Texas Sports Betting

Snapshot of Texas sports betting

Although sports betting is currently illegal in Texas, there are signs suggesting a potential change in the year 2025. Here is a concise summary of the current state of sports betting in Texas:

• Is sports betting legal in any form? No, it is illegal in all forms.
• The earliest feasible launch period is projected to be approximately 2025; however, taking into account the necessary time for legislation to be approved, a more realistic estimation would be 2025.
• Due to the limited number of Texas casinos, racetracks and sports arenas emerge as the most likely locations for sportsbooks.
• The chances of online gambling being introduced in Texas before 2025, if it ever happens, are extremely low. This is primarily because the state has no prior experience with online gambling. Currently, even activities like the lottery and horse betting can only be carried out in person.
• Due to its extensive population and avid sports enthusiasts, Texas is ready to embrace numerous betting apps. This advantageous situation is expected to lure prominent industry leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.
• In Texas, the anticipated age restriction for sports betting is expected to be 21, unlike other types of restricted gambling that usually mandate players to be above 18 years old.

Key information for all Texas bettors

• Texans have the opportunity to engage in betting activities by conveniently traveling to nearby states such as Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, or New Mexico. Out of these options, Arkansas, Colorado, and Louisiana offer online sports betting platforms, whereas New Mexico solely provides the option for in-person retail sports betting.
• If you’re seeking information on the legality of sports betting, you may encounter conflicting details on various websites. However, it is important to note that any website permitting bets from individuals residing in Texas is classified as an offshore site and is therefore considered illegal.
• While gambling is typically forbidden in Texas, the state’s laws do not specifically mention online sports betting. As a result, even though it is widely accepted that sports betting is illegal in Texas, some websites claim that online sports betting is not explicitly prohibited.
• The legality of playing on an offshore site is the least significant factor to consider. These sites function beyond the jurisdiction of Texas or the US, making them immune to legal regulations. They are not subject to lawsuits or legal consequences in Texas, meaning that if you encounter any conflicts with these sites, your options for finding a resolution may be extremely limited.

Where will I be able to place a bet when sports betting passes?

Sportsbooks are commonly located at horse tracks and former dog tracks within the state. Moreover, major professional sports arenas have the potential to function as venues for sportsbooks.

Texas is an excellent choice for online sports betting thanks to its advantageous conditions. Its immense size of more than 260,000 square miles poses a challenge for physical sportsbooks to adequately serve the distant residents. Therefore, the legalization of sports betting would make online sportsbooks especially attractive in Texas due to its geographical layout.

Popular teams for betting in Texas

Once sports betting becomes available in Texas, it is anticipated that numerous popular teams will garner significant attention. As the second-most populous state in the US, boasting around 30 million residents, Texas is home to several major sports teams. With numerous cities having populations surpassing 1 million, there exists a plethora of dedicated fanbases that teams can cater to by offering tickets and merchandise. Consequently, we have compiled a list of teams that are projected to be favored options once sports betting is introduced in Texas.

NFL

Despite football’s dominance in Texas, it is important to acknowledge the deep affection that many Texans have for high school football. Regrettably, betting on high school sports is illegal in the state, depriving fans of Friday night lights from the chance to place wagers. Nonetheless, Texas proudly hosts two NFL teams.

• The Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium is located at 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011.
• NRG Stadium on NRG Parkway in Houston, TX 77054 is where the Houston Texans call home.

NBA

Texas boasts three NBA teams, each of which has claimed championships in their respective cities. However, it has been quite some time since their devoted fans witnessed the triumphant moments of lifting the prestigious trophy. Nevertheless, there is no denying that Texas undeniably holds a prominent status within the realm of NBA teams.

• The American Airlines Center, situated at 2500 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75219, serves as the home arena for the Dallas Mavericks.
• The Toyota Center, situated at 1510 Polk St., Houston, TX 77003, serves as the home arena for the Houston Rockets basketball team.
• The home arena of the San Antonio Spurs is situated at 1 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78219.

