Best Texas Betting Apps

Top TX Sports Betting Apps & Daily Fantasy Sites

Is Sports Betting Legal In Texas?

Texas, the Lone Star State, has been largely anti-gambling over the last several decades. Popular sports betting app platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel are not yet legal to operate inside the state, yet there are many popular alternatives that offer a similar wagering experience. This guide will highlight some of the best Texas sports betting options, explaining what makes them stand out in 2023.

Some progress to allow sports betting in Texas is being made. A growing number of professional athletes and several prominent politicians now support legalization. One sports betting bill called HB 1942 is also beginning to make progress in the legislature. Of course, any sports betting bill needs to be approved in both the House and Senate before it can gain final approval.

The apps featured in this guide are legal in Texas and continue to grow more popular each year. Each one is unique and provides a fun and legal sports betting-like experience. Check out this Texas sports betting app guide today to see why so many sports fans in Texas are signing up.

What Texas Sports Betting Apps Are Legal?

App NameTypeProp Betting/Pick'em Games?
Fliff Sweepstakes GamingYes
Underdog Fantasy Daily Fantasy SportsYes
Boom Fantasy Daily Fantasy SportsYes
ThriveFantasy Daily Fantasy SportsYes
PrizePicks Daily Fantasy SportsYes
ParlayPlay Daily Fantasy SportsYes
OwnersBox Daily Fantasy SportsYes
Jock MKT Daily Fantasy SportsYes

Texas is known for having some extremely passionate sports fans. There are a large number of professional teams across multiple sports based in the state including the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, lawmakers here have chosen to push against the outright legalization of traditional sports betting since the removal of PASPA in 2018.

A number of very popular apps are, however, available in Texas that offer a similar experience to traditional online sportsbooks. Some of the most popular of those apps can be found here.

It remains unclear when lawmakers in Texas will agree to formally allow legal sports betting. In the meantime, the apps above serve as the best substitute. Most of these platforms are available as Android betting apps as well as Apple iOS online sports betting apps.

Learn a little more about what each of these apps offers to their members here.

Best Sports Betting Apps In Texas

The Texas legislative session will run until May 29th of 2023. Many feel it is unlikely for a sports gambling bill to gain statewide approval in that time. For now, sports fans in the state can have a betting-like experience using the apps featured here.

Fliff

Those looking for a traditional Texas sports betting experience without having to risk any real funds will love what Fliff has to offer. This app acts as a “social sportsbook,” allowing members to bet on a huge variety of sports with friends. It’s a type of social media app and online sportsbook rolled into one.

Much like a social media platform, Fliff gives its members the ability to follow and challenge their friends. There are also leaderboards featured in the app, showcasing which of your friends and followers have been performing the best.

As of 2023, Fliff offers the closest alternative to online sports betting in Texas. The app features standard betting odds, similar to or even better than the odds featured at Las Vegas sportsbooks. A variety of wagering options are available here including moneyline, totals, point spread, and props.

Perhaps the most unique feature of Fliff is its ability to hold sweepstakes. As these act as a contract between the sweepstakes sponsor and participants, they are legal in Texas. In order to take part in these sweepstakes, players need to purchase “Fliff Cash,” which can later be redeemed for various prizes.

Members here cannot earn any real money from their bets. This is a free-to-play platform, meant to mimic a sportsbook in a social setting. Its fantastic design, unique social media features, and ability to hold sweepstakes make it one of the best sports betting app options for Texas sports betting in 2023.

Fliff Texas Promo

Fliff is currently offering its new members a fantastic welcome bonus of up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 worth of Fliff Cash. To take advantage of this bonus, members need to use the promo code PROPS.

How Do I Get The Fliff TX Welcome Bonus?

Fliff makes it easy for new members to earn their welcome bonus. To do so, follow the four basic steps listed below.

  1. Click the “CLAIM OFFER” link in the Fliff ad below.
  2. Download Fliff from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. 
  3. Click “Sign Up” on the app’s homepage. 
  4. Create an account by providing your email, name, age, and create a username and password. 
  5. Purchase Fliff Coins after sign-up and use the promo code PROPS to receive the bonus. 

Why Choose Fliff?

Fliff is one of the best options for sports fans in Texas that love sports betting, yet aren’t interested in risking any money. As no online sportsbooks are currently operating in the state, it’s also one of the few legal apps that can give you access to real odds. Members can compare their bets against friends and enjoy the social aspect of sports wagering.

