Texas has very strict laws pertaining to casinos that operate in the state. You will be able to find legally operating locations, but the selections are quite limited compared to other states. Texas casinos are only allowed to operate on a boat that sails into international waters or if the venue is located on an Indian reservation.
With just three retail locations and a single casino boat, residents will not have easy access to Texas casino venues.
Texas Online Casino Rules
Online casinos are not legal in the state of Texas. At this time, residents can only legally engage in online betting on skill games. Online betting on casino games is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor, with the only exception being any activity that takes place in a private location.
Class C misdemeanors can be punishable by a fine of up to $500 and can be applied to any person that engages in unlicensed offshore wagering. The state also considers the promotion of gambling to be a Class A misdemeanor, which can be punishable by a fine of as much as $4,000.
These current laws restrict any online Texas casino from operating in the state. However, residents will be able to visit offshore sites that are licensed and regulated. Players must be of the legal gambling age to place a wager.
Should Texas legalize online casinos in the future, they will have to be licensed in the state and would accept residents that are 21 years or older. All players will have to make use of geolocation software to ensure they are physically located within the borders of Texas to engage in real money play.
Retail Casinos in Texas
With more than 30 million residents, one would expect the state to be home to many retail Texas casinos. However, this is not the case. In fact, there are just three locations that are legally operating within the state. These include:
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, 794 Lucky Eagle Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
- Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S Old Pueblo Rd, El Paso, TX 79907
- Naskila Gaming, 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351
At any of these Texas casinos, residents of the legal gambling age can visit and play their favorite games. These venues offer complete gaming floors that contain thousands of slots, great table and card games, video poker machines, and even poker rooms. Some also offer bingo games and lottery.
These Texas casinos provide a safe way to enjoy hours of gambling entertainment and while you will find your favorite games being offered, you will not find any retail sportsbooks at these locations. The state of Texas still has not legalized sports betting, so these locations are strictly casino venues.
In addition to these casinos, residents can also gamble on the Jacks or Better Casino boat that is based in Galveston. This sails into the Gulf of Mexico and offers blackjack, craps, slots, video poker, a sportsbook, and more. You will only have to be 18 to engage in gambling when on the casino boat.
