Texas has very strict gambling laws, with commercial gambling essentially prohibited outside of tribal lands and horse racing. Despite a large, active poker community and home to the Texas Hold'em variant, online poker is not regulated and the political environment has been hostile to expansion.
Key Facts
Texas has two federally recognized tribal casinos (Speaking Rock and Naskila)
Charity poker events operate in a legal gray area under social gambling provisions
No commercial casinos, sports betting, or online poker are licensed
The Texas Hold'em poker variant originated in the state (Robstown, TX)
Gambling expansion faces significant opposition in the Texas legislature