Boom Fantasy

Boom Fantasy launched in 2015 and has since become one of the top Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators in the state of Texas. DFS differs from traditional sports betting, requiring players to create a roster of athletes and “wager” on their performances during a single sporting event. Without online sports betting in Texas, DFS is one of the most popular forms of legal sports betting in the state.

Boom Fantasy has a design that focuses on simplicity. Daily fantasy sports can seem confusing to beginners, and this app works to make things as simple as possible. It is extremely easy to navigate pages and there is a solid customer support system in case players have any questions.

The “Game Library” here consists of three options: Pick ‘Em Longshots, Pick ‘Em Toss-Ups, and Pick ‘Em Favorites. These modes vary slightly, giving players the option to choose from a variety of betting longshots, favorites, and toss-ups. This is a fun way for players to change their strategy and each one offers some great payout opportunities.

In order to join Boom Fantasy in Texas, players need to be at least 18 years old. The sign-up process is extremely easy thanks to the app’s fantastic, modern design.

While Boom Fantasy cannot be considered true Texas sports betting, it offers one of the closest experiences. DFS is considered by some to be even more exciting than traditional sports betting and is still considered far more skill-based than sports betting.

Boom Fantasy Texas Promo

Boom Fantasy prides itself on simplicity and makes it extremely easy for new members to take advantage of their bonuses. Several bonuses are available here and the most popular remains the “No Sweat First Entry” bonus. This is offering new players the ability to enter a first contest worth up to $100, with minimal risk involved; if the pick fails, players will be credited a large portion of their money back.

Another popular bonus here is the Refer-A-Friend bonus. Here, players can earn $25 for each player they refer to Boom Fantasy using a promo code.

While the bonuses here may not be as lucrative as other apps offering online sports betting or similar options, each one is extremely simple to utilize and can help players earn some extra money or protect their contest entries.

How Do I Get The Boom Fantasy TX Welcome Bonus?

Earning the welcome bonus at Boom Fantasy is extremely easy. Complete these three steps to take advantage of this exciting offer today. This entire process should not take more than five minutes.

  1. Click the “CLAIM OFFER” link below.
  2. Begin the sign-up process that Boom Fantasy features on its homepage.
  3. Create a Boom Fantasy account by providing your email and phone number and create a username and password.
  4. Opt into the No Sweat First Entry bonus featured on the sign-up page.

Why Choose Boom Fantasy?

In terms of apps offering daily fantasy sports in Texas, Boom Fantasy is one of the best available in 2023. It has an extremely intuitive, simple design that those new to DFS will love. Many users also love the multiple contest options available. It’s not necessarily online sports betting, yet provides a very similar experience and can offer some huge payouts.

  • Learn more about Boom Fantasy with our review.

Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Fantasy is another popular substitute for online sports betting in Texas. This is another DFS operator, yet differs from Boom Fantasy in multiple ways. One of the most interesting features here is the ability for players to enter multiple fantasy options including daily, weekly, and even season-long contests.

Fans of Texas sports betting looking to join Underdog Fantasy need to be at least 18 years old. The app has an extremely simple sign-up process. Players simply need to enter some basic personal information and confirm their age.

Underdog Fantasy regularly holds major DFS tournaments for its members. That includes the Best Ball Tournament, which comes with a $10 million prize pool and $2 million to the first-place winner. That fantastic tournament has helped this site gain a massive user base, despite being only a few years old.

To take part in this tournament, players simply create a DFS roster via a snake draft. This draft is then permanent throughout the tournament and is tested over multiple rounds of a sporting event. Whichever player created the best-performing roster gains the $2 million first-place payout.

As of 2023, Underdog Fantasy ranks as one of the best options for legal Texas sports betting. It is a great option for those looking for more than just traditional DFS options, offering entries for daily, weekly, and season-long contests.

Underdog Fantasy Texas Promo

The primary bonus at Underdog Fantasy is similar to the ones found offered by many apps offering legalized sports betting options. This is a 100% first-deposit match bonus of up to $100. This gives players the ability to instantly double their money up to $100. It’s a solid, simple bonus that can only be redeemed by using the promo code PROPS.

How Do I Get the Underdog Fantasy TX Welcome Bonus?

Earning the Underdog Fantasy welcome bonus is simple. Complete these four steps to immediately double your first deposit.

