Even though state-regulated Texas sports betting isn't legal just yet, that hasn't stopped millions of Texans from betting on their favorite teams every single day. How? They turn to trusted offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS. These operators, along with other popular choices like Sportsbetting.ag, Xbet, and BetAnything, are based in different legal jurisdictions, which allows them to safely and legally serve sports fans all over the Lone Star State.
The Current State of Play for Bettors in Texas
The conversation around legal sports betting in Texas is always full of "what ifs" and political hurdles. While state lawmakers continue to debate the future, a straightforward and reliable solution already exists for fans who just want to place a wager.
For now, the market is pretty simple: there are no state-licensed options, but you have full access to a host of established offshore platforms.
This means you won't find a Texas-regulated DraftKings or FanDuel app anytime soon. Instead, you can easily and safely use international sportsbooks. Sites like Sportsbetting.ag, Xbet, and BetAnything have been serving the U.S. market for years, building solid reputations for being reliable and offering a huge variety of betting options. This is why bettors consistently turn to trusted names like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetUS.
The bottom line is this: while Texas hasn't passed its own sports betting laws, there are no laws on the books that stop you from using these offshore sites. This has created a practical and widely accepted way for sports bettors to get in on the action across the state.
To get a clearer picture, let's break down the key differences between the potential state-regulated market and the offshore sportsbooks available right now.
Texas Sports Betting At a Glance
| Feature | State-Regulated Betting | Offshore Sportsbooks |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Not yet legal | Available now |
| Accessibility | Would be limited to Texas residents | Open to residents in Texas and other states |
| Betting Options | Likely limited to major pro/college sports | Extensive markets, including politics & entertainment |
| Bonuses | Regulated and often smaller | Larger, more frequent bonuses and promotions |
| Banking | Traditional methods (credit card, bank transfer) | Traditional methods + cryptocurrencies |
As you can see, the offshore route not only provides immediate access but often comes with more flexibility and better perks.
The Legislative Gridlock
The road to legal, state-regulated sports betting in Texas is a long and winding one. There's been a big push to get a legal market up and running since 2020, but every effort has hit a wall.
The state's political landscape and constitution make it a tough challenge. Any bill to legalize sports betting, like the proposed HB 1275, requires a constitutional amendment. That means it needs a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate just to get on the ballot for voters to decide—a massive hurdle in Texas politics.
What This Means for You
For the everyday sports fan in Texas, this political stalemate has a very simple, direct impact: don't hold your breath for a state-run betting app.
The most dependable and feature-packed options are the offshore sportsbooks that have been serving Texans for well over a decade. It's interesting to see how this situation stacks up against other places; you can learn more about the different approaches states have taken in our guide on legal sports betting states.
These platforms deliver everything a bettor is looking for:
- Complete Market Coverage: You can bet on the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets, Texas Longhorns, and just about any other team or sport you can think of on sites like Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag, Xbet, and BetAnything.
- Competitive Odds: You'll often find better lines and more favorable payouts than what a future regulated market might offer.
- Generous Bonuses: These sites are known for their valuable welcome offers and ongoing promotions that give you more bang for your buck.
Why Offshore Sportsbooks Are the Go-To Choice
With the Texas legislature dragging its feet on sports betting, fans across the state aren't just sitting on the sidelines. They've found another way to get in on the action: offshore sportsbooks. For a lot of practical reasons, these sites have become the default choice for Texas sports betting. They operate legally in their home countries and offer a surprisingly reliable, feature-packed experience for anyone in the Lone Star State.
Think of it this way—if your local shop doesn't stock your favorite brand, you go online and order it from a trusted retailer. That’s exactly what Texans are doing. Sites like MyBookie, BetUS, Bovada, Sportsbetting.ag, Xbet, and BetAnything have stepped up to fill the void, giving people a complete and satisfying way to bet right now.
Unrestricted Betting Markets
One of the biggest reasons people turn to these sites is the sheer freedom of choice. When Texas does eventually legalize betting, you can bet there will be restrictions, especially around college sports. Offshore sites don't have those handcuffs.
This means you can put money on all the teams that matter to a Texas fan:
- NFL: Wager on every single Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans game.
- NBA: Back the Mavericks, Spurs, or Rockets with spreads, moneylines, and tons of props.
- College Sports: Bet freely on the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies—something often banned in regulated states.
These platforms offer deep markets on practically everything, giving you the freedom to bet on the games you actually follow. For a deeper dive, our guide on offshore sports betting breaks down exactly how these operators work.