Betting on the Rockets may face obstacles due to a potential conflict of interest involving businessman Tilman Fertitta, who owns both the Rockets and the Golden Nugget casino chain. This issue has been recognized by gambling commissions nationwide, making it challenging to accept fair wagers on Rockets games. Therefore, if the Golden Nugget is established in Texas, accessibility to betting on the Rockets might be limited.

MLB

Texas is home to two Major League Baseball teams, as well as several minor-league affiliates. Despite their achievements in the postseason, the state’s sole World Series victory in 2017 is marred by controversy. The Houston Astros, who were reigning champions, were revealed to have unlawfully stolen their opponents’ pitching signs. Nevertheless, both baseball teams still command a significant fan base in Texas.

• Minute Maid Park, the esteemed residence of the Houston Astros, can be found at 501 Crawford St., Houston, TX 77002.
• Globe Life Field, also known as the home stadium of the Texas Rangers, is situated at 734 Stadium Drive in Arlington, TX 76011.

NHL

Although Texas is not typically associated with cold weather or a strong hockey tradition, it is surprising to note that the state is currently housing one NHL team. Moreover, talks are underway regarding the potential relocation of a second team to Texas. Among the contenders, the Arizona Coyotes have been identified as a potential candidate to make the move, with Houston emerging as a favored destination. However, for now, the Dallas Stars proudly stand as the sole NHL franchise in the state.

• The American Airlines Center, known as the home arena of the Dallas Stars, can be found at 2500 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75219.

MLS

In comparison to other regions worldwide, soccer has not achieved the same level of popularity in the US. The English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A enjoy high esteem within their respective nations, while the MLS lags behind as a less popular competitor. However, considering the significant number of Texas residents originating from countries where soccer is dominant, it is unsurprising to witness a strong presence of the MLS in the state.

• Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium can be found at 10414 Mc Kalla Place, Austin, TX 78758.
• FC Dallas can be found at Toyota Stadium, which is located at 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, TX 75033.
• The location of PNC Stadium, where the Houston Dynamo FC plays their home games, can be found at 2200 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77003.

NCAA

Texas is home to a significant number of NCAA teams due to its large size. Surprisingly, Texas is only ranked second to California in terms of Division I NCAA schools, which is proportional to its population. The state boasts 21 colleges and universities that compete at the highest level of competition, not to mention the numerous Division II and Division III institutions spread throughout Texas. Below is a list of the Division I schools in Texas:

• Baylor University, Waco
• Houston Baptist University, Houston
• Lamar University, Beaumont
• Prairie View A&M University is situated in the town of Prairie View, Texas.
• Rice University, Houston
• Sam Houston State University finds its home in Huntsville.
• Southern Methodist University, Dallas
• Stephen F. Austin State University is situated in Nacogdoches.
• College Station is the location of Texas A&M University.
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is located in Corpus Christi.
• Texas Christian University is located in Fort Worth.
• Texas Southern University, Houston
• San Marcos is home to Texas State University.
• Texas Tech University, Lubbock
• University of Houston, Houston
• The esteemed University of North Texas is located in the city of Denton.
• UT Arlington, also referred to as the University of Texas at Arlington, is located in Arlington.
• The University of Texas is situated in Austin, Texas.
• UTEP, the University of Texas in El Paso.
• The University of Texas at San Antonio, located in San Antonio.
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is located in Edinburg.

Please keep in mind that in certain states where sports betting is legal, it is not allowed to wager on college teams from the same state. Additionally, in some states, specific types of bets such as prop bets on individual college athletes may be prohibited. It remains uncertain how Texas would handle this issue, but if the state moves towards legalizing sports betting, it is expected to generate a debate.

Types of sports bets in Texas

After the introduction of sports betting in Texas, there will be a wide selection of wagers available for enthusiasts to enjoy. If you are not familiar with sports betting, you might encounter terms and wagers that seem perplexing at first. Therefore, it is vital to start with the basic type of wager known as moneylines, as comprehending their odds format is crucial for placing any desired bet. Once we have covered that, we can explore the numerous other betting options that are available.

