Sometimes in our crazy world up is down and down is up. Gambling in the United States is no different, and states like Texas, the lines of gambling are as crooked as a Washington D.C. politician! Is gambling legal in Texas? It is a question that is continuously asked yet when an official tries to explain the gambling laws of Texas, they produce a word salad that taste like the dung of a horse prancing in the town parade. Y'all know what is meant here. Gambling is not legal in Texas except when it is, and Safe Online Gaming is going to try to make sense of the antiquated laws that are currently on the books today.
Currently, 48 states allow some form of gambling (Hawaii and Utah have banned gambling entirely although many residence gamble in an online casino such as Sugar Shack) if you include state-run lotteries. Yes, you read that right. States like Texas have outlawed some forms of gambling, yet they promote a government backed form of gambling. Currently, Texas does not allow casino gaming except in Indian run casinos or slot machine establishments. Operating or engaging in anything from commercial brick-and-mortar casinos to small back-room game rooms is illegal unless... (yes, there are slot machines in gas stations across the Lone Star State that opening allow gamers to play and win!)
You actually can legally gamble in Texas! Legal forms of gambling include the Texas Lottery, parimutuel wagering on horses and greyhound dog racing, charitable bingo and raffles, and three sanctioned Indian Casinos. Other forms of gambling are illegal unless the operators actually rename the payout different than what is stated on the books. Except that after jumping through a few hoops, the gamblers can actually win real money gambling in Texas. Does your noggin hurt yet?
Companies like FanDuel Sportsbook is not legal in Texas, but FanDuel Texas Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is available to residents. Therefore, season-long fantasy is legal as well and promoted every professional game you watch! Online and retail sportsbooks cannot be licensed in Texas because of a state constitutional clause prohibiting nearly all forms of gambling, but Texans can easily find accessible online casinos and play all of the slots, poker, craps, blackjack, roulette and sweepstakes games their ole heart desires!
Currently, casinos like the ones you see across the border into Oklahoma and Louisiana have not been built in Texas, but their names adorn the stadiums of professional teams like the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. Yes, even the Dallas Stars (a real live professional hockey team in a state that has temperatures in the triple digits) promotes gambling in their arena. Even Pete Rose can't make up this much nonsense.
If you were to get caught gambling online in Texas, Penal Code Section 47.02 which outlaws gambling including sports bets in the state of Texas (with limited exceptions...yes, it actual says some gambling is legal in Texas). Specifically, it is illegal to make a bet on a sporting event or "games played with cards" (again it is and it isn't) is a violation and a Class C Misdemeanor which can carry a penalty of a fine up to $500. Of course, the law is almost laughable because the judge who would hand out the fine probably is in your Sunday School Class Football pot, and the law enforcement that would have to catch you in an active card game (in person or online) is probably sitting across from you betting that you are bluffing!
Yes, it is illegal to gamble in Texas except when it is not because it fits state officials like a new pair of alligator boots. If you are one of the many Texans who plan to gamble, make sure you find the right online casinos that have someone available 24/7 to help you navigate where to play, and how to win real money when the cards fall in your favor. Always set your limits, and enjoy the fun!
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