Best Betting Sites in Texas – Top Online Sportsbooks for 2025
Updated: 06.10.2025
As someone who has studied the Texas betting landscape in depth, I've created this 2025 guide to help players understand their options. Since Texas has not yet legalized online sports betting, many residents turn to trusted offshore sportsbooks that accept US players. In this guide, I'll highlight safe platforms that offer competitive odds, strong promotions, and secure payment methods. My goal is to provide you with an expert, unbiased overview so that you can bet safely and confidently.
Top 5 Best Betting Sites in Texas
Looking for the best betting options in the Lone Star State? Texas sports fans have several excellent online sportsbooks to choose from in 2025. I've tested all the market leaders to give you my definitive ranking based on welcome bonuses, odds quality, mobile experience and overall performance.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Mobile App Rating | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbet | Up to $1250 first-bet bonus | 4.6/5 | Largest welcome offers |
| Ignition | Bet $5, get $200 (if win) | 4.9/5 | Competitive odds |
| BetUS | Bet $5, get $300 (if win) | 4.9/5 | Superior live betting |
| Bovada | Up to $1000 first-bet offer | 4.7/5 | User-friendly mobile experience |
| BetOnline | 50% up to $250 | 4.5/5 | Overall reliability |
Betting Bonuses & Promotions in Texas
Texas betting sites now offer exciting promotions to attract new players. The bonus landscape reveals great value beyond the basic welcome packages. Here's a breakdown of the most rewarding promotions Texas sports bettors can expect in 2025.
Welcome Bonuses for New Players
The race to attract new customers has created amazing sign-up offers. Texas sportsbooks usually provide these three bonus types:
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Deposit Match Bonuses - Sportsbooks will match your first deposit up to a certain amount after you sign up. Ignition offers a 20% deposit match up to ,000.
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Bet and get bonuses - Small investments can lead to substantial returns. BetUS gives new users 0 in bonus bets on a winning bet. Ignition rewards 0 in bonus bets when your first bet wins.
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First Bet Offers - These kick in when your first bet loses. Bovada will return up to ,500 in bonus bets on a losing first bet. Xbet gives up to $1,250 back as a bet credit.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus Type | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | First Bet Offer | Up to $1,500 |
| BetUS | Bet and Get | $300 (if first $5 bet wins) |
| Ignition | Bet and Get | $200 (if first $5 bet wins) |
| Xbet | First Bet Offer | Up to $1,250 |
| Bet365 | Choice of Offers | $200 or up to $1,000 |
Free Bets & Risk-Free Offers
Successful free bets pay winnings minus the stake. Texas sportsbooks' second-chance bets work like insurance policies for your wagers.
These offers come with specific terms:
- Minimum odds requirements apply (e.g., -150 or greater)
- Time limits range from 7-30 days
- Win limits usually fall between -0
Odds Boosts & Enhanced Lines
Major bookmakers now offer regular odds boosts. These promotions lower the juice imposed by the book, sometimes eliminating it altogether. This creates rare opportunities for positive expected value.
Ignition offers 5-10 daily odds boosts from 10% to 40%. Xbet leads the industry with 35-50 daily odds boosts. Big events like the Super Bowl or World Series bring the best odds.
Profit Boosts give you more flexibility than standard odds boosts. Your potential winnings increase by a percentage, usually 20-30% for selected markets.
Loyalty Rewards & Ongoing Promos
Wagering automatically earns you rewards through loyalty programs. Your wagering status points help you climb the VIP ranks with better perks.
BetRivers' iRush Rewards program has 11 levels with unique benefits at each level. Level 7 members get access to a VIP calendar filled with premium promotions.
Bovada's and Xbet's online loyalty programs are linked to their retail properties. Online points can be redeemed for hotel stays, priority check-ins and cruise packages.
Other ongoing promotions include:
- Reload bonuses for existing customers
- cashback rebates (typically 2% on losses)
- seasonal and event-based promotions;
Note that bonus funds require playthrough before withdrawal. Smart use of these promotions can boost your Texas betting experience.
How to Choose the Best Betting Site in Texas
The best sports betting platform in Texas depends on several key factors. You shouldn't just go with the first site you see. A step-by-step approach will help you find a platform that fits your betting style and priorities.
Odds Quality & Market Coverage
Quality odds are the lifeblood of any good betting site. Better odds can make a big difference in your long-term profits, especially if you bet frequently. Small differences in odds may not seem like much at first, but they add up over time.
What to look for:
- Reduced juice lines (ideally -108 or better instead of standard -110)
- Early access to betting lines before adjustments
- Market coverage beyond major leagues;
BetOnline gives you early access to moneyline wagers before other books. Heritage Sports offers reduced juice lines at -108.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Banking options make or break your betting experience. Texas betting sites now support multiple payment methods to accommodate different priorities.
| Payment Method | Typical Processing Time | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies | Under 4 hours | No fees, fastest option |
| Credit/Debit Cards | 1-3 days | Some banks may decline |
| E-wallets (PayPal) | 1-3 days | High acceptance rate |
| ACH/E-checks | 2-3 days | Available to more people |
VIP Preferred processes deposits and withdrawals faster without extra fees.
