Online gambling and sports betting are illegal in Texas, but the state allows fantasy sports on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings.
Need a Texas Sports Betting Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one were harmed by sports betting or lost over $10,000, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Our lawyers may be able to help you file a lawsuit if you (or your family member) was harmed by sports betting or fantasy sports apps.
We may be able to help you file a lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Between ages 18 and 30 years old
- Used any major sports betting or fantasy sports app (FanDuel, DraftKings, etc.)
- Lost at least $10,000+ using these apps
- Experienced or witnessed a loved one’s suicidal behavior or actions, emotional breakdown, family conflict, or loss of a loved one
The Explosive Growth of Sports Betting in America
Just a few years ago, it was illegal to bet on sports in most states. Today, it seems, sports betting has become normalized due to the rapid growth of mobile apps like FanDuel and DraftKings.
If you watch sports, no doubt you’ve seen advertisements for online gambling platforms, urging people to “put some skin in the game.” These ads come with few (if any) warnings about the potential risks.
Young People May Not Be Aware of the Risks
The rapid growth of online fantasy sports and sports betting has been fueled by young people using these apps on their smartphones.
Young people have been aggressively targeted by online sports betting platform. They are also especially vulnerable to the high-risk behaviors associated with compulsive gambling, such as:
- Significant financial losses
- Life-threatening mental health problems
- Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or actions
- Criminal behaviors like theft
- Bankruptcy and debt
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
No. Sports betting is illegal in Texas, and it is not likely to be legalized in Texas any time soon. Texas is one of the strictest states for gambling. The state of Texas has long history of restrictive gambling laws and conservative opposition to gambling.
Legalizing Sports Betting in Texas
The Texas Constitution makes it clear that gambling is illegal unless an exception is made by the legislature. Legal gambling in Texas would require a Constitutional amendment.
There have been several attempts to pass an amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize and regulate sports betting, including HJR 134 filed by State Rep. Sam Harless in February 2025. It the bill moves forward, Texas voters will still need to decide whether to allow sports betting.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Texas
There is one major exception. Texas law does not specifically address Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), which has been a legal “gray area” for years.
There is disagreement about whether fantasy sports is a legal game of skill or an illegal game of chance, and despite repeated efforts, lawmakers have failed to specifically legalize fantasy sports by defining it as a game of skill.
There is no clear definition, only a non-binding opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton calling fantasy sports illegal gambling. Despite his opinion, the state of Texas has not taken any significant enforcement action against online platforms offering fantasy sports.
FanDuel and DraftKings
FanDuel and DraftKings are open for business in Texas, allowing residents age 18 and older to legally participate in fantasy sports and pick’em-style contests, but not traditional sports betting (sportsbook).
What is Daily Fantasy Sports?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a game that allows users to create short-term fantasy teams for money. Users draft new teams of professional athletes for single-day or weekly contests, rather than an entire season. The fantasy team earns points based on those players’ real-world performance. At the end of the day or week, the user whose team earned the most points receives a cash payout from a prize-pot funded by entry fees.
Fantasy Sports and Problem Gambling
Playing fantasy sports can be a fun and healthy form of social interaction, but it can also be stressful. And some experts warn that playing daily games are more like gambling.
There are also studies showing an association between fantasy sports and problem gambling: “DFS players are characterized by high gambling frequency and problem severity and comorbid problems, notably suicidal ideation.”
How Can a Lawsuit Help?
If you or a loved one was harmed by FanDuel, DraftKings, another type of sports betting platform, or daily fantasy sports apps, our lawyers may be able to help you file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
Need a Sports Betting Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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