Source: pexels.com

Do you live in Texas or intend to move into the state, and are you stranded about the status of the online casino industry? Worry no more. In this article, we look at various aspects of this sector that can help you get ahead.

You, of course, can tell that the online casino industry is one of those most contested sectors, not just in Texas but across the whole world. Even though we have some tribal casinos, the state still maintains a tough stance when it comes to online gambling. But that does not mean that you can’t access every form of online gambling. And if you want to discover those you can access, keep reading.

Tribal casinos in Texas
Who does not love the convenience that comes with online casino gaming? You don’t need to visit any physical location or worry about playing at specific times – online platforms now allow you to participate at your own convenience. But to access such experiences in Texas without facing persecution, you may have to gamble in offshore online casino platforms. Texas also seems to be very strict when it comes to real-money gambling.

Otherwise, the state has about three tribal casinos in three federally recognized tribes, including:

• Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
• The Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
• The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe (though the last two have been faced with major legal challenges in the past)

Thanks to the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, these tribes are now able to run physical gambling venues. Mostly, you will find games like video poker machines, bingo-like slots and private poker rooms. To play, you must be at least 21 years old.

Forms of gambling allowed
As we already know, online casino gambling for real money is still illegal in Texas, but you will not lack alternatives. For example, the Texas Lottery has been around for several years now since the early 1990s. Players will find drawing games like Mega Millions and scratch-off cards.

Bingo is also another option that you will not miss. However, an organization operating these games must have a license from the Charitable Bingo Operations Divisions of the Texas Lottery Commission. Sessions cannot exceed three per week, with each game costing about $750.

For Raffles fans, there is something for you. Every year, qualified organizations are allowed to conduct up to two raffles with non-cash prizes. And for those who love Parimutuel wagering, you can now find it at horse and greyhound tracks.

More options for you
Casino Cruise
Do you know that you can actually enjoy spinning some wheels while you enjoy some amazing sights on the water as you cruise over from Galveston, Texas? There are a variety of games, including the latest slot games, 3-card poker, roulette and so much more.

But the earlier years were quite tough. Other states welcomed the casino cruise industry as early as the 1980s, but Texas delayed a little bit because of the regulations that stopped the docking of ships with gambling content.

On top of regulatory challenges, this industry also faced financial hurdles. If you can, perhaps remember the Europa Jet of the late 20th century – it left for Mississippi because of financial challenges. Two other boats, the Pride of Mississippi and the Sea Palace, closed around the same time after facing legal challenges. Just after these failures, casino cruises would return to Galveston in late 1993, with the Star of Texas offering almost half of its space to casinos.

By the way, have you ever heard about the Carnival Cruise Line’s Slot Tournament? Just last year (2023), more than 1691 guests confirmed to finish the Carnival Celebration. For 2024, two events were scheduled to happen:

• One in May, on Carnival Jubilee, departing Galveston
• The other in November, on Mardi Gas, departing Port Canaveral

What does the future hold?
For a long time now, Texas has maintained a strict stand against gambling and projecting what things might be like in the future might be a bit difficult. But, of course, year after year, we have continued to witness renewed momentum to push for legalization. A more recent case is when several lawmakers introduced proposals to approve casino resorts in designated areas and sports betting during the 88th Legislative Session of 2023. A good chunk of these proposals, however, failed.

And then, something interesting happened towards the end of last year. Mark Cuban sold a major part of his shares in the Dallas Mavericks. Well, some experts believe this could actually put pressure on lawmakers to support the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling.

Final thoughts
The issue of gambling in Texas is quite a challenge because the odds are stacked against the sector. But who knows? Maybe the winds of change could blow in the next few years, and more online casino operators could look to the region.

At the same time, despite numerous restrictions imposed on gambling activities in Texas, people can still access services such as the lottery or tribal casinos owned by federally recognized tribes. In looking to the future, however, things still appear rather vague – so you may wish to maintain some patience and observation to see what may happen.