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Play Online Poker for Real Money in Texas – Best TX Poker Sites

 

The lack of clear Texas online poker laws leave many people confused. However, it is possible to play in the Lone Star State, as you’re about to learn.

Before we get into details, let’s run through the best online poker sites in Texas.

  • All

150% deposit bonus up to $2,000

150% deposit bonus up to $2,000

  • Get 33% online poker rakeback every Monday
  • Fully anonymous, instant withdrawal crypto poker
  • Free from deposit and withdrawal fees if you use crypto
10
5 Stars Coinpoker
Play Now

100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus

100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus

  • $2 million in weekly poker tournament guarantees
  • Zone Poker and anonymous tables for casual play
  • Mobile poker client with up to four tables at one time
9.9
5 Stars Ignition
Play Now

New Player Bonus Up To $2,000

New Player Bonus Up To $2,000

  • Massive daily tournament schedule
  • Great deposit methods with local options
  • Fast payouts within the hour
9.8
5 Stars ACR Poker
Play Now

100% up to $2,000

100% up to $2,000

  • Play fantasy poker league Monte Carlo
  • Offers sportsbetting and casino while playing poker
  • Accepts crypto payments since 2015
9.8
5 Stars Black Chip Poker
Play Now

100% Bonus up to $1,000 + 8 days of Tournament Tickets

100% Bonus up to $1,000 + 8 days of Tournament Tickets

  • Tourney series - Sunday Majors & Progressive Bounties
  • Modern client with 3D visuals, straddle, odds & features
  • New Bad Beat Jackpot 2.0 can exceed $30,000 online
9.7
5 Stars BetOnline
Play Now

100% Bonus up to $500

100% Bonus up to $500

  • Zone Poker and anonymous tables for casual play
  • $2 million in weekly poker tournament guarantees
  • Mobile poker client with up to four tables at one time
9.7
5 Stars Bovada
Play Now

100% up to $2,000

100% up to $2,000

  • Bomb Pot tables for extra fun
  • Minimum of two big MTT every day
  • The Beast weekly leaderboard
9.4
5 Stars Ya Poker
Play Now

Reviews of Online Poker in Texas 2024

We’ll discuss the legal situation. But first, here are some detailed reviews of the top sites offering online poker in Texas.

1. CoinPoker – Best Texas Online Poker Site for Rakeback

  • Year of Establishment: 2017
  • Poker Network: Proprietary
  • License: Curaçao

Coinpoker logo

  • Number of Poker Variants 9/10 – CoinPoker covers all the key bases, with plenty of Hold’em and Omaha tables. Look out for 5-Card Omaha, too.
  • Online Tournaments 10/10 – The Falcon and Nemesis Sunday Specials are just a couple of notable six-figure guarantees. Low entry fees and lots of regular freerolls.
  • Online Cash Games 10/10 – Home to the highest stakes PLO games, frequented by big name pros like Tony G. Few poker sites charge a lower cash game rake.
  • Traffic and Busyness 9/10 – Cash tables are generally quite full for most of the day. The standard is a little higher than average, though.
  • Software Efficiency 10/10 – A slick and professional app with an equally nice desktop client. Doesn’t require updates often and offers everything you need.
  • Ease of Use 10/10 – Quick and easy to install the software, with no heavy downloads. Straightforward registration process and intuitive layout.
  • Poker Bonuses 10/10 – Not many online poker sites have a bigger welcome bonus. But the huge 33% rakeback is the real standout feature of CoinPoker.
  • Money Deposit and Withdrawal 9/10 – Although transactions are extremely fast and reliable, you can only use cryptocurrency to deposit and withdraw.
  • Customer Support 9/10 – No live chat, sadly. But 24/7 support is available by email or a contact form on the website. Knowledgeable and polite staff.

There’s no better place to play online poker for real money in Texas. The sleek mobile app and desktop client are crammed with Hold’em and Omaha tables, plus regular tournaments with rewarding guarantees.

