Best Online Poker Sites In Texas 2025

List of top online poker sites in Texas

Strict limitations make the establishment of Internet poker sites in The Lone Star State impossible. At the moment, Texans can play for real money in offshore online poker rooms. Also, there is an option for sweepstakes sites, where you play using special tokens and then exchange them for real money. 

When it comes to offshore poker sites, their variety may be confusing. An unreliable website may simply shut down and take your deposit with it. So, to make it much easier, we created a list of the best poker sites for you to try!

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  4.7

  #1

  4.7

  BetOnline

  Chico Poker Network

  

  Bonus

  100% up to $1,000

  

  Rakeback

  VIP

  ReviewSign up

  

  United States is accepted

  • Bitcoins accepted

  Details
• 

  4.7

  #2

  4.7

  Americas Cardroom

  Winning Poker Network

  

  Bonus

  up to $2,000

  

  Rakeback

  up to 65%

  Code

  WPD27

  

  ReviewSign up

  

  United States is accepted

  • Bitcoins accepted

  Details
• 

  4.5

  #3

  4.5

  CoinPoker

  Independent

  

  Bonus

  150% up to $2,000

  

  Rakeback

  33%+

  Code

  WPD

  

  ReviewSign up

  

  United States is accepted

  • Bitcoins accepted

  Details
• 

  4.3

  #4

  4.3

  Ignition Casino

  Paiwangluo Poker Network

  

  Bonus

  150% up to $1,500

  

  Rakeback

  Not available

  ReviewSign up

  

  United States is accepted

  • Bitcoins accepted

  Details
• 

  4.3

  #5

  4.3

  Bovada

  Paiwangluo Poker Network

  

  Bonus

  100% up to $1,000

  

  Rakeback

  Not available

  ReviewSign up

  

  United States is accepted

  • Bitcoins accepted

  Details

How to play poker online in Texas: step-by-step guide

Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, consider the guide below on how to start playing online poker right away. 

1. Choose the platform that accepts players from Texas and visit its official website.
2. Pass the registration procedure and become an active user.
   
   
   
   
3. Follow the link to get the poker client and install it on your device.
4. Complete the ID verification to access a withdrawal option. It is better to do it even before making the first deposit.
5. Make a deposit and start playing.

Important! It is crucial to play wisely, with careful bankroll management and regular self-testing. Do not neglect to ask for help if you suspect the first signs of gambling addiction.

Real money online poker in Texas

Online poker in Texas operates in a unique legal environment compared to states like Nevada or New Jersey, where this game is regulated. Current realities, for example, the opposition to online gambling as a whole on the side of influential figures (Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and others), almost all bills to legalize poker have failed in the last sessions. Therefore, the option of playing at native poker sites for real money is fairly blurred. 

Of course, Texans can play this game online on offshore sites. Even though there are poker enthusiasts who have doubts about such poker platforms (as they are not under the control of US authorities), they are still a legitimate way to play.

On our list, you can find only trusted sites that have been in the iGambling market for over 20 years. As for offshore alternatives, Texans may try to play in other states or join sweepstakes poker sites.

Is online poker legal in Texas?

Currently, online poker is illegal in Texas due to the norms within Texas Penal Code §47.01(1). This section of the law describes gambling as an activity where people can bet on the partial (final) outcome of a game, the performance of a game participant, or a competition. Even though the law does not explicitly state "online poker", section §47.02 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits any gambling activity. 

The only exception is social gambling in a private place where a house does not take a cut (rake). If you want to try a legal alternative, then you may switch to sweepstakes poker. This is a unique form of online poker where players do not wager real money directly. 

Sweepstakes poker sites use two types of virtual currencies: Gold Coins, which players use to start playing and which have no cash value, and Sweeps Coins, which players can get via promos or gameplay and exchange for real cash. Unlike online gambling, sweepstakes poker does not require players to make real purchases to enter the game. Thus, it bypasses traditional restrictions and offers a risk-free environment for poker fans.

Sweepstakes poker in Texas

Sweepstakes poker rooms are a perfect alternative for Texans to compete for real money prizes. Poker enthusiasts use GC (Golden Coins) to play for funds and polish their skills. Further, they can get SC (Sweep Coins) as a bonus or for mall-in entries, which are already redeemable for cash prizes. When playing, SC operates as real money.

It is restricted to purchasing Sweep Coins directly! Such sites are subject to sweepstakes laws, which allow a business to launch games if potential customers do not have to buy anything to participate or win. What's more, poker is considered a game of skill (unlike slots, for example), which is also allowed under Texas gambling laws.