Mobile & In-Play Betting Features
Mobile speed is vital, especially when odds change during live betting. The best Texas betting apps give you:
- Quick odds updates during live events
- Simple interfaces without distractions
- Tailored displays based on your betting style
- Advanced features like "Edit my bet" options
These apps also come with fingerprint or facial recognition login to get you started faster.
Customer Support & Trustworthiness
Good customer service is a must when your money's involved. Look for sites that have:
- Multiple ways to reach them (live chat, email, phone)
- Quick responses (under 10 minutes for live chat)
- Detailed security measures
- Clear withdrawal policies with no hidden fees
Take the time to review the site's complaint history and how they handle disputes. The most trustworthy sites form mutually beneficial alliances with reputable gaming companies and follow strict security standards.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Texas
Texas lives and breathes sports, which makes betting a big part of the state's culture. Local bettors show clear preferences when it comes to both professional and college sports.
Major Leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
The NFL rules Texas betting, with the Dallas Cowboys leading the pack as the state's favorite team to bet on. Known as 'America's Team', the Cowboys draw massive betting figures thanks to their die-hard fans. The Houston Texans also draw big money, especially since they have made the playoffs 14 times in 24 seasons.
Texas basketball betting thrives with three NBA teams calling the state home. The Mavericks draw a lot of action with stars like Kyrie Irving on the court. The San Antonio Spurs have cemented their legacy with five championship rings. The Rockets always attract total bets as their games tend to be high-scoring affairs.
Baseball betting focuses on two winning teams. The Houston Astros won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, and The Texas Rangers finally won their first championship in 2023. Most MLB bets in these markets are on run lines and player props.
The Dallas Stars may seem out of place in sunny Texas, but they have built a strong fan base since moving from Minnesota in 1993. Their most popular bet remains the puck line at ±1.5 goals.
College Sports Betting
International Events & Soccer
Soccer betting continues to grow as Texas rivals California with three MLS teams. FC Dallas leads the way, while Austin FC and Houston Dynamo have their own audiences. PrizePicks and other daily fantasy platforms give Texas soccer fans a legal way to bet.
Local Sports Preferences & Trends
| League | Most Bet Texas Team | Popular Bet Types |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | Dallas Cowboys | Moneylines, spreads, player props |
| NBA | Dallas Mavericks | Totals, live betting |
| MLB | Houston Astros | Run lines, player props |
| NCAA | Texas Longhorns | Game lines, futures |
Daily fantasy sports and prediction apps peaked during the football season. Kalshi saw 1 million in trades just four days into the NFL season. NCAA rules still prohibit athletes, coaches and staff from betting on any NCAA championship sport.
Responsible Betting in Texas
Betting on your favorite Texas teams brings excitement, but smart habits will ensure a fun, problem-free experience. Texas faces significant challenges - nearly half a million residents struggle with problem gambling.
Texas Helplines & Player Support
Several dedicated helplines provide immediate assistance in major Texas cities:
| City | Gamblers Anonymous Hotline |
|---|---|
| Austin | (512) 860-2958 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth | (817) 371-0624 |
| Houston | (855) 442-7105 |
| San Antonio | (210) 705-4429 |
The National problem gambling Helpline runs round the clock at 1-800-522-4700 with call, text, and chat options.
Deposit Limits & Self-Exclusion Tools
Note that most sportsbooks provide tools to help you set boundaries:
- Deposit limits cap the maximum amount you can deposit within specific timeframes
- Self-exclusion programs let you voluntarily ban yourself from betting activities
- Time-out periods give you cooling-off breaks from 24 hours to 3 months
Tips for Betting Responsibly
Smart practices to protect yourself with Texas sportsbooks:
- Only bet money you can lose
- Treat gambling as entertainment instead of income
- Step away regularly during betting sessions
- Never chase losses or borrow money to gamble
- Create and follow time and money limits
- Stay away from betting when emotional or intoxicated
Where to Get Help if Needed
Support resources are ready if gambling becomes a concern:
- Gam-Anon (718-352-1671) helps family and friends affected by problem gambling
- GamTalk runs a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum
- Birches Health provides specialized addiction treatment with insurance coverage at (833) 483-3838
- University of Texas Counseling Center offers free counseling at (512) 471-3515
About 6% of Americans face gambling challenges. Reaching out for help shows strength and wisdom.
Our verdict
The best betting site for you depends on what matters most. These key factors will help you decide:
| If You Value | Best Option | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Xbet | Up to $1250 first-bet protection |
| Competitive Odds | Ignition | Consistently offers better pricing |
| Live Betting | BetUS | Fastest updates during games |
| Mobile Experience | Bovada | Superior app with "Edit my bet" feature |
| Overall Reliability | BetOnline | Well-rounded platform with 24/7 support |
The Texas betting scene just keeps getting better with improved bonuses, mobile features and more betting markets. NFL and NBA games draw the most bets, and college sports are also a big draw. Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns bets top the list on every platform.
Texas sports betting has something for everyone - casual fans and serious bettors alike. This guide will help you choose a platform that fits the way you like to bet. Good luck with your bets!