Better Odds and Bigger Bonuses
Let’s be honest, the financial side of things matters. A lot. Offshore sportsbooks usually come out ahead here, too. They’re competing in a global market, so they often post better odds to win your business. A slightly better line might not seem like much, but over time, it means your winning bets pay out more than they would in a heavily taxed state market.
And then there are the bonuses. This is where offshore sites really shine. Platforms like Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS, and Sportsbetting.ag are well-known for their massive welcome bonuses, reload offers, and special promotions around huge events like the Super Bowl or March Madness. Newer sites like BetAnything and established ones like Xbet also offer compelling promotions. These aren't just gimmicks; they give you real, extra funds to play with.
At the end of the day, these sportsbooks aren't just a temporary workaround. They're a solid, popular solution that delivers the convenience, variety, and financial perks that Texas sports fans are looking for today.
Finding the Best Offshore Sportsbooks for Texans
With so many offshore sportsbooks available to Texas bettors, figuring out where to start can be a real challenge. To help you cut through the clutter, we’ve taken a deep dive into the top options, focusing on what truly matters: how easy they are to use, the variety of bets offered, the quality of their bonuses, and how quickly you can get your winnings.
This isn't about finding one perfect site for everyone. It's about finding the right fit for you. Whether you’re just looking to put a few bucks on the Cowboys game from your phone or you're a seasoned bettor hunting for the sharpest lines at a site like BetUS or Bovada, this breakdown will help you choose with confidence.
Comparing Top Offshore Sportsbooks for Texans
To make things easier, we've put together a quick comparison of the leading offshore sportsbooks. This table highlights their standout features and welcome offers, giving you a clear, at-a-glance look at what makes each one unique for players in Texas.
| Sportsbook | Key Feature | Best For | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Enormous selection of prop bets | All-around user experience | 75% Crypto Match up to $750 |
| MyBookie | Generous and frequent promotions | Maximizing bonus value | 50% Sports Sign-up up to $1,000 |
| BetUS | In-depth "BetUS TV" analysis | Bettors who want expert insights | 125% Sign-up Bonus up to $3,125 |
| Sportsbetting.ag | Early betting lines and fast payouts | Serious, sharp bettors | Double Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 |
| Xbet | Clean interface and quick crypto withdrawals | No-nonsense, efficient betting | 50% Sports Sign-up up to $500 |
Each of these sportsbooks, including other options like BetAnything, brings something different to the table. Let’s dig into what makes them tick.
Bovada: The All-Around Performer
For more than a decade, Bovada has been a go-to name for US bettors, and it’s easy to see why. The platform is incredibly intuitive, making it the perfect entry point if you're new to sports betting. At the same time, the sheer depth of its betting markets is what keeps experienced players coming back for more.
Bovada's mobile experience is clean and quick, letting you place a bet on the Mavericks or Longhorns in just a couple of taps. What really sets them apart, though, is their massive menu of prop bets, especially for NFL and NBA games. It gives you what feels like a hundred different ways to bet on a single game.
MyBookie: The Bonus King
If getting the most bang for your buck is your top priority, MyBookie should be on your radar. They're well known for rolling out some of the most generous welcome bonuses in the game, often giving you a huge match on your first deposit. This means you can start with a much bigger bankroll right out of the gate.
But it doesn't stop there. MyBookie is great at keeping the value coming with regular reload bonuses, free plays, and fun contests tied to big events like the Super Bowl or March Madness. They also have a solid reputation for customer support, which is a huge plus if you value having someone to turn to with questions.
A great bonus isn't just about the dollar amount; it's about the terms. The best sportsbooks offer bonuses with reasonable rollover requirements, typically between 5x and 15x, ensuring you have a realistic shot at cashing out your winnings.
BetUS: America's Favorite Sportsbook
With a name like "America's Favorite Sportsbook," you have to deliver, and BetUS has been doing just that for over 25 years. They stand out by offering a ton of in-depth analysis and expert picks directly on their site through "BetUS TV." This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to make more educated bets rather than just guessing.
The site is loaded with betting options across all the major American sports, and their welcome offers often bundle funds for both the sportsbook and the casino. For Texans who like to dabble in a bit of everything, BetUS offers a really robust and well-rounded platform.
Sportsbetting.ag and Xbet: The Sharp Bettor's Choice
For those who are more focused on getting the best numbers and getting paid fast, Sportsbetting.ag and its sister site, Xbet, are top-tier choices. These books are often among the first to post their betting lines, which is a huge advantage for sharp bettors looking to find value before the public money starts pushing the lines.
