No, you cannot engage in traditional sports betting with FanDuel in Texas. However, some related offerings (like daily fantasy sports) occupy a more ambiguous space. It’s important to know exactly what is allowed, what isn’t, and where the law may be headed.
What the Law in Texas Says
- Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 47, making a bet on the result of a game or contest is illegal in Texas unless specifically authorized.
- For both retail and online sports betting platforms (such as FanDuel’s sportsbook), Texas has not legalized them
- On FanDuel’s own website, their Terms of Use state they make no representation that paid-entry fantasy sports contests are legal in Texas
What You Can and Cannot Do with FanDuel in Texas
What you cannot do:
- You cannot use FanDuel’s sportsbook services (wagering on sports events) in Texas because such sports betting is not legalized.
- You cannot rely on Texas law to protect traditional gambling activities via FanDuel.
What may be permitted / ambiguous:
- FanDuel offers daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests in many states. In Texas, DFS is widely used, though it remains in a legal grey zone rather than being fully regulated under state law.
- Prediction-market style platforms (betting on outcomes, not simply sports) are beginning to operate via federal regulation, but their legal status in Texas remains unsettled.
Why Sports Betting With FanDuel Is Illegal in Texas
- The Texas Legislature has not passed the constitutional amendment or legislation needed to authorize and regulate sports betting
- Prominent officials, including the Lt. Governor, have blocked bills advancing sports betting.
- Because sports wagering remains unauthorized, any platform operating as a sportsbook in Texas would be providing an illegal gambling service under state law.
Legal Developments & What to Watch For
- In 2025, lawmakers considered proposals to legalize sports betting, including bills that could permit online and retail wagering.
- Regardless of political support, legalizing sports betting would require a state constitutional amendment and bingo-style voter approval in Texas — a high hurdle.
- Until a law passes, any online sportsbook (including FanDuel) is prohibited from legally soliciting Texans for sports betting.
What Texans Should Do If They’re Considering FanDuel
- Do not use FanDuel (or any sportsbook) to place sports wagers in Texas — doing so could expose you to illegal-gambling liability.
- If you want to participate in FanDuel’s non-sports contests (like certain DFS or prediction-type offerings), check the specific terms and disclaimers for Texas — the operator explicitly notes uncertainty regarding their legality in your state.
- Stay updated: If Texas legalizes sports betting, that may change. But until then, assume sportsbook use is not legal.
- Always check whether a specific contest is labeled “sportsbook,” “DFS,” or “prediction market” — legality may differ based on format.
Final Take
In Texas today, FanDuel’s sportsbook offering is not legal because sports betting is not yet authorized under state law. If you attempt to place classic sports bets through FanDuel in Texas, you’re operating in a legality gap. Some related activities (like DFS) may be accessible, but even those have legal ambiguity in the state. If you’re thinking of using FanDuel, be aware: only once Texas passes and implements a regulating law will sportsbook wagering be clearly legal here.