Currently, there are a few sweepstakes platforms in Texas: Global Poker, ClubGG, Stake.US. They all operate similarly, using virtual currency to place bets.

Will Texas regulate online poker?

As of early 2025, online poker remains illegal in Texas. Given some of the nation's strictest regulatory standards, it's unlikely that the situation will change in the near future. Numerous attempts to change the situation regarding poker, sports betting, and gambling in general failed in 2024.

Payment methods for TX poker players

Modern Texas online poker rooms offer a wide range of banking options for deposits and withdrawal winnings. If you are only considering signing up on the platform, it is recommended that you check the supported financial gateways carefully. They may vary significantly between poker sites. At the same time, due to the peculiarities of their regulation, the majority of sites accept multiple cryptocurrencies:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• USD Coin (USDC)
• Stablecoins: USDT
• Litecoin (LTC)
• DOGE and others

In some poker rooms, crypto is the only option available.

Live poker and private card clubs in Texas

If you decide to play poker in land-based venues, then you also face the same regulatory restrictions. In some ways, it's even more complicated compared to online poker. On the other hand, offline poker is definitely worth spending time on getting to know how tribal casinos work or what poker rooms are. The authentic atmosphere, socialization elements, and other perks can perfectly complement your gaming experience.

When it comes to offline poker in Texas, you should know about the differences between available options. Here, there are private poker games, poker rooms, and tribal casinos.

To sum up, the legal form of offline poker requires you to join private poker clubs and obtain a membership, travel to tribal lands, or join private games with friends. As for the illegal aspects of offline gambling, the main one is the fact of taking a cut (rake) by a house. Also, any public games running without a proper license are banned as well.

Texas's poker and gambling history

Texas is considered the birthplace of one of the most popular variations, Hold’em (NLH). In the 1900s, poker appeared in Robstown’s clubs and quickly spread among local gamblers. However, its peak popularity was in 1967, when poker conquered the gambling Olymp in Las Vegas. Before that, there was the unprecedented development of illegal poker in the early 20th century, where Galveston became the center of all illegal poker rooms and gained the title of "Sin City of the Gulf".

In the 1950s, the state carried out a large-scale campaign to suppress illegal gambling activity. The next step in regulating the industry was the expansion of the Texas Penal Code, which strictly prohibited poker in particular. Subsequently, relaxation measures were introduced for gambling. Thus, the first legal lottery appeared in Texas (1991). Its main aim was to collect money and finance the government's education program. A few years later, casinos appeared on tribal lands.

The first such venue was Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino (launched in 1996). Currently, only a few similar places are available in Texas. Among them, poker enthusiasts highly appreciate Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and Naskila Gaming. Currently, the industry faces a quick development of private poker rooms, which are still in the gray legal area. However, their numbers continue to grow, including in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

Famous poker players from Texas

Texas is the birthplace of the most famous US player and poker legend, Doyle Brunson. He was born in the small town of Longworth in 1933. Doyle planned to make a career in basketball, but an early injury changed his whole life.

To make a living, Brunson traveled across America in the middle of the last century in search of a good underground game. He eventually settled in Las Vegas, where he became one of the founders of classic live poker.

Key achievements of Doyle Brunson

• He was the first person to win a million dollars at poker. Won a total of $6,176,736 in live tournament earnings.
• Won 10 WSOP bracelets.
• In 1976-77, won the ME WSOP with the same hand (T2) that came to be known as the "Brunson Hand".
• For decades, he has been a regular participant in a large number of expensive cash games and poker shows in the United States.
• The author of the book "Supersystem", which has become a table book for a whole generation of poker players.
• Member of the Poker Hall of Fame.

He passed away on 15 March 2023 at the age of 89.

The most successful Texas tournament player with over $20 million in career earnings is Benjamin Tollerene.

Benjamin's main poker specialty has always been high-stakes Omaha. His duel with Victor "Isildur1" Blom at Full Tilt Poker's $500/$1,000 PLO tables made him a worldwide famous player.

Conclusion

Having fun playing online poker for real money is a real challenge for Texans because of serious regulations. However, gamblers can always choose offshore poker rooms as well as sweepstakes sites to get cash prizes. At the same time, make sure you have crypto assets, as many such sites accept exclusively virtual currency. Those who prefer to play live can try their luck in private games, join offline poker rooms, or travel to tribal casinos.

Responsible Gambling

Poker players should carefully manage the budget and time they are ready to spend (without negative consequences), never chase losses and regularly pass the self-diagnosis test. Please check more details on Texas Gamblers Anonymous and learn how to get only fun and joy playing our favorite game.

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