CoinPoker is one of the best bitcoin poker rooms, but it also boasts its own unique cryptocurrency token. Play using Chips (CHP) and secure an unbeatable 33% rakeback.

Pros

  • Biggest rakeback deal in the US
  • Low tournament entry fees
  • Rail high-stakes PLO tables
  • Easy to use mobile app

Cons

  • Can only deposit via cryptocurrency
  • No seven card stud games

2. Ignition Poker – Best Texas Online Poker Site for Soft Cash Tables

  • Year of Establishment: 2016
  • Poker Network: PaiWangLuo
  • License: Curaçao

Ignition logo

  • Number of Poker Variants 9/10 – Play Hold’em and Omaha, along with a number of notable variants like Omaha Hi-Lo.
  • Online Tournaments 9/10 – Ideal for smaller-staking players, as the majority of buy-ins are below $300. Lots of regular freerolls and interesting tournament formats.
  • Online Cash Games 9/10 – Plenty of tables to suit all bankrolls. Standard is on the weaker side, due to the influx of casino players.
  • Traffic and Busyness 10/10 – Not many poker sites are busier than Ignition, especially at the lower limit cash tables.
  • Software Efficiency 10/10 – Though the desktop client is feature-rich, Ignition lets you play in a browser without downloading.
  • Ease of Use 10/10 – The desktop software uses a classic design that’s intuitive and easy to navigate. Download-free option is a great touch.
  • Poker Bonuses 9/10 – A sizable welcome offer is backed up by a generous rewards program. No direct rakeback though.
  • Money Deposit and Withdrawal 10/10 – A number of secure and convenient choices, including fast cryptocurrency withdrawals. Deposit using credit cards too.
  • Customer Support 9/10 – Comprehensive help center to address your FAQs. No live chat or telephone, but email support is available around the clock.

This Curaçao-licensed site is a great option for new players. There’s an abundance of freerolls and small buy-in tournaments, but also regular Sunday events with sizable guarantees.

Ignition isn’t just a great option for playing online poker in Texas – it’s also among the best offshore casinos. The steady stream of part-time poker players helps to ensure soft cash tables.

Pros

  • Beatable Omaha and Hold’em games
  • Busy network with lots of traffic
  • Sizable guarantees on a regular basis
  • Play instantly without downloads

Cons

  • No direct rakeback scheme 
  • Not the prettiest software

3. ACR Poker – Best Texas Online Poker Site for Prizepools

  • Year of Establishment: 2001
  • Poker Network: WPN
  • License: Costa Rica

Americas Card Room logo

  • Number of Poker Variants 10/10 – Enjoy Seven Card Stud and Stud Eight or Better, as well as Hold’em and a number of Omaha variants.
  • Online Tournaments 10/10 – Flagship site for the Venom, whose guarantee in 2024 was $12.5 Million. Lots of regular six and seven-figure guarantees on display.
  • Online Cash Games 10/10 – Broad range of limits, from micro to high stakes, for all forms of poker. Not the softest tables, though.
  • Traffic and Busyness 9/10 – Part of WPN (Winning Poker Network), one of the busier networks. Cash table opponents are in plentiful supply.
  • Software Efficiency 9/10 – Among the better desktop poker clients. The native Android app is quality too, though there’s no Apple version yet.
  • Ease of Use 9/10 – Simple registration process and easy to find a table thanks to intuitive filters. Loses a point for the frequency and size of software updates.
  • Poker Bonuses 10/10 – You won’t find a bigger new player bonus than ACR Poker. Choose between a rewarding loyalty program or a flat 27% rakeback.
  • Money Deposit and Withdrawal 9/10 – Several reputable payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. Relatively fast and fee-free withdrawals.
  • Customer Support 9/10 – Lack of live support is disappointing. But there’s a detailed set of FAQs, an AI assistant and a contact form offering 24/7 help.

ACR Poker is home to a diverse selection of games, including Hold’em, several Omaha variants and Seven Card Stud tables. Look out for the multi-million guaranteed Venom tournaments, too.