Both platforms are praised for their lightning-fast crypto payouts, often processing withdrawals in less than 24 hours. Their interfaces might be more functional than flashy, but for serious players, they deliver exactly where it matters most. Along with new players in the space like BetAnything, these sites represent a shift toward efficient, odds-driven sportsbooks.
Ultimately, the best site for your Texas sports betting journey really comes down to what you're looking for. Bovada is a fantastic all-rounder, MyBookie is the champ for bonuses, and BetUS offers incredible expert content. For the pros, Sportsbetting.ag and Xbet provide the speed and sharp lines needed to win.
How to Place Your First Bet in Minutes
Ready to jump in? Placing your first wager on a Texas sports betting site is a lot easier than you might think. We'll walk you through the whole process, step by step, so you can go from the sidelines to the center of the action in no time.
This isn't complicated stuff. We'll show you how to pick a solid offshore sportsbook like Bovada, MyBookie, BetAnything, or BetUS, get your account funded, and lock in that first bet on your favorite Texas team.
Step 1: Pick a Sportsbook and Get Signed Up
First things first, you need to choose where you want to bet. Any of the highly-rated offshore sportsbooks we've covered will do the trick. You can't go wrong with established names like BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag, and Xbet—they've all earned a reputation for being reliable and easy to navigate.
Once you’ve made your choice, signing up is a breeze. They'll ask for some basic info like your name, email, and date of birth. This is just standard procedure to create and protect your account.
Don't worry, the entire sign-up process usually takes less than two minutes. Reputable sites only use this information to verify your identity and keep your account secure, so you can bet with peace of mind.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
With your account created, it's time to make your first deposit. This is also the perfect moment to grab a welcome bonus. Seriously, don't skip this—it’s free money that can give your starting bankroll a major boost.
Offshore sportsbooks give you plenty of ways to deposit:
- Cryptocurrency: Using options like Bitcoin or Ethereum is usually the fastest and most secure method. Plus, crypto deposits often come with the biggest bonuses.
- Credit Cards: Good old Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. It’s a familiar and straightforward way to get money into your account instantly.
- Other Methods: Some books, like BetAnything, might have other options available, such as P2P transfers.
Step 3: Understand the Odds and Place Your Bet
Alright, here’s the fun part: finding a game and making your pick. As you look through the sportsbook, you'll see numbers next to each team—those are the betting odds.
This image shows just how deep the passion for sports runs in Texas, with football, basketball, and baseball leading the charge.
It's no surprise these are the sports Texans love to bet on most.
Let's break down a simple NFL moneyline bet as an example:
- Dallas Cowboys: -150
- Houston Texans: +130
The minus sign (-150) tells you the Cowboys are the favorite. In this case, you'd need to bet $150 to win $100. The plus sign (+130) points to the underdog, the Texans. A $100 bet on them would net you $130 if they pull off the upset.
Once you’ve made your decision, just click on the line you want. Your pick will pop up in your bet slip, which is where you’ll type in how much you want to wager. Give it a final look, hit "Place Bet," and that's it—you're officially in the game
The Political Gridlock Holding Betting Back
To get why Texas sports betting is stuck in legislative quicksand, you have to appreciate the state's long and complicated history with gambling. For well over a century, a powerful mix of conservative values and political caution has built a wall against most forms of gaming. This isn't just a recent hurdle; it's a deep-seated pattern in Texas politics.
At the heart of the problem is the Texas Constitution itself, which flat-out prohibits most gambling. This means lawmakers can't just pass a simple bill to get things rolling. First, they need to push a constitutional amendment through, and that requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate. That's a huge mountain to climb in any legislature, especially one as politically divided as Austin's.
A History of Resistance
This deep-rooted resistance is part of the state's DNA. Texas officially banned all forms of gambling way back in 1903, driven by the strong moral and anti-gambling sentiments of the era.
Sure, there have been a few exceptions. Horse racing was briefly legalized in 1933 during the Great Depression, but it was banned again by 1937. This back-and-forth shows a consistent trend: when it comes to gambling, Texas almost always defaults to prohibition. This long history is exactly why modern efforts keep slamming into a wall of old laws and cultural pushback. You can get more details on Texas's gambling history on playtexas.com.
This stalemate has created a unique situation where offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetAnything have become the go-to option for Texans who want to place a wager. While the politicians argue, these sites offer a ready-made solution.
The Key Players and Their Positions
So, who's holding things up? The main opposition is a powerful coalition of social conservatives and religious groups who see gambling expansion as a moral negative. Their influence is significant, especially within the Republican party, and it has been the primary reason multiple bills have failed. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a key figure who presides over the Senate, has consistently thrown cold water on the idea.