  1. Click the ‘CLAIM OFFER” link in the Underdog Fantasy ad below.
  2. Begin the sign-up process at Underdog Fantasy by clicking the “Sign Up” tab on the homepage.
  3. Create an Underdog Fantasy account by providing some basic personal information including name, date of birth, and address.
  4. Opt into the welcome bonus after signing up by using the promo code PROPS.
  5. Make a deposit of up to $100 to receive the 100% match bonus.

Why Choose Underdog Fantasy?

Underdog Fantasy is a fantastic DFS option for those interested in online sports betting in Texas. It regularly holds major tournaments with multi-million dollar jackpots for the winner. Underdog Fantasy features a fantastic design and UI and a huge variety of contests on all major sports.

ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay sounds like a site offering traditional Texas sports betting options, including parlays. In reality, this is another great daily fantasy sports platform and one of the newest available in the country. There are many exciting features available here, including the site’s variety of DFS contests for many different sports.

Many users have described ParlayPlay as more similar to traditional online sportsbooks than other DFS operators. This may be due to the majority of contests being featured in an over/under framework, where players choose whether their roster of players will score more or less than their projected points total. It gives players the feel of making over/under wagers, yet remains a completely legal substitute for mobile sports betting in Texas.

Some users also praise the site’s variety of contest buy-in limits. While not as extensive as major sites such as DraftKings or FanDuel, ParlayPlay offers contests with buy-in limits ranging from $1 to $50. This gives both beginners and high-rollers an opportunity to enjoy what is available.

Several unique contest variations are present here. That includes the Higher/Lower All-In, and Higher/Lower Games with Insurance. In the All-In category, players must choose each of their picks correctly. In the Games with Insurance category, players can make incorrect picks, yet still receive a portion of their winnings.

ParlayPlay is new to the Texas sports betting scene, yet it has already generated a huge user base thanks to its unique sportsbook-style contests and variety of contest types. It remains an excellent option for sports bettors in Texas in 2023.

ParlayPlay Texas Promo

ParlayPlay’s welcome bonus is slightly unique, offering two separate bonuses to new members. The first is a welcome bonus of $5, simply for joining the app. The second is a 100% match bonus on new players’ first deposit of up to $200.

How Do I Get The ParlayPlay TX Welcome Bonus?

ParlayPlay aims to make things simple and earning the welcome bonus here is certainly that. Complete these steps to earn this unique two-part bonus.

  1. Start the sign-up process by clicking the “CLAIM OFFER” link below.
  2. Click the “Join Now” tab on the ParlayPlay homepage to begin the sign-up process.
  3. Create an account by providing your personal identification information and form your login credentials.
  4. The $5 will be automatically credited to your account.
  5. Make a deposit of between $10 and $100 to become eligible for the ParlayPlay first deposit 100% match bonus. Be sure to enter the promo code “PROPS” when prompted.

Why Choose ParlayPlay?

ParlayPlay is still new in the Texas sports betting market, yet functions like a DFS app that has been around for a decade. It has a great design and a contest variety that feels in many ways like a traditional sportsbook. New members will also be happy to find a two-part welcome bonus that can help to add some serious funds to their account.

  • Take a look at our ParlayPlay review here.

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy is yet another popular daily fantasy sports app that serves as a fantastic choice until Texas sports betting options become available. It is a prop-based DFS app that seems determined to make things easy for beginner players. This has helped it to generate millions of users around the United States in just a few years.

It’s hard not to notice the unique and very sleek design of ThriveFantasy. This app functions extremely well, with a blue and white theme and large, clean graphics. It seems meant for beginner DFS players for a number of reasons.

Those new to DFS seem to love how ThriveFantasy offers contests that focus primarily on star athletes. Here, players will not find the option to form a roster with third-string players. This makes things far easier and seems to even the playing field amongst all of the players within each contest.

Members here will find some very cool features that many other apps offering Texas sports betting options do not provide. Notably, point metrics for each athlete that is available to draft in contests. It’s easy to see the pros and cons of choosing each athlete for your roster with this feature.

ThriveFantasy is a great option for sports fans in Texas in 2023. The app is particularly great for new players without a deep understanding of sports. The excellent design and solid promotions make this a solid substitute for Texas sports betting.

ThriveFantasy Texas Promo

ThriveFantasy offers Texas sports bettors a welcome bonus similar to the one provided by Underdog Fantasy. This is a 100% first deposit match bonus. ThriveFantasy’s welcome bonus offers a larger payout, however, as it’s worth up to $250 and comes with just a 4X rollover requirement. This bonus does not require a promo code.

How Do I Get The ThriveFantasy TX Welcome Bonus?

