Although the most popular poker variation is named after it, regulated online poker is currently not available in Texas, and this is unlikely to change in the near future.
That said, Texans can still enjoy online poker by playing on offshore sites that still accept players from the US or by signing up for sweepstakes poker rooms, which allow you to compete for and win real money prizes.
Big welcome bonus
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Free SC every day
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Super-soft games
5% instant rakeback
Quality web-based software
Great casino offer When it comes to offshore sites, our top recommendation is CoinPoker. In terms of sweepstakes options, there are a few decent ones, with ClubWPT Gold and Stake US poker leading the way.
If you’ve landed on this page looking to learn how you can play online poker in Texas and how to pick the best options, keep on reading, as we answer these and many more questions regarding safety, payments, and relevant laws.
Can I Play Online Poker in Texas?
Yes, you can play online poker in Texas. The Lone Star State doesn’t have regulated poker sites at this moment in time, but players can still access some offshore operators and/or play on sweepstakes poker sites that offer the ability to compete for and win real cash prizes.
| Available options | Sweepstakes poker & offshore poker rooms |
| State-regulated poker sites | Not available |
| Age limit for Texas online poker | 18+ |
| Best TX poker site | CoinPoker |
Best Online Poker Sites in Texas
As explained already, Texas has yet to pass a law regulating online poker and other forms of online gambling. As a result, players don’t have access to sites like PokerStars or WSOP.com, which operate in regulated US markets such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Without state-regulated options, individuals in Texas who wish to play online poker can choose between real-money offshore sites and sweepstakes poker sites. Both options have their pros and cons, depending on your experience level and what exactly you’re looking for.
#1. CoinPoker – Best for Seasoned Grinders
CoinPoker is one of the newest sites to join the online poker market, catering to players from all over the world and happily accepting users from the United States, Texas included.
While there are other offshore options available, we recommend CoinPoker as the top choice for Texas poker players due to its soft games, diverse stakes, and quick and secure transactions.
The only caveat is that the room only accepts cryptocurrency payments, so you won’t be able to deposit or withdraw using options like credit or debit cards. On the flip side, the operator supports all major cryptos, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, so you’ll be able to have your pick.
#2 ClubWPT Gold – Best for Quick & Easy Access
If you’re eager to take action without complications, ClubWPT Gold may be your top option. This is one of the newest sweepstakes poker sites, backed by one of the largest and most reputable brands in the poker industry – the World Poker Tour.
ClubWPT Gold has many things going for it. Since this is a sweepstakes room, you’ll be able to use your credit and debit cards to make purchases and claim free Sweeps Coins (SC) without any complications.
Prior to the launch, the operator ran a massive marketing campaign, attracting players in droves and creating a very healthy and extremely soft ecosystem.
On the other hand, the software is fairly basic, lacking advanced features. At the time of writing, players can only play one table at a time, which somewhat diminishes its appeal for serious grinders.
#3. Stakes US – Best Secret Alternative
Unlike most other sweepstakes sites, Stake US Poker has stayed under the radar, with many players not even aware of its existence. The operator is more focused on other forms of gambling, but it also offers a decent online poker platform, with games often populated by casino players and sports bettors.
Although it operates on a sweepstakes model, Stake US only accepts payments in cryptocurrencies, which may be a reason why the site hasn’t gained wider popularity as a Texas online poker option.
If you’re willing to deal with this minor inconvenience, though, Stake US is an excellent secret alternative, offering a lot of action and very soft games.
Free Poker vs Real-Money Games
Texas online poker players have a choice between traditional, real-money games offered by offshore operators and free games powered by sweepstakes poker sites.
Despite the nomenclature, both options are very similar when viewed from the bottom line. While real-money sites feature a familiar model with cash deposits and withdrawals, sweepstakes operators and an extra couple of steps (explained in more detail below), but players can win real cash on both types of platforms.
Offshore sites are more straightforward, as they utilize the process that most poker players are familiar with in the banking department. However, the supported payment options don’t always work, and transactions are sometimes declined.
Sweepstakes poker rooms have an extra layer, where games are happening in Sweeps Coins (which can’t be purchased directly). This model may seem a bit confusing, but it allows these sites to operate in the US without any legal issues and without transactions to and from these sites being declined.
Free Poker vs. Real-Money Poker Comparison
| Free Poker in Texas | Real-Money Poker Games |
| Real money isn’t kept on the site | Keep your real money balance in your cashier |
| Real money prizes available via redemption | Cash out straight back to your wallet |
| Softer games due to easier access | Better promotions & rakeback deals |
Sweepstakes Model Explained
When it comes to sweepstakes poker sites in Texas, these are currently free to offer their services to the players without any legal obstacles.
This is possible due to the underlying business model these operators utilize. Players can’t make deposits or traditional withdrawals, and they can’t keep any actual money on the site.
Instead, you are given the option to purchase Gold Coins, a play money currency that can only be used to play with (think Zynga Poker). For these purchases, you will receive a certain number of free, complimentary Sweeps Coins.
You can use these coins to join other types of games that play out in Sweeps Coins (both ring games and tournaments) to increase your balance. At any point, you can choose to exchange some or all of your SCs for cash prizes, usually at the rate of 1 SC for $1.
This is a legal loophole that makes it possible for sweepstakes poker sites to operate without breaking any regulations, as there is no real-money play happening at any point.
Regulation Landscape in Texas
The bad news for all fans of online poker in Texas is that there have been no significant developments to introduce legislation that would allow for the launch of state-regulated poker sites.
At this time, Texas remains largely anti-gambling. Local players have seen the number of options for live games increase with the opening of privately owned poker clubs. These clubs don’t charge the rake but use the membership model instead, which, as it stands, is a gray area.
All this doesn’t bode well for online poker regulation, and, unless we see some sudden and completely unexpected changes, Texans will have to wait at least a few years for state-regulated poker rooms.
The good news is that Texas hasn’t made any significant moves against sweepstakes poker sites at this time (unlike several other US states), so players still have access to a fair number of options.