On the other side of the ring, you have a growing pro-betting alliance. This group includes Texas's beloved professional sports teams, major gaming corporations, and lawmakers who see the billions in potential tax revenue being left on the table.
Despite their deep pockets and strong arguments, they simply haven't been able to whip up the supermajority votes needed to get an amendment on the ballot. For Texans wanting to bet right now, this political deadlock means continuing to use trusted offshore sites. Our guide on whether BetUS is legal and safe in Texas breaks down how these platforms work within the current gray area. Until something changes in Austin, operators like Xbet, BetUS, MyBookie, and Sportsbetting.ag will continue to fill the void.
Common Texas Sports Betting Questions
Diving into the world of Texas sports betting can feel a bit like learning a new language. You've got questions, and that's perfectly normal. We've heard just about all of them from sports fans across the Lone Star State, so we put together some straight-up answers to the most common ones.
Think of this as your quick-start guide. We'll cut through the noise and tackle everything from the legality of certain sites to what makes a bonus actually worth your time. The goal is simple: to help you bet with confidence.
Is It Legal for Me to Use a Site Like Bovada in Texas?
This is the big one, the question on everyone's mind. Here’s the deal: Texas hasn't officially rolled out its own state-regulated sports betting market. However, there are no state laws that explicitly make it a crime for you, as an individual, to place a bet with an offshore sportsbook.
This is what's often called a "legal gray area." It allows operators like Bovada, BetUS, and MyBookie, which are based and licensed outside the U.S., to accept players from Texas. Since they aren't under U.S. jurisdiction, they don't fall under state or federal gambling laws. The reality is, millions of Texans use these sites, including Xbet, Sportsbetting.ag, and BetAnything, every single day without running into any legal trouble.
The key is to stick with the names that have been around the block. Reputable, long-standing sportsbooks like Sportsbetting.ag and MyBookie have earned their stripes over many years by offering reliable service and, most importantly, secure payouts. They're a solid choice for Texas bettors.
What Is the Safest Way to Deposit and Withdraw Funds?
When it comes to your money, nothing is more important than security and speed. For anyone using offshore sportsbooks, cryptocurrencies are, hands down, the best all-around option for moving money in and out.
There are a few big reasons why crypto comes out on top:
- Serious Security: Transactions are encrypted and decentralized, giving you a powerful layer of protection.
- Lightning-Fast Payouts: Forget waiting days for a bank transfer. Crypto withdrawals often hit your wallet in just a few hours.
- Better Bonuses: Sportsbooks love crypto, and they show it by offering bigger and better bonus deals for crypto deposits.
But don't worry, it's not the only way. Pretty much every site, including Xbet, MyBookie, Bovada, BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag, and BetAnything, takes major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard for instant deposits. You'll also find options like P2P transfers at some books, giving you another reliable way to fund your account.
Can I Bet on Texas College Sports Teams?
You bet you can! In fact, this is one of the biggest advantages of using offshore sportsbooks. Many U.S. states that have legalized sports betting have put all sorts of annoying restrictions on college sports, often banning bets on local teams or events held within the state.
Offshore platforms like Bovada, MyBookie, BetUS, Sportsbetting.ag, Xbet, and BetAnything don't have those handcuffs. That means you're free to get action on all your favorite Texas college squads. Whether it's a huge Saturday showdown for the Texas Longhorns or Texas A&M Aggies, or a midweek hoops game with the Baylor Bears or Houston Cougars, you're covered. These sites offer a full buffet of betting options for college games, from point spreads and moneylines to totals and even player props.
What Makes a Welcome Bonus a Good Deal?
Don't let those huge dollar signs fool you. That massive bonus number is just the headline—the real story is always in the terms and conditions. The single most important factor is the rollover requirement. This tells you how many times you have to bet your initial deposit and bonus amount before you can actually cash out any of the winnings.
Here's a simple way to think about it: a $1,000 bonus with a 5x rollover is a much better deal than a $2,000 bonus with a 20x rollover. Why? Because a lower rollover gives you a realistic path to clearing the bonus and turning it into actual cash.
A good, fair deal will typically have a rollover somewhere in the 5x to 10x range. Always, always read the fine print before you claim an offer. Make sure it fits how you bet and gives you a legitimate shot at walking away a winner.
At USASportsbookList, our whole game is breaking down the best sports betting sites for American players. Through our in-depth reviews and expert guides, we help you find trusted platforms with top-tier odds and bonuses so you can bet with total confidence. Explore our top-rated sportsbooks today!