Start playing online poker in Texas with the industry’s biggest welcome bonus. Regulars can also take advantage of the Elite Benefits program, a constant source of rewards. Alternatively, opt out and take 27% rakeback instead.

Pros

  • Hosts eight-figure guaranteed prizepools
  • Reputable site for over 20 years
  • Biggest selection of non-Hold’em games
  • Slick native Android mobile app

Cons

  • Unable to withdraw to debit cards
  • No live customer support options

4. Black Chip Poker – Best Texas Online Poker Site for Seven Stud

  • Year of Establishment: 2001
  • Poker Network: WPN
  • License: Costa Rica

Black Chip Poker logo

  • Number of Poker Variants 10/10 – Play Seven Stud and Eight or Better in addition to Hold’em and several forms of Omaha.
  • Online Tournaments 10/10 – Multiple innovative formats, including PKOs, Mystery Bounties and Jackpot SNGs. Frequent multi-million tournament guarantees.
  • Online Cash Games 10/10 – Although other TX poker sites feature softer cash tables, there’s a wide range of betting limits available at Black Chip Poker.
  • Traffic and Busyness 9/10 – As a Winning Poker Network site, you’re always likely to find busy cash tables. Don’t expect an easy ride though – the standard is decent.
  • Software Efficiency 9/10 – Both the desktop client and Android mobile app are highly functional and look excellent. However, there’s currently no iOS equivalent.
  • Ease of Use 9/10 – Signing up is easy and both the app and desktop software are highly intuitive. Would prefer fewer regular updates, but that’s a minor negative.
  • Poker Bonuses 10/10 – WPN sites always offer the same welcome bonus – the biggest in the industry. The Elite Benefits program is generous, too.
  • Money Deposit and Withdrawal 9/10 – No hidden charges for transactions. Instant, secure deposits and ultra-quick crypto withdrawals. Low minimum deposit.
  • Customer Support 9/10 – No live chat, but there is an AI bot. Fairly detailed help center. Get responses via email and website contact form around the clock.

The similarities between Black Chip Poker and ACR are obvious, as both sites are part of the busy Winning Poker Network. This brand may be newer, but it’s just as full of busy cash tables, creative tournaments and rewarding bonuses.

Enjoy clean and modern software that’s easy to use, as well as fast cryptocurrency withdrawals. Not to mention frequent seven and eight-figure guarantees, including the Venom tournaments.

Pros

  • Deposit and play from just $10
  • Multi-million tournament guarantees
  • Play Seven Card Stud and Variants
  • Impressive Elite Benefits loyalty program

Cons

  • Hold’em cash tables are pretty tough
  • Relatively few deposit and withdrawal methods

5. BetOnline Poker – Best Texas Online Poker Site for Hold’em

  • Year of Establishment: 2001
  • Poker Network: Chico Poker
  • License: Panama Gaming Commission

BetOnline logo

  • Number of Poker Variants 9/10 – BetOnline is mostly focused on Hold’em, but there are some Omaha variants too. No draw poker games for now.
  • Online Tournaments 9/10 – Consistent six-figure guarantees, with the $100,000 Sunday Showdown a highlight. Fairly low entry fees and more freerolls than most.
  • Online Cash Games 10/10 – Steady flow of sports bettors to the tables makes for some of the softest Hold’em and Omaha games in the country. Good choice of limits.
  • Traffic and Busyness 9/10 – Part of the busy Chico Poker, meaning a regular flow of cash game opponents. Finding a game won’t be hard, especially for Hold’em.
  • Software Efficiency 10/10 – Play without downloading an app or desktop client using a browser. The software is great, though, should you wish to use it.
  • Ease of Use 9/10 – A classic desktop client layout makes BetOnline easy to use. Relatively light download size and infrequent annoying updates are plus points.
  • Poker Bonuses 9/10 – A solid welcome bonus gets you off to a good start. The RISE loyalty program generates up to 25% rakeback for VIP players.
  • Money Deposit and Withdrawal 10/10 – Deposit via four major card providers. 16 crypto coins offer high-roller friendly limits and payouts in less than 24 hours.
  • Customer Support 10/10 – Contact the helpful support agents for free via live chat, email and telephone, at any time of day.

