In Texas, sports fans are stuck in a weird spot. Betting is everywhere. It’s on your phone. On the TV during games. It’s legal in more than 30 states. But not in Texas. There are no legal, state-regulated sportsbooks. Still, people want to place bets, so they find a way. And for most, that way ends up being Texas offshore betting sites. Are offshore sportsbooks the only option in Texas for those looking to place sports bets due to the state’s restrictive gambling laws?
Offshore sportsbooks operate outside U.S. jurisdiction. They aren’t regulated by Texas law or any U.S. state law. But they’re available online, and they’ve been around for decades. That makes them an easy go-to for bettors who live in states like Texas, where legal options are zero. But Bovada? MyBookie? BetOnline? Those are still reachable from your phone or laptop.
The demand in Texas is huge. The state has multiple pro teams in every major league. College football is practically a religion. The betting market is alive and well—it’s just not regulated within the state. That means Texans are either betting underground, with friends or bookies, or going online to offshore sites. The safest of those options, from a user experience standpoint, are the bigger offshore platforms.
But are offshore sportsbooks really the only choice Texans have? That depends on how you define “choice.”
Legal Vacuum, Workarounds Everywhere
In Texas, there are no sports betting markets…yet. Despite ongoing debates, