Currently, the status quo in Texas regarding online casinos persists as illegal and is expected to remain unchanged in the foreseeable future. As of now, residents of Texas can solely explore social and sweepstakes casinos as substitute options for engaging in online-style casino games.
In Texas, there are no commercial casinos available, but there is a single tribal casino and two other tribal properties that offer Class II gambling. The state has seen a rise in popularity of game rooms featuring eight-liner slot machines, although these establishments frequently encounter resistance from local law enforcement. In recent times, lawmakers in Texas have introduced two casino bills, aiming to authorize the creation of a maximum of seven destination casinos throughout the state. While one of these bills has made progress in the House committee, the Senate holds the authority to effectively block any gambling-related legislation.
This article aims to offer a detailed exploration of the casino landscape in Texas. It will examine the current status of both brick-and-mortar and online casinos in the Lone Star State, while also uncovering any possible advancements that may lie ahead.
Play online slots in Texas
Texas Casinos snapshot
No, it is not legal to have casinos in Texas.
Could casinos potentially become legal soon? It appears that 2025 presents the most promising chance for casino legislation to be approved by the legislature. However, time is running out. Senator Carol Alvarado and Representative Charlie Geren have introduced contrasting casino bills, with each proposing the legalization of resort-style casinos in urban areas throughout Texas.
Texas does not permit the operation of online casinos.
Is it probable that they will become legal in the near future? It is highly improbable, as it is unlikely to occur for at least another 3-5 years, if not more.
Yes, Texas is home to The Lucky Eagle, a tribal casino situated in Eagle Pass, TX.
Are there more casino options available? In Texas, Online Sweepstakes Casinos are deemed legal and offer a range of slot and card games similar to traditional casinos. These games can be enjoyed solely for entertainment or with the possibility of winning cash prizes.
At what age can individuals engage in casino gambling in Texas? The minimum age requirement is 21 years for retail casinos and 18 years for sweepstakes casinos.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Safe? Absolutely. They boast a high level of safety and security. These casinos operate under the watchful eye of regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, guaranteeing the safeguarding of player identities. Moreover, to participate in cash prize games, most of these casinos have implemented thorough identity verification procedures.
Will Texas ever legalize online casinos?
It is highly unlikely that online casinos will be legalized in Texas in the near future. The focus of lawmakers is currently on legalizing retail casinos, retail sports betting, and online sports betting before considering online casinos. Despite several attempts, none of the proposed casino gambling legislations have progressed to the stage of floor debate.
Over the last few years, there has been a strong push by industry advocates, particularly Las Vegas Sands, to bring commercial casinos to Texas. The upcoming year, 2025, will be crucial for the casino industry in the state. In January, a three-month legislative session will kick off, during which the topic of casino and sports betting legislation will be discussed. Both Governor Abbott and House Speaker Phelan have shown their backing for the expansion of resort casinos.
Online casinos only became a focal point after attaining such a remarkable triumph.
Social and sweepstakes casinos in Texas
Despite the fact that Texas does not allow real money online casinos, players can still participate in online gaming through social and sweepstakes platforms that use virtual currencies.
Most social/sweepstakes casinos usually offer two distinct categories of virtual tokens to cater to the preferences of various players.
- Gold coins offer numerous benefits for social players seeking a fun-filled experience.
- Sweeps Coins can be utilized by players aiming to win cash prizes.
Gold Coins can only be acquired through purchase, while winnings obtained through Sweeps Coins can be converted into cash prizes or gift cards.
Players can purchase gold coins in large quantities, like $10 for 10,000 Gold Coins, allowing them to participate in various social casino games at a low cost. These players compete with each other to improve their rankings on the social leaderboard or to impress their friends. It is worth mentioning that social gaming does not offer any cash prizes. As a result, it is an excellent option for players who want to fulfill their gambling interests or gain skills before trying their luck at a brick-and-mortar casino with real money gambling.
Players can win real cash rewards while playing social casino games through Sweeps Coins gameplay. Each Sweeps Coin has a higher value, approximately $1, and the cost of casino-style games is similar to Vegas-style slot games.
Residents of Texas have access to a variety of popular social and sweepstakes casinos that are highly favored.
Pulsz
- Sun of Egypt 2 and Cycle of Luck are among the top-notch games that you can find.
Pulsz offers a wide range of more than 200 slot games, as well as a variety of table games including blackjack and roulette. Moreover, players can also indulge in a game similar to Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Chumba Casino
- Stampede Fury 2 and Twin$pin Megaways are among the top-notch games available.
Visitors to Chumba Casino can enjoy a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that is unparalleled, as it offers more than 80 slot titles and a diverse selection of games including video poker, blackjack, and roulette. You won’t find this exclusive range of games anywhere else.
LuckyLand Slots
- Two of the most popular games are “Winner and a Movie” and “Neon Valley”.
LuckyLand Slots, a sister platform to Chumba, offers around 40 beautifully designed slot games with captivating themes and stunning backgrounds. Furthermore, the website includes a variety of instant win games that resemble online versions of lottery scratch cards.
Funzpoints
- Maximo the Magnificent and Paintball Keno are among the most popular games.
Funzpoints offers a diverse range of gaming options with its impressive array of almost 60 slots and an exciting keno game. Furthermore, the website also features thrilling jackpot drawings, giving players an additional chance to secure a triumphant win.
Global Poker
Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are the top-notch games that offer an array of engaging tournaments.