ThriveFantasy’s beginner-friendly design makes it easy to take advantage of this welcome bonus. Follow these four steps to earn this 100% first-deposit match bonus of up to $250.

  1. Click the “CLAIM OFFER” tab below.
  2. Begin the registration process by clicking the “Sign Up” tab on the app’s homepage.
  3. Create a ThriveFantasy account by providing your personal information and creating a username and password.
  4. Make an account deposit of between $5 and $250 to become eligible for the 100% match bonus.

Why Choose ThriveFantasy?

Many Texas sports betting enthusiasts will love how simple it is to navigate through ThriveFantasy. This app has beginner players in mind, providing DFS contests that only feature star players that even casual sports fans will recognize. It is also offering a large welcome bonus that rivals those offered by major sports betting sites around the U.S.

PrizePicks

Last, but not least in this guide to mobile sports betting substitutes in Texas is PrizePicks. This is another daily fantasy sports app that provides one of the largest collections of contests of any DFS operator in 2023. It also has a very modern UI that makes it extremely easy to find the exact contest you are looking for.

The creators of PrizePicks seem to be focused on making it easy to join contests. After making a deposit, contests can be joined in as little as a minute. Choosing athletes is extremely easy and the app features clear point values to make it easy for players to decide who to pick.

Members here have access to two different contest types. The first is called Flex Play, giving players the chance to earn money, even if they make incorrect roster picks. The second is called Power Play, which provides far larger payout opportunities yet any incorrect pick results in a lost contest.

PrizePicks is offering contests on all major US sports leagues including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and more. It is without a doubt one of the best substitutes to Texas online sports betting and has an overall design and UI that feels in many ways like a traditional sportsbook.

PrizePicks Texas Promo

There is no current PrizePicks TX sign-up bonus for Props readers, but check back with this page for the latest updates on PrizePicks bonus offers.

Why choose PrizePicks?

PrizePicks is a fantastic option for Texas bettors looking for a legal way to earn money on their favorite sports. It has been around since 2014 and has remained one of the top DFS operators in the US ever since. With a modern design and one of the largest collections of sports contests, this is a great option until a real Texas sports betting site is launched.

Texas Sports Betting Legalization Outlook

For decades, Texas has been considered one of the more restrictive states when it comes to gambling. Despite the removal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protect Act (PASPA) in 2018, lawmakers here have been very hesitant to embrace the sports betting industry. Opinions here are slowly changing, however, as more politicians in the state recognize the massive tax revenue potential from legalized sports gambling.

Several bills to legalize sports betting have appeared in Texas over the last few years. None of these Texas sports betting bills have gained support in both the House and Senate. The 2023 Texas legislative session is set to end at the end of May and hopes for a new sports betting bill to gain approval this year are dwindling.

The latest bill, called HB 1942, is slowly inching forward in the state legislature. This bill is currently being reviewed in the House. Even if approved here, it will need to receive a green light in the Senate before it could be sent to Governor Abbot’s office for the final stamp of approval. Only then would Texas sports betting be made legal.

A group known as the Texas Sports Betting Alliance continues to heavily push for the launch of Texas online sportsbooks. A separate bill to legalize casino gambling and online casino games in Texas is being considered, too.

It remains a long shot for this Texas sports betting bill, HB 1942, to gain approval this year. There is certainly a chance for approval in 2024, though. Proponents argue that Texas is losing up to $700 million in tax revenue each year with its online sports betting bill.

More politicians see the upside in this industry and a huge number of professional sports athletes and team owners are joining together to get the first Texas sports betting sites launched.

For now, Texas sports fans don’t enjoy access to any legal online gambling options in a technical sense. While there aren’t any full-service Texas sportsbooks operating just yet, Texas residents and visitors can turn to the daily fantasy sports and sweepstakes apps listed in this guide for a an experience that rivals mobile betting action.

It’s difficult to say when Texas sports bettors will gain access to legal online sportsbooks. When sports betting is made legal, however, it’s likely that several of the industry giants will immediately work to break into this huge market. The following sites are not yet legal in Texas, yet likely will be within the next few years.

If and when Texas does legalize sports betting, expect the Lone Star State to become one of the largest sports betting markets in the U.S.

DraftKings Texas

DraftKings is one of the most recognizable brands in the US sports betting industry. Initially starting as a DFS operator, DraftKings has since broken into the traditional legal sports betting industry and is operating in numerous states.

