Casinos in Texas – Gambling in the Lone Star State

The Lone Star state is known for many things, including the birthplace of Texas Hold’em. However, it also has stringent gambling laws, with minimal exceptions for social gambling and some forms of sports betting. Our casinos in Texas blog will detail all the available legal gaming options, so read on to learn about the best and safest ways to gamble in Texas.

Texas Gambling Laws – Legal Gambling in the State

Despite its deep history with gambling, Texas banned all forms of it in the early 20th c., and the Texas gambling laws have remained strict ever since. Gambling is covered by the Texas Penal Code PEN 47.01 and the Texas Revised Civil Statuses CIV STAT 179e et. seq.

It is essentially a total ban on all forms of gambling, with a few exceptions that we will cover later. That means you won’t find any land-based Texas casinos outside tribal reserves, and online gambling is completely prohibited. However, you are allowed to gamble on private property if you bet on equal terms, and the only profit is personal winnings.

“Bet” means an agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance. – Penal Code Pen 47.01

However, the current situation is somewhat more complex. There have been attempts to legalize sports betting, but as they were filed too late, the process is suspended until 2023. Even tribal casinos are not safe, as two of the tribal operators have been fighting to remain open.

The 1987 Tribes of Texas Restoration Act restored the federal trust status of the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribes. However, it had a provision that these two tribes could not conduct gambling activities that the state government did not approve of. The state argued that electronic bingo violated that provision.

The tribes have fought in court for years. In 2022 they received a Supreme Court decision stating that Texas does not prohibit electronic bingo, so the tribes have full autonomy in regulating it. As such, they can operate electronic bingo casinos. As a new bill H.R. 2008, is discussed in Congress, which will allow the tribes to run any games regardless of Texas law, the future seems somewhat hopeful.

The Best Casinos in Texas – Legal Land-Based Operators

These laws may make some wonder if there are any casinos in Texas. Although the situation may be messy, there are still ways to enjoy gambling in the Lone Star state. We have carefully examined and picked the best casinos in Texas, ensuring you can have a fun and legal experience. Rest assured, all the operators in this blog, particularly the Indian casinos in Texas, are approved by the government and won’t scam you:

Kickapoo Lucky Eagle – The Best Texas Casino

Owned by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe, this 80.000 sq/ft. casino provides the best experience among the casinos in Texas. It rivals some of the best US casino resorts as it is open 24/7 and offers an abundance of excellent games, along with a hotel and great restaurants. The casino is located in Eagle Pass, a 2-hour drive from San Antonio.

The selection of games includes 3,300 slots, such as Fort Knox, Wheel of Fortune, Money Bags, and more. Poker fans can enjoy a great poker room with daily games and regular Texas Hold’em tournaments. Finally, you can participate in bingo games from Wednesday to Sunday, including mini-games an hour before the sessions and pull tabs. Bet limits range from $0.01 to $25.00.

Visitors can also find excellent promotions, such as the Players Club loyalty program, which provides benefits, including discounts on hotel rooms, tournament invitations, and more. There are also regular promotions, such as restaurant discounts, giveaways, and random prizes. As for accommodation, you can book a room at the luxurious hotel or stay at the RV Park Campgrounds.

Aside from the casino, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle offers various amenities. You can dine at restaurants such as IHOP, Azul, or Eagle Eats and visit bars with live music events like Que Pasa Bar. The casino operates under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and is regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission as a Class II operator. It is undoubtedly one of the best casinos in Texas.

Naskila Gaming – A Hard-Fought Casino

Naskila Gaming is one of the Texas casinos fighting to remain open as it falls under the Tribes of Texas Restoration Act. It has managed to stay open and will hopefully be able to operate as a full casino, thanks to a new bill. Despite the strict regulations, you can be certain that the answer to “are there any casinos in Texas” is yes.

Unlike other Native American casinos, players can only find a selection of 800 electronic bingo games. Despite this, you can have hours of fun with the spectacular selection of titles, including Double Wolf, Jade Wins, and Nugget Fever. The casino is open 24/7 and is located 17 minutes away from Livingston.

Players can use various promotions, such as the Players’ Club loyalty program. As you play, you level up and earn benefits such as access to VIP events, food and gift shop discounts, and more. You can also participate in regular promotions, such as giveaways or freeplay bonuses.

Those looking for a break from the exciting games can relax at the Timbers Grille restaurant or Café Itto Si. You can enjoy plenty of tasty dishes from the diverse menu and use various promotions. Note that, unlike the casino, there are set working hours, so check carefully before going.

Carnival Cruise – An Excellent Casino Cruise

If you don’t mind going on a long trip, there is another way to experience casino gaming in Texas with the Carnival Cruise Line. Unlike riverboat casinos, casino cruises set off on trips and are not permanently docked. Due to maritime law, cruise ships have their own rules and regulations, usually following the laws of their origin country.

However, if the ship is sailing in US waters, it is subject to US federal laws. That means the casino is closed when you’re docked or close to the shore but will open when you’re at sea. Rest assured, the games are safe and regulated by the world’s largest cruise industry trade association CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

The cruise ships feature numerous excellent slots and plenty of table games, such as poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, and more. Whether you’re a low roller or a high roller, this casino offers the best variety among the various gambling casinos in Texas. You can even find some great bingo games.

