or using sketchy offshore sites illegally otherwise.
What About Using Bet365 Now From Texas?
I sometimes get asked whether Bet365 or other international sportsbooks can be safely used from Texas in the meantime.
The short answer is no, I can‘t recommend it outside legal markets. While offshore sites do serve customers from Texas, it technically violates state law.
If caught, penalties include up to $500 fine for individual bettors or even jail time in cases of organized operation.
Some try masking locations with VPNs but geolocation tech improves constantly. No guarantee of safety from fines.
Can Bet365 Come to Texas When Legal?
Absolutely! Bet365 is a top-tier international sportsbook operating legally in over a dozen countries. They‘ve also expanded quickly into multiple US states as laws permit:
| State | Launch Year |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | 2019 |
| Colorado | 2020 |
| Ohio | 2022 |
| Virginia | 2022 |
The UK-based book is widely-respected for competitive odds, a huge array of betting markets, and innovative features like customizable cash-out options on bets.
As a passionate gamer myself, I‘d be thrilled to have their services available here one day soon!
Other Legal Betting Options for Texans Currently
While waiting patiently for potential legalization, Lone Star gamblers still have a few outlets:
Daily Fantasy Sports
DFS remains popular in Texas with major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo! all active in state. Contests for money legally classified as skill-based.
Casino Cruises
Cruise ships allow gambling once in international waters. Ports of call from Galveston and Corpus Christi. Multiday trips.
Now You Know!
Hopefully I‘ve demystified the current landscape on using offshore bookmakers, status of bills, and what next with Texas sports betting expansion plans. I‘ll be providing updates here on any progress so be sure to follow me!
Let me know if any other questions in the comments or via DM. Thanks for reading!