Moneylines

Moneylines are betting options where you predict the winning team in a game, regardless of the final score. However, the standard odds format for moneyline bets may initially seem intimidating.

Moneyline odds in sports betting are denoted by a three-digit number given to each team, with one team having a positive number and the other team having a negative number. An example of this can be seen in an NBA listing where the moneyline odds may be presented as:

The following image has been captured from DraftKings Sportsbook.

We will examine the moneyline numbers provided in the right column for the Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets game and interpret their significance.

Firstly, it is clear that Indiana is the team expected to win based on its negative odds. Negative numbers generally indicate the favorite, unless there are two negative moneylines involved. In such situations, the number that is farther from zero determines the favored team. For example, in a game where both teams have moneylines of -110 and -115, the team with a moneyline of -115 is regarded as the favorite.

Based on Indiana’s odds, betting $150 on the Pacers will yield a $100 profit if successful. The payout will be proportional to your wager, indicating that betting on the Pacers comes at a higher cost due to their increased likelihood of winning.

Alternatively, if you were to place a $100 bet on the Rockets at +130 odds and emerge victorious, you would secure a $130 profit. Although the odds may not be in your favor, embracing the added risk presents a chance for a more substantial payout.

The odds format widely used in sports betting is referred to as the “American” format. Understanding this format is essential as sportsbooks depend on it to display the payout ratios for each wager.

Other types of sports bets

In the event that sports betting becomes legal in Texas, it is highly likely that various other popular forms of sports bets will be available within the state.

• Spread bets, commonly referred to as point spreads, take into account the final margin of victory in a game. In this type of wager, the sportsbook presents a projected margin, and bettors decide whether the favored team will exceed that margin or if the underdog will outperform expectations. Generally, point spreads offer a payout of -110 for both sides, although these numbers may vary slightly.
• Totals, also known as over/under bets, consist of the sportsbook making a prediction on the combined number of points scored by both teams. Bettors can choose to bet on whether the actual total will surpass or fall short of the estimated number. In a casual context, phrases like “taking the over” or “taking the under” can be used to speculate on the likelihood of a recurring event, such as the number of times Shaq will mention Charles Barkley’s absence of a championship during a broadcast.
• Futures bets are centered on anticipating outcomes that occur at the end of a season or a significant tournament. These types of wagers often require predicting the ultimate champion team or an individual who will be awarded a highly sought-after prize by the season’s conclusion. Typically, futures bets are displayed as comprehensive lists of moneylines. It is noteworthy that even the frontrunners in these bets are regarded as underdogs because their chances of winning are lower compared to the other participants. Futures bets are especially popular in golf odds and are also frequently seen in March Madness odds.
• Propositions, or prop bets, are wagers made on smaller events happening during a game. Prop bets are often the source of entertaining betting stories due to their vivid descriptions. They can be likened to children challenging each other on the playground. In sports betting, prop bets usually involve predicting individual or team statistics or outcomes during a specific period of play, rather than the overall game result.
• Parlays involve combining multiple individual bets into a single wager. Each individual bet in a parlay is known as a “leg.” These bets are known for their high-risk and high-reward nature, as every leg must be predicted correctly in order to win anything. Even a single incorrect prediction can result in losing the entire bet. The level of risk and potential payout increases as the number of legs in a parlay increases. While winning parlays with numerous legs can yield substantial winnings, it’s essential to recognize that many other parlays have failed to achieve such large payouts.
• During a game, live betting takes place and centers on particular aspects of the competition, often focusing on individual plays. Although pregame wagers like spreads and moneylines can be continued in live betting, it should be noted that these will be regarded as new bets that take into account the game’s progress. Due to its fast-paced nature, live wagering is mainly accessible online, as it is typically not feasible to manage it in a physical sportsbook.