Players can also use the Carnival Players Club loyalty program. This program includes special discounts, event invitations, or free drinks at the casino. The Players Club is included in your trip package. Those curious if there are any casinos in Texas with loyalty programs will be interested in this casino cruise.

Aside from the casino, the ships include other amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment facilities for adults and kids, a bar right next to the casino, and even live music events. Since 1989, when a state law that prohibited casino cruises from docking in Texas was repealed, they have become a popular attraction in Texas. Carnival Cruise offers the best experience among gambling casinos in Texas.

Other Gambling Opportunities in Texas

Despite its strict laws, gambling has been a major part of Texas’ history, most prominently when it was still part of Mexico. During the 20th century, many operators from Texas would move to Nevada and helped with developing the Las Vegas Strip. After some time, the Texas government would ease up on regulations and allow for other gambling opportunities, such as the national lottery.

These days, as laws have somewhat relaxed, there are many ways to enjoy legal gambling in the state without going to casinos in Texas. We will cover some of the most popular ones in the paragraphs below. You can find information on the various horse racing tracks in Texas and the bingo and raffle laws.

Texas Lottery – An Excellent Variety

On the 5th of November 1991, an amendment to the Texas constitution legalizing lottery in Texas was approved. The Texas Lottery Commission was created to regulate it and is also responsible for charity bingo games. One of the first games, Lone Star Millions scratch cards, made world-record first-day sales of 23.2 million tickets.

The Texas Lottery features a varied selection of games, with players having the ability to choose between cash value options and annual payment for some games. You can participate in international games, such as Powerball and Mega Millions, or weekly and daily local games, such as Fireball and Pick 3.

One popular format is All or Nothing, where players choose 12 out of 24 numbers and either match all or none to win the top prize. The first ball determines which way is applicable for the current draw, and draws happen four times a day. This format would become so popular that it is also used in other states.

Overall, the Texas Lottery is a legal and fun way to gamble in Texas. Note that you must be 18+ to participate in the lottery, and some games only pay out in lump sums. 25% of the revenue is paid to the Foundation School Fund to support public education.

Bingo and Raffles – Gambling for Charity

If you wish to play bingo outside of Texas casinos, you must rely on charity bingo. Bingo is allowed in most counties, with the Texas Lottery Commission regulating bingo games. Non-profit and similar organizations are allowed to host bingo games three times a week with a maximum prize value of $750.

Aside from bingo, they are also allowed to sell pull-tabs called instant bingo. Players can also enjoy electronic bingo games, which allow for various excellent experiences. It may be for charity, but the excitement is the same as with actual bingo; some bingo halls even have restaurants.

Qualified organizations are also allowed to hold raffles twice a year, provided the prizes do not exceed $50.000 or $250.000 if the reward is a house. If the organization is qualified, it does not need a permit to host raffles, but it cannot host poker or casino nights, and cash prizes are forbidden.

Unlike the gambling laws in Minnesota, charity raffles in Texas were initially forbidden. It took until the 1989 constitutional amendment for the state to allow raffles and legislation for it first appeared in 1990. As such, it is important to be fully familiar with the laws before gambling in Texas.

Parimutuel Wagering – Horse Racing in Texas

Parimutuel betting has had a turbulent history, similar to the Indian casinos in Texas. It was legal in 1933 to raise money during the Great Depression but was again made illegal in 1937. Since the 1960s, many attempts have been made to legalize parimutuel betting, but none succeeded until 1987 when voters approved its legalization.

That led to the creation of the Texas Racing Commission, which governs horse racing tracks and enforces the Texas Racing Act. Horse racing tracks are divided into four classes, with Class 1 allowing for an unlimited number of racing days while Class 3 is reserved for non-profit fairs. Since 1991, simulcast racing is also available alongside live races.

Three major tracks are currently operating in the state, with Sam Houston Race Park being the first to open in 1994 and seats 20,000 people. All tracks feature Thoroughbred and Quarter horse races (short distance races), simulcast events, and plenty of other fun live events, such as concerts.

There are also restaurants, so players can enjoy a fun experience, similar to watching the best horse racing movies. Whether you’re interested in local races or events across the US, this is certainly one of the best legal gambling options in Texas.

Local Casinos in Texas Conclusion

Overall, despite being the home state of Amarillo Slim and the guy who invented poker, Texas has some very strict gambling laws. Even some legal establishments must deal with heavy restrictions or risk shutting down. That is why it is important to be entirely familiar with the Lone Star state gambling laws before jumping in.

However, there is some hope, as evidenced by the bills for sports betting and casinos operated by the Texas tribes. We hope there will be more ways to gamble legally in the future, but for now, you can enjoy the best gambling casinos in Texas and the other legal forms of gambling. If you wish to learn more about casinos in other states, you can check out our article about the best casinos in Florida.

Texas Casinos FAQ

Before ending our blog on the local casinos in Texas, we will answer all your pressing questions. We will clear any doubts regarding legal gambling in Texas so that you can play without any issues. That includes providing details on the best casinos in Texas and other forms of gambling.

Similar Articles