If you want the quick answer: It depends — yes, but only in specific formats, not as a full-blown sportsbook. While Texas continues to prohibit regulated sports betting statewide, Betr’s “Picks” product (a daily fantasy-style/pick-’em format) is operational in Texas, meaning you can play certain games with money. What you cannot do legally is place a traditional sportsbook wager under Texas law. Let’s break down what that means, how the law in Texas treats these platforms, what Betr offers, and what Texans should know.
What Texas Law Actually Says
Sports Betting Still Illegal
Texas has not legalized online or mobile sports betting as of 2025. According to the Texas State Law Library, Texas law still prohibits most sports wagering. The Texas Penal Code § 47.01 et seq. treats making a bet on the result of a game or contest for money as illegal gambling unless specifically authorized.
Daily Fantasy & Pick-Em Format Looser
At the same time, Texas has allowed (implicitly) certain daily fantasy sports (DFS) and pick-em style games to operate in a legal gray area. Legal Sports Report notes Texans can use DFS platforms, although the state has not passed a clear licensure framework for them.
What Betr Offers & Its Status in Texas
Betr is a newer gaming brand offering several products: “Picks” (pick-em contests where you select player stats or outcomes), arcade/gaming modes, and a sportsbook component (in states where sports betting is legal).
Their help-page confirms that Betr Picks is available in Texas among other states.
So: Texans can legally play Betr Picks contests under the current legal landscape, because these types of games have not been prohibited. They are not the same as traditional “betting on the outcome of a game” under Texas gambling law.
Important Nuances & What to Watch
Format Matters
If you play the pick-em format (selecting over/unders or prop-style player stats) it appears permitted in Texas. If you try to play the sportsbook or wager format (point spreads, moneylines, live betting) in Texas, that is still illegal because sports betting is unlicensed in Texas.
Company Terms & Eligibility
Betr’s terms show location verification is required and the app will check your state. For Texas, the eligible product is Betr Picks rather than sportsbook.
Legal Grey Area
Just because a platform is available doesn’t mean it’s fully regulated or risk-free. Texas has not passed a law authorizing DFS or pick-em games specifically, so while they operate, they do so under a less-certain legal basis.
Risk of Future Change
Since sports wagering remains illegal, any shift in legislation or enforcement could impact what formats are viewed as illegal. For now, Texans should treat pick-em contests with caution and avoid sportsbook-type wagers via unauthorized platforms.
Final Word
You can use Betr in Texas, but only certain formats (like the “Picks” pick-em contests) are legal under the current laws. No — you cannot use Betr as a full sportsbook in Texas, because sports betting remains unlicensed and illegal in the state. If you elect to use Betr, make sure you’re only entering the permitted contest types, and that you meet age and location requirements.
