Poker wouldn’t be poker without Texas. After all, without Texas, we’d all just be playing plain old hold’em. Likewise, without Texas, we wouldn’t have some of the game’s most enduring legends, such as Doyle Brunson, Amarillo Slim, and WSOP founder Benny Binion.
Currently, lawmakers in Texas have not established regulations for online poker. As a result, Texas online poker enthusiasts looking for real money games must turn to offshore online cardrooms. Their other options include playing at local land-based poker clubs, which may or may not be considered legal by officials, or traveling to nearby casinos.
Online Poker in Texas
Many Texas online poker players are uncertain about the legality of their gaming activities. To address their concerns, we have provided comprehensive answers below. We start with an overview of Texas' gambling laws and then delve into the options available for Texans interested in real money poker. Read our guide on online poker in Texas for all the essential information you need about card gaming in the state.
Top Real Money Online Poker Sites in Texas
Looking to play online poker for real money in Texas? While the state hasn’t regulated online games, several trusted offshore platforms welcome players from the Lone Star State:
Ignition stands out for offering the biggest poker bonus available to Texas players, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to stretch their bankroll. Alongside generous welcome perks, the site delivers fast-paced low-to-mid-stakes action, anonymous tables, and crypto-friendly banking. With quick cashouts and a smooth mobile experience, it’s built for Texans who want flexibility and rewards.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best Site for Casual Texas Players
Bovada is perfect for recreational Texas players seeking a relaxed poker experience. The anonymous seating system levels the playing field, reducing competitive pressure and allowing fair play for all skill levels. With steady low- to mid-stakes traffic, players can enjoy cash games ranging from $0.02/$0.05 to $10/$20, and limit games up to $30/$60. The platform offers a variety of formats, including Zone Poker for fast-paced action and a wide range of tournaments with over $2M guaranteed weekly. The user-friendly interface and reliable payouts make it a comfortable choice for hobbyists.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Site for Crypto Players in Texas
Texans who prefer using crypto will find BetOnline exceptionally smooth. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major coins are accepted for deposits and fast withdrawals. The crypto-friendly setup pairs well with the platform’s generous reload bonuses and solid selection of sit & gos, MTTs, and cash tables. While the interface is a bit old-school, it delivers where it counts. Fast transactions, steady traffic, and a straightforward poker experience simplify digital banking.
Massive daily & weekly tournament schedule with high guarantees
Daily freerolls & leaderboards for casual players
Fast Bitcoin withdrawals (1-8 hours)
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1-24 hours
Best for Tournament Volume in Texas
With a packed MTT calendar that runs around the clock, ACR gives tournament enthusiasts in Texas more variety than just about any US-facing site. The platform regularly hosts Venom events with multi-million-dollar guarantees, alongside dozens of daily options spanning all stakes. Add features like staking, Blitz Poker, and deep customization tools, and it’s easy to find your groove. ACR offers unmatched tourney action for volume grinders or anyone chasing big prize pools, unlike Everygame Poker, which caters to casual players with smaller fields and prize pools.
If you’re after low-stakes games, steady freerolls, and relaxed tables, Everygame is a great fit. The Horizon Network’s smaller traffic pool means less pressure and more forgiving tables, which is great for those easing into online poker or playing to unwind. The site’s 200% welcome bonus up to $1,000 is generous, and the interface keeps things simple without sacrificing functionality. It’s a great environment for casual play across Texas, offering entertainment without requiring high volume or aggressive strategy.
Online Poker in Texas Legal Updates – Laws, Legislation & House Bills
For years, poker players have fought for legalized poker in Texas online poker rooms or brick-and-mortar establishments. In 2012-2013, Senator Rodney Ellis introduced casino bills that included the legalization of poker, but Ellis received no support from his fellow lawmakers.
Since then, Texan entrepreneurs have taken the initiative. Private poker clubs have popped up around Texas, primarily in large cities like Houston and Dallas. Players don’t pay a rake or tournament fees. Instead, they pay a membership or entrance fee like a country club. The clubs make money from membership fees, seat rental fees, and food and beverage sales.
Poker clubs operate in a grey area. Local law enforcement shut down some poker clubs, but some in other towns remain open and assert their rights legally. However, a court ruling might decide the law, as the legislature won’t legalize Texas poker anytime soon.
In 2023, Attorney General Ken Paxton declined to issue a legal opinion on the legality of these private poker clubs, saying it was a matter for the courts to decide.
With no licensed operators in Texas, many players continue turning to reputable offshore poker sites for real-money play.
Texas Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
PEN.10.47; CIV.6
Definition of Gambling
A person commits an offense if he makes a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest; makes a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.
Definition of Gambling Device
Any electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical contrivance that for a consideration affords the player an opportunity to obtain anything of value, the award of which is determined solely or partially by chance, even though accompanied by some skill, whether or not the prize is automatically paid by the contrivance. The term includes, but is not limited to, gambling device versions of bingo, keno, blackjack, lottery, roulette, video poker, or similar electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical games, or facsimiles thereof.
Online Poker/Gambling
There have been no proposals in the state legislature that would legalize online poker or internet gaming of any kind.
Live Poker
The live poker offered at cardrooms in major cities in Texas advertise as membership club. No rake is taken from the poker games, though there are fees to enter or belong to the clubs. So far, there have been no court decisions that have closed these poker rooms.
Casinos
Recent efforts by lobbying firms for companies like Las Vegas Sands have been pushing for legal casinos in a few areas of Texas, but the legislature has yet to take up a serious proposal with any chance of passage.
Sports Betting
There have been efforts in the past several years to legalize sports betting in Texas, but details have complicated proposals and brought down efforts. Many lawmakers vow to continue introducing bills.
DFS
A proposal to legalize daily fantasy sports was proposed in 2017, but died in committee.
Other Forms of Gambling
Horse and greyhound racing, on-track pari-mutuel betting, lottery, social gambling, bingo and charitable gambling, contests of skill.
The most recent news out of Texas is that Attorney General Ken Paxton will not be issuing any decision regarding the live poker rooms. State Representative Geanie Morrison formally asked Paxton if poker rooms that charge membership fees but don’t charge rake are permitted under the current law. Paxton officially refused to answer. His office spokesperson stated that the courts are handling the legal matter, expecting resolution.
Texas Poker Clubs – A Legal Gray Area
Poker clubs around Texas continued to operate as usual until May 1, 2019.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Houston Police Department coordinated to raid Houston’s two largest poker clubs on May 1. Nine owners and managers from the Post Oak Poker Club and Prime Social Poker Club were arrested and charged with money laundering to engage in organized crime. In addition, the two clubs’ bank accounts were frozen, and all funds were seized. District Attorney Kim Ogg said, “Poker rooms are illegal in the state of Texas.”
Interestingly, all charges were dropped in July, and all the money was returned. The DA’s office commented that the dismissal of the charges was the result of “multiple potential conflicts of interest” within her office. It seems that a contract employee of her office also worked for a law firm that tried to extort money from the two poker clubs while investigating them. Said law firm – Jones Walker – then became the target of a lawsuit by Prime Social in early September.
How to Play Online Poker in Texas
Texas does not license or regulate any online poker sites. That means there are no state-approved platforms for real-money poker.
However, Texans can still play online poker legally by using offshore poker sites—international platforms that accept U.S. players, including those from Texas. These sites operate outside of Texas jurisdiction and are widely used by players across the state.
While the state laws prohibit operating an online poker site, playing on one is not illegal. There are no laws that prevent individuals in Texas from joining or playing on offshore poker sites.
For a full breakdown of the safest, most trusted sites that welcome Texas players, check out our real money poker sites guide.
Is Online Poker Legal in Texas?
As a rule of thumb, a poker site that accepts American players will also accept poker players from Texas. Therefore, it’s NOT illegal to play online poker in Texas. In fact, unlike Washington, Texas poker players can legally play on offshore poker sites. Read our Bovada poker review to see how you can start playing at this fantastic poker room. The only illegal activity is owning or operating a poker room.
The rooms listed are Texas-friendly but not the only options for Texans to play real-money poker games. Read through our list of online poker — Texas exists in a gray area, but Texans can play at most US-friendly sites.
What Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Texas?
Poker players are naturally curious about whether or not playing poker for real money online is legal under Texas law. Offering legal advice is not a function of this website (nor anyone beyond legal professionals), but we can help you sort through the fundamentals of poker laws in Texas.
What counts as gambling in Texas?
The definition of “bet” (Section 47.01(1)) is short and sweet – it’s when you enter into an understanding “to win or lose something of value” in an activity that involves chance. Specifically, the winning or losing must occur “solely or partially by chance.” The definition includes the phrase “partially by chance,” so a bet is anything with any element of chance —the definition of “gambling device” (Section 47.01(4) clarifies the law further.
Making illegal bets is a misdemeanor in Texas (Section 47.02). Those who break the law could face a half-dozen separate charges. Gambling promotion (Section 47.03) is a misdemeanor and covers operating, promoting, processing bets, and selling lottery chances. Possession of Gambling Device, Equipment, or Paraphernalia (Section 47.06) is also a misdemeanor.
