Austin.com All You Need to Know About Online Casino Gambling in Texas
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While Texas staunchly prohibits gambling in land-based casinos, online casinos remain something of a gray area. With the Lone Star State not currently willing to regulate land-based casinos, it looks pretty unlikely that legislation will be passed this year or next regarding online casinos. However, looking a little further ahead, there could be some important changes on the horizon.
What About the Tribal Casinos in Texas?
As an undefined gray area, those living in Texas who choose to gamble in offshore online casinos are unlikely to face prosecution. Setting one up yourself from inside the state, however, is a different story and would trigger legal action.
There is an exception, however. Two tribes in Texas run land-based gambling venues, which is possible due to the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Due to the state’s prohibitive laws, these casinos get around the restrictions by only offering video poker machines, private poker rooms, and bingo-like slots. No other casino games are provided. Players must be aged twenty-one and over to enter these establishments.
Are Online Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Texas?
Online gambling is permitted in the state in the form of the Texas Lottery, social casinos, and sweepstakes casinos. So while you won’t find a traditional Texas online casino in the state, sweepstakes casinos are a popular option that typically offers all the thrill of gambling without any of the risk. Virtual currency is used to play, which can be enjoyed simply for fun or for prizes. These prices may include gift cards, merchandise, or even cash.
International Online Casinos
Many Texans who’d like the opportunity to try their luck in a casino opt for international online casinos, where there is a vast array of games to be found and potentially large amounts of cash to be won. These virtual venues tend to recreate an authentic land-based casino feel and often offer welcome bonuses and other promotions to those signing up.
Getting started is quick and easy – once an online casino has been decided upon, players will need to set up an account and provide a form of identification for verification. There are usually multiple ways to deposit and withdraw funds, such as via bank transfer, payment card, or PayPal.
It is vital, however, to ensure that the online casino to be used is legitimate and trustworthy; check that it’s fully licensed and regulated by a stringent overseeing body, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.
Looking Ahead
While gambling may be prohibited in Texas right now, this could be set to change in the future. Earlier this year, state lawmakers did make some moves in the direction of state-regulated sports betting – while these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, the legislation is due to be discussed again in 2025. There are hopes that, at this point, Texan laws on gambling will be sufficiently relaxed, meaning that land-based and online casinos could be once more on the cards.