DraftKings Sportsbook Bonus Offer: 20% welcome bonus on deposits over $5.

DraftKings is offering a generous 20% welcome bonus to new members on all deposits over $5. That is not as large of a bonus as some of the other mobile sports betting sites featured in this guide. It is easy to earn, yet comes with a 25X rollover requirement and expires after seven days.

About This Offer

Some Texas sports betting fans will be disappointed to see just a 20% bonus on their first deposit. To make up for the underwhelming bonus, DraftKings offers a world-class design and the largest collections of betting market odds of any betting US betting site. Bonus funds are always nice and DraftKings makes it easy to earn a 20% bonus on your first deposit.

Why Choose DraftKings?

Online sports betting sites do not get more established and reputable than DraftKings. This site offers a massive variety of odds on all major domestic and international sports. It also has one of the sleekest designs of any online sportsbook that both new and experienced sports bettors will enjoy.

Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from DraftKings standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which DraftKings Sportsbook legally operates:

FanDuel Texas

FanDuel is another established, popular online betting site available across much of the United States. Like DraftKings, it features odds on a huge variety of sports and features arguably the best design of any online sportsbook in 2023.

FanDuel Spotrtsbook Bonus Offer: Bet $5 and earn up to $150

FanDuel’s offer differs from many of its competitors. This is an offer that allows new players to wager just $5 for the opportunity to earn $150. This is an interactive bonus that many enjoy and can result in a major boost of funds into players’ accounts.

About This Offer

FanDuel’s bonus offer requires bettors to make a moneyline wager of $5. To receive the $150 bonus, that moneyline bet must be a winner. If that is the case, players will receive $150 in six separate payments automatically credited into their account.

Why Choose FanDuel?

FanDuel is a world-class online sportsbook featuring odds in 15 betting markets and one of the more unique bonuses available in 2023. It also has arguably the most user-friendly of any Texas betting site around. Texas bettors looking for a safe and fun online sportsbook will love what FanDuel has to offer.

  • Learn more about what states FanDuel is legal in by clicking here.

Note – the bonus included in the link below occasionally changes from FanDuel’s standard promo. This offer is only available in states in which FanDuel Sportsbook legally operates:

Texas Professional Sports Teams

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Houston Texans
  • Texas Rangers
  • Houston Astros
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Houston Rockets
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Dallas Stars

Texas College Sports Teams

  • Texas Longhorns
  • Texas A&M Aggies
  • Baylor Bears
  • TCU Horned Frogs

Texas Betting Sites FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in Texas?

No. Texas has not yet approved any legislation to legalize traditional sports betting. Fortunately, a number of excellent apps are available here that offer a similar experience to sports betting. This Texas mobile betting bonuses guide goes through all of the best Texas sportsbook apps currently available, as well as the top bonuses available at each.

Does PrizePicks work in Texas?

Yes. PrizePicks is available in Texas and remains one of the most popular apps used by Texas sports bettors. It is a DFS operator that offers a somewhat similar experience to legal sports betting. Many users also praise the app’s excellent design and solid welcome bonus.

Where can I bet on sports in Texas?

For now, DFS operators offer the best and closest alternative to traditional sports betting. Fliff is another very popular free-to-play app offering sports betting odds. Fliff holds regular sweepstakes that hand out award cash to winners, redeemable for various prizes.

Is DraftKings legal in Texas?

DraftKings Sportsbook does not currently operate in Texas. That could change if lawmakers in the state choose to pass sports betting legislation in the future. Officials within DraftKings have continued to push for Texas to embrace sports betting and it is very likely that its sports betting options will become available here within the next few years.

Is FanDuel legal in Texas?

FanDuel Sportsbook is not currently legal to operate in Texas. Many experts predict this will change within the next few years. The sports betting industry is gaining support within Texas and it’s highly likely that FanDuel will begin offering its services in the state once a sports betting bill is formally approved here.

What sports betting apps are legal in Texas?

All of the apps featured in this guide are currently legal in Texas. That includes Fliff, Boom Fantasy, Underdog Fantasy, ParlayPlay, ThriveFantasy, and Prize Picks.

Is Bovada legal in Texas?

Bovada isn’t legal anywhere in the U.S. Bovada operates as an offshore online gambling site, offering illegal services in the U.S. We don’t recommend playing on Bovada (or any other offshore sports betting sites), as your money and personal information could be at risk.

Best Sportsbook Promos In Other States

Top TX Sports Betting Apps & Daily Fantasy Sites