Will Texas Regulate Online Poker?
It’s unlikely Texas will regulate online poker. Texas proponents of land-based casino gambling faced a long fight in the past. Texas online poker is even further away from approval.
Sweepstakes Poker as an Alternative
Real money online poker is not legal in Texas, but Texans have an alternative option to satisfy their poker itch. Sweepstakes poker is legal in Texas and allows players to win cash prizes without being classified as real money poker.
One of the best examples of a sweepstakes online poker site is Global Poker. On this site, players can buy a virtual currency called Gold Coins, which they can then use to play poker. When you buy these Gold Coins, you’re given an additional currency called Sweeps Coins. The difference lies in Sweeps Coins being exchangeable for gift cards and cash prizes.
The two ecosystems are separate from one another, which means you can use both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to play poker. You can choose from a range of different game options, such as tournaments, “cash” games, sit & gos, and many more. However, if you want to be able to cash out your winnings at the end of the night, you need to play with your Sweeps Coins.
Texas Gambling Facts-Online Poker & More
Texas regulates lottery betting and pari-mutuel bets on racing and charitable gambling (raffles and games of bingo).
Tribal gambling is complicated. Naskila Gaming at Livingston, owned by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino at Eagle Pass, and Speaking Rock Entertainment by the Tigua Tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo each operate casino gaming. All three tribes are embroiled in multi-year legal battles with the state of Texas.
If the house makes no profit, purely social gambling in a private place or regulated gambling activity is legal.
Famous Poker Players from Texas
Texas is known as the birthplace of poker, so it’s to be expected that they’ve birthed a long list of great poker names. The most notable name to come out of Texas is Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, the godfather of Texas Hold'em poker. He helped turn poker into what it is today with his revolutionary book Super System. He retired in 2018 but still played the odd game up until he passed on May 14th, 2023. Doyle has lifetime tournament earnings of over $6.1 million, making him the sixth most-winning Texan in tournaments, and we’re sure there are plenty more millions won in live cash games.
As well as being the hometown of veritable legends of the game, Texas has also produced some of the biggest stars of the internet generation. Notable PLO wizard Ben Tollerene hails from the state of Texas, and he is known for his legendary online cash game skills. He’s also been crushing the tournament scene with over $11 million in winnings, making him the most-winning Texan on Hendon Mob’s database. WSOP Main Event final tablist David Benefield is also from Texas and is still a formidable opponent across the felt.
While many great names have come from the state of Texas, many more have chosen Texas as their new home. Both old-school and new-school players alike have made the move to the jumbo state and now call Texas home. Sam Farha, one of the early legends of the game, put down roots in Texas when he came to America and has gone on to have tremendous success in poker, winning 3 WSOP bracelets and finishing 2nd in the 2003 WSOP Main Event. Online heads-up crusher Doug Polk has also made the move to Texas and has even opened up a car room with fellow professionals Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme.
As of 2025, these are the top 10 players by tournament winnings who now play from the state of Texas, according to the Hendon Mob database.
Benjamin Tollerene $29,517,479
Thomas John Cloutier $10,563,319
Doug Polk $10,533,951
David Williams $9,498,461
Keith Tilston $7,049,533
Doyle Brunson $6,176,736
William Perkins $5,449,472
Ray Qartomy $5,377,546
Michael Dyer $4,903,887
David Benefield $4,624,376
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Texas
If you’re struggling with gambling, or know someone who is, help is available 24/7. Texans have access to free and confidential support services designed to assist with gambling-related issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:
Texas Tribune: Gaming/Gambling. Dedicated section from the Texas Tribune covering all in-state gaming and gambling issues. Includes news and interviews with major industry players.
Senator Rodney Ellis . Internet home of Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston), the driving force behind a proposal that would allow voters to decide whether or not to bring casinos to Texas.
Texas Lottery . Official website for the state lottery of Texas contains winning numbers along with a wealth of historical and statistical data about the lottery.
Playing Online Poker from Texas
While online poker isn’t regulated in Texas, residents can legally access real money games through reputable offshore poker sites. Platforms like Ignition, Bovada, BetOnline, ACR, and Everygame offer flexible deposits, fast payouts, and tournament variety. Texas law restricts operating a poker site, but not playing on one. Until state legislation evolves, offshore poker rooms remain the safest and most popular option for Lone Star State players.
Ready to play? Scroll back up to compare our top-rated online poker sites for Texas players and find the one that fits your style, budget, and goals.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Texas Online Poker
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