The main focus of Global Poker is to offer a wide selection of poker games, with Texas Hold’em being the most popular choice. In addition, players have the opportunity to enjoy different variations of Omaha games and even give Crazy Pineapple a try. One remarkable aspect of Global Poker is its organization of tournaments that draw in a significant number of players and offer substantial prizes.
Are there physical casinos in Texas?
Texas, the largest state in the continental United States, has a population of nearly 29 million people, making it the second most populous state after California. However, it is important to mention that despite its substantial population, Texas only has one casino within its borders. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, located near the Mexico border in Eagle Pass, is the only gambling facility in the entire state.
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates a casino situated 100 miles south of San Antonio. Originally established in 1996, the property underwent renovations in 2004 and experienced additional growth in 2013.
In addition to Texas, only two more states completely forbid tribes from offering any Class III casino games: [insert state names here].
- Alaska
- Alabama
It is important to note that the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel offers a wide range of electronic bingo games that resemble slot machines, all of which comply with the regulations of the Class II license.
Furthermore, there are two additional tribal facilities situated on state-owned land.
Naskila Gaming, situated east of Livingston, is a gambling venue operating on tribal lands that offers a variety of electronic bingo machines. Owned and managed by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the establishment recently had a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton dropped. The lawsuit sought to cease the provision of electronic bingo at the venue.
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, commonly referred to as the “Tiguas,” recently celebrated a major victory in the Supreme Court. Being the third tribe in the state to receive federal recognition, they have gained the right to conduct electronic bingo games at their renowned establishment, the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center El Paso.
Will more casinos open in Texas?
The possibility of casino legalization has received a small boost following Gov. Abbott’s recent expression of interest. In recent years, Abbott has shown a growing flexibility in his stance on legal gambling, suggesting his willingness to participate in discussions surrounding the casino industry.
Senator Carol Alvarado has submitted Senate Joint Resolution 17, a pre-filed bill for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. The bill intends to grant permission for the creation of four resort casinos in major Texas cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Moreover, it aims to legalize retail sports betting.
Rep. Charlie Geren has proposed House Joint Resolution 97 to amend the casino regulations in Texas. The aim of this resolution is to expand the number of resort casino licenses from four to seven. It is important to note that priority for these licenses would be given to Texas’s pari-mutuel racetracks. If approved, Geren’s legislation would distribute two licenses to the Dalas-Fort Worth area, two to the greater Houston area, and one each to San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and McAllen.
The Las Vegas Sands PAC has shown support for Geren’s legislation, which poses a challenge to Alvarado’s endeavors. The limited backing for casino legislation overall suggests a bleak future for its chances of being approved.
Texans have expressed their endorsement for the legalization and taxation of casino gambling, despite the obstacles presented by legislative measures, as per a recent survey conducted by PlayTexas.
During the legislative session, there is a strong movement to legalize gaming in the state. More than 300 gaming lobbyists are present, aiming to propose the legalization of gambling on the congress floor in Austin. It is worth mentioning that Texas will also address the issue of legal gaming, following an unsuccessful endeavor in California.
Based on our evaluation, Texas seems to be ambivalent about the potential legalization of casinos in 2025.
Closest casinos outside of Texas
There are numerous well-known casinos located near Texas, some of which can be found in Mexico. Here, we have compiled a list of the most popular casinos situated close to Texas.
Oklahoma
- Located in Thackerville, OK, WinStar World Casino and Resort is conveniently positioned just five miles north of the state line and a mere 90 miles north of Dallas. It proudly holds the esteemed title of being the world’s largest casino, with multiple “gaming plazas” that collectively offer an impressive 370,000 square feet of gambling space. With over 8,500 slot machines, more than 100 table games, and a poker room equipped with 55 tables, WinStar offers a wide range of entertainment options. This popular destination attracts both Oklahomans and Texans, as it warmly welcomes individuals aged 18 and older from all walks of life to experience the Chickasaw Nation casino.
New Mexico
- Located in Hobbs, NM, Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack is a popular destination for Texans, especially those interested in slots and horse racing. It is conveniently situated just a short distance from the Texas border. As part of the Penn National Gaming family, Zia Park is categorized as a “racino.” With an extensive collection of 750 slot machines and video poker games, the establishment also offers a racetrack for quarter horse and thoroughbred races.
Arkansas
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the biggest gambling destination in Arkansas, can be found in Hot Springs, AR. Positioned merely two hours from the Texas border, Oaklawn provides a wide array of facilities. These include a top-quality thoroughbred racetrack, a vast collection of over 1,500 slot machines, a diverse selection of more than 30 table games, a sportsbook catering to sports enthusiasts, and a comfortable poker room for card game enthusiasts.
Louisiana
If you happen to be in east Texas, it might be worth considering the possibility of exploring casino gambling opportunities in Louisiana, specifically in Bossier City. This location offers a diverse range of casinos to choose from.
- Boomtown Bossier City
- Horseshoe Bossier City
- Margaritaville Resort Casino
- Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
All four casinos, including Harrah’s (which is a racino), are highly regarded riverboat establishments offering a diverse selection of table games alongside a minimum of 1,200 slot machines and video poker machines.
Just across the border lies Lake Charles, a destination cherished for its handful of beloved riverboat casinos. The drive from Houston to reach this location typically takes around two and a half hours.
- With its extensive selection of entertainment, the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino provides a diverse array of options for guests to enjoy. This includes a staggering collection of 1,600 slot machines and an impressive range of 60 table games.
- With an impressive selection of 1,600 slot machines and 75 table games, the L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles offers a diverse range of entertainment options.
Casinos house small poker rooms within their premises.