It couldn’t be easier to play online poker in Texas thanks to BetOnline. There’s no need to download any software – just log in and play from your browser. You’ll find busy Hold’em and Omaha tables that are extremely beatable.

BetOnline is among the country’s leading fast payout casinos, as crypto withdrawals are often processed in just two hours. This is just as true for the poker room.

Pros

  • Busy network ensures full tables
  • Very soft TX online poker games
  • No need to download an app
  • Quality customer support 24/7

Cons

  • No rakeback program on offer
  • High credit card deposit charges

Comparing Texas Online Poker Sites

You’ve seen our top-rated sites for online poker in Texas, all of which share a number of fantastic features. But what is it about each brand specifically that makes them unique?

  • CoinPoker: A crypto-focused poker room, CoinPoker boasts its own unique token, CHP. This offers fast payments, but it also facilitates an unmatched rakeback of 33%.
  • Ignition: The generous Ignition welcome bonus is uniquely split between the poker room and casino games. Also offers download-free play, unlike most sites.
  • ACR Poker: One of the most well-established brands, with a strong reputation that dates all the way back to 2001.
  • Black Chip Poker: The minimum deposit limit of $10 is much lower than other sites, making it the ideal choice for casual players.
  • BetOnline: A one-stop gambling shop, with one of the country’s leading sportsbooks, as well as a poker room. Place bets on the outcome of WSOP events.

Texas Online Poker Games

What games are in store at the Lone Star State’s leading sites? Why don’t we take a look?

Texas Hold’em

A No Limit Hold Em table at ACR poker

You can’t possibly discuss online poker in Texas without mentioning Hold’em. After all, the world’s most popular game – correctly titled Texas Hold’em – originated in this part of the US.

Each player receives two cards face-down, with a maximum of five “community” cards in the middle of the table. The aim is to make the best possible five-card hand, or bet everyone else out of the pot.

This setup makes for all kinds of representing and bluffing opportunities, meaning you’ll need to be brave if you’re to have any success – especially in the No Limit form of the game.

Best Texas Poker Site for Hold’em: BetOnline

Omaha

Five card Omaha at CoinPoker

A close relative of Texas Hold’em, Omaha borrows almost all of that game’s rules. It also features five community cards, with four betting rounds and forced bets before the flop. These similarities explain why the game was originally known as “Omaha Hold’em”.

The key difference is the starting hand of four cards. You must use exactly two in order to form your hand. The additional cards create many more combinations, meaning you’ll need to be more disciplined with your hand selection.

PLO – Pot Limit Omaha – is the most common structure, rather than No Limit or Fixed Limit. There are several interesting variants, too, including 5-Card Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo.

Best Texas Poker Site for Omaha: CoinPoker

Stud

Seven Card Stud table at BlackChip poker

Before the domination of Texas Holdem, Seven Card Stud was the most popular form of poker. There are no community cards here, as it’s a stud game. That means each player receives their own unique hand, with a mixture of face-up and face-down cards.

The game starts with three cards each – two down and one up. There’s a total of five betting rounds, offering plenty of action, which is why it’s usually played with a Fixed Limit betting structure.

Some popular variants include Razz – a lowball game played using the same structure – and Seven Stud Hi-Low, sometimes called Eight Or Better.

Best Texas Poker Site for Stud: Black Chip Poker

Other Real Money Games in TX

Although the aforementioned games are the most popular forms of online poker in Texas, that list is not exhaustive.

For instance, Short Deck – also known as Six Plus Poker – is increasingly popular, particularly among high stakes players. This intriguing game, which uses a 36-card deck, can be found at a few leading sites.

Draw Poker isn’t as popular as it once was. However, some modern forms – such as 2-7 Triple Draw – are still available at some online poker rooms.

Best Texas Poker Site for Other Games: ACR Poker

How to Deposit and Play Online Poker in Texas

Ready to play online poker for real money in Texas? Not sure how to get started? Check out the following step-by-step guide.

  1. Select a Site
    We’ve already recommended a number of the best online poker sites in Texas, so all you need to do is pick one.
    Each brand is safe and secure, offering great bonuses, busy tables and regular tournaments. But if you’re struggling to choose, we’d recommend CoinPoker for now.
  2. Register an Account
    All leading poker sites require you to register your details. It’s nothing sinister, just a security measure to minimize fraud. Hit the “Join” button, which may be marked “Register” or similar, depending on your site. Fill out the form with basic details like your name, address and email, and the account will be ready in just a few minutes.
  3. Locate the Cashier
    Once you’re inside the account, you’ll need to make a deposit. Look for a button marked “Deposit” or “Cashier” and click it.
    At most sites, you can also tap your balance – displayed as $0.00 – to visit the cashier.
  4. Make a Deposit
    Choose from the list of available payment methods and click the logo of your desired option. Next, fill in the displayed fields carefully, to avoid any issues. Double check the deposit amount before confirming, as well as the details of your card, crypto wallet or whatever is being asked of you.
  5. Take a Seat
    As soon as the funds hit your account, you’re all set. Decide whether you want to try a poker tournament or a cash game, then browse the lobby accordingly. Double-click the table or tournament to reveal more details. There you’ll have the option to take a seat or buy into the event.

How to Withdraw From Texas Online Poker

If you’ve been playing online poker for real money in Texas, you’ll hopefully have some winnings to withdraw. Here’s how to extract those funds.

  1. Verify Your Identity
    Some online poker sites require you to verify your identity before withdrawing. If in doubt, read the terms and conditions or speak to customer support. This process usually requires submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address to the security team. It can take a week to complete, so get it out of the way early.
  2.  Load the Cashier
    Next, log into your poker account, if you haven’t already, then head to the cashier. There should be an option to switch from “Deposit” to “Withdraw” – click on this.
  3.  Choose a Method
    Select a payment method. Enter your withdrawal amount and follow any on-screen instructions. Pay attention to the minimum requirement. Don’t forget, too, that your first withdrawal should be to the same payment method as your original deposit. Using another method may cause delays.
  4. Wait Patiently
    Payout times vary between poker rooms and payment methods. Whatever you choose, the funds won’t arrive instantly, so be patient. Our tip is to use cryptocurrency, as this minimizes delays. You don’t normally need to verify your identity with crypto. In addition, payments are processed far more quickly – sometimes even within just a few hours.

Common Payment Methods for Online Poker in Texas

TX Online Poker Sites CoinPoker Ignition ACR Poker Black Chip BetOnline
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Tether (USDT)
Chips (CHP)
Other Cryptocurrencies
US Dollars
Mastercard
Visa
Other Cards
MoneyGram

Bonuses at Best Online Poker Sites in Texas

Our featured Texas poker rooms online are bursting with bonuses, like the following.

Welcome Bonuses

All of the best online poker sites in Texas offer some kind of signup incentive.
They’re usually match bonuses, meaning you’ll receive a percentage of your first real money deposit. But it’s also possible to find no deposit bonuses, from time to time.

Best Online Poker TX Site for Welcome Bonuses: ACR Poker

Free Tournament Tickets

Some online poker sites include free tournament entries as part of their welcome packages.
At BetOnline, for instance, you’ll receive up to 21 free entries to satellite tournaments for the $100,000 Sunday Showdown.

Best Online Poker TX Site for Free Tournament Tickets: BetOnline Poker

Freerolls

If you’re just starting to play poker in Texas, freerolls are a great way to build a bankroll. They cost nothing to enter, but there are real money rewards.

CoinPoker is just one site that offers regular daily freerolls, with up to $100 available in each.

Best Online Poker TX Site for Freerolls: CoinPoker

Rakeback

Most of the best online poker sites in Texas refund a proportion of your weekly or monthly rake as a loyalty reward. This is known as rakeback.

CoinPoker is the standout example, providing an impressive 33% rebate.

Best Online Poker TX Site for Rakeback: CoinPoker

Refer-a-Friend

Tell your friends how great your favorite site is and there’s usually a reward in it for you.

At Ignition, for instance, if a buddy joins using your unique referral code, there’s a possible $125 bonus.

Best Online Poker TX Site for Referral Rewards: Ignition Poker

VIP Rewards

Top poker rooms in Texas know how to look after their regular players. Structured loyalty and VIP programs are a big part of that.

ACR Poker’s well-known Elite Benefit program is a standout example. Earn points as you play, which help you to progress through the ranks. The higher you climb, the greater the bonuses awaiting you.

Best Online Poker TX Site for VIP Rewards: ACR Poker

Live Poker in Texas

We’ve covered online poker in Texas, but what about land-based options? Is live poker legal in Texas?

Well, the Texas Penal Code states that you can’t run a poker room for profit. However, many venues operate as private member clubs, charging a subscription fee to join, then hosting live poker games.

While many lawmakers are trying to close this legal loophole, some are advocating for proper legislation that would actually legalize poker.

Card Rooms vs Casinos

The private membership model is working well, and there’s a blossoming poker scene in the state. Famous names like Doug Polk have moved to Texas, for instance. He’s opened not one, but two different card rooms.

It’s not really possible to play poker in Texas at a casino. Commercial casinos remain illegal, though there are three venues on Indian land. However, only one of these – the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino – offers a live poker room.

Where Can I Play Live Poker in Texas?

Looking for a live game? Check out the following Texas poker rooms:

Austin

  • The Lodge Card Club: 1401 S IH 35 Frontage Rd Ste 130, Round Rock, TX 78664
  • TCH Social: 13530 US-183, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78750 (Directions)

Dallas

  • Shuffle 214: 11411 E. Northwest Highway, Suite 111, Dallas, TX 75218
  • Texas Card House Dallas: 11834 Harry Hines Blvd., #135, Dallas, TX 75234

Houston

  • Lucky J Social Club: 9371 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77063
  • Legends Poker Room: 9275 Richmond Ave, Suite 101, Houston, TX 77063

San Antonio

  • The Lodge Card Club: 3723 Colony Drive, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78230
  • The Big Blind: 19314 US Hwy 281 N, San Antonio, TX 78259

Most Popular Texas Poker Players

Some of the world’s best-known players have close ties to the Lone Star State.

Doyle Brunson

A genuine legend of the game, “Texas Dolly” is a real OG of poker. He played in illegal high-stakes games in the 1950s and 60s, before eventually settling in Las Vegas.

His book Super/System was pioneering, sharing insight from Brunson and other top professionals, which helped to popularize the game of Texas Hold’em.

A two-time winner of the WSOP Main Event – not to mention eight other bracelets – he was the first player to win $1 million from poker tournaments.

Much missed by the poker community, Brunson died in 2003 at the age of 89.

Doug Polk

Originally from Pasadena, California, Polk grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. However, in January 2022, he famously co-founded The Lodge Card Club, near Austin, Texas.

Polk made his name playing high-stakes games of head-up No Limit Hold’em. However, he’s also bagged three WSOP bracelets.
Something of an entrepreneur, Polk is the brains behind the poker coaching site Upswing Poker, as well as a popular YouTube channel.

Polk and his associates – fellow players Brad Owen, and Andrew Neeme – now own two poker rooms in Texas. They are key voices leading the campaign to legalize live poker in the state.

Jonathan Tamayo

Tamayo is best known for winning the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event. There, he bested a record field of 10,112 players, banking $10,000,000 in the process.

Famously a roommate of the 2015 Main Event champion Joe McKeehen, Tamayo is a successful player in his own right.
A four-time WSOP Circuit ring winner, he’s also cashed in four major WTP events.

Tamayo is of Filipino heritage, but grew up in Humble, Texas.

History of Online Poker in Texas

The Lone Star State has always had a difficult relationship with gambling. Even though the most famous form of poker originated in Texas, those games were illegal.

There have been very few attempts to legalize gambling over the years, all of which have been met with strong resistance. And that’s a trend that has continued into the internet era.

However, this very resistance to creating a legal framework for any form of gambling means the Texas Penal Code is full of loopholes.

Can You Play Online Poker in Texas?

There are no state-licensed online casinos or poker rooms. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t play online poker for real money in Texas.

The law doesn’t explicitly forbid the use of online poker sites, only the operation of one for profit. There’s nothing in the Texas Penal Code that says residents can’t play online.

Much like the live poker scene, this lack of legislation means there’s a gray area. Online, this is filled by offshore operators that accept players from Texas, and indeed the whole of the United States.

As these companies are based overseas, local law enforcement can take no action against them.

Online Poker Safety and Security in Texas

From a player’s perspective, there’s simply no way for anyone to know what you’re doing – especially if you use a VPN and deposit using cryptocurrency.

Besides, even if you were caught, what laws are you breaking? None, because there aren’t any.

Just because offshore poker sites aren’t licensed in the USA, it doesn’t mean there’s no regulation at all. The brands we recommend are overseen by major international authorities, including the governments of Panama, Costa Rica and Curaçao.
That means they’re sure to be looking after your deposit correctly and using the latest security features, like SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication.

It also means these poker sites are following responsible gambling practices, offering tools to support those in need. Not to mention weeding out potential underage gamblers.

Texas Online Poker Timeline

Here’s a brief history of online poker-related events in the Lone Star State.

  • 2024: Governor Greg Abbot and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick – both historically opposed gambling – remain key political figures. It’s unlikely that online poker will be legal in Texas any time soon. In the meantime, offshore sites and sweepstakes gaming continue to grow in popularity.
  • 2023: House Bill 2345 seeks to legalize live poker rooms, but there are no signs of any online legislation. The bill dies in the committee anyway, after making minimal progress.
  • 2022: Legislation is drafted with the aim of creating a Texas Gaming Commission. The intention is to properly regulate both live and online poker, closing existing loopholes. No progress is made and House Bill 732 eventually dies.
  • 2021: Attempts to legalize both sports betting and casino gaming in the state fail, underlining the continued lack of desire for regulated gambling in Texas.

Are Poker Winnings Taxable in Texas?

Since there is no legal framework in place for online poker, there are no laws regarding taxation either.

So, if there’s no state tax, is online poker free in the state of Texas?

Not quite – you still have to consider federal taxes. All winnings should be reported to the IRS and are subject to a 24% deduction.

Poker in Other States

We’ve learned about the legality of poker in Texas. But what’s the situation in other parts of the country?

Michigan – Legal
In January 2021, the Wolverine State finally legalized online poker rooms. They became the sixth US state to do so.

Pennsylvania – Legal
The Keystone State passed legislation as early as October 2017, though the first legal poker sites didn’t launch until 2019.

Play Online Poker in Texas – Recap

This article is packed with an awful lot of information. With that in mind, here’s a quick summary of the key points to take away with you.

  • Is online poker legal in Texas? – With no legal framework in place, online poker in Texas is neither illegal nor legal, officially speaking. This ambiguity makes it possible to play at offshore poker sites without repercussions.
  • CoinPoker is the best option for Texans – With no legal sites, the best place to play online poker in TX is CoinPoker. Based offshore, it offers a slick, secure app, with fast crypto payments and a massive 33% rakeback.
  • Will Texas ever legalize online poker? – It’s hard to say. The calls to regulate the Texas online poker industry are just as strong as those trying to shut it down. Lawmakers can’t propose any more changes to existing legislation until 2025.

FAQs

Is online poker in Texas legal?

Are TX online poker sites safe?

Does Texas have poker rooms?

Do you have to be a Texas resident to play?

Is Texas a good state for poker overall?

References

  1. https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB2345/id/2699715 (Legiscan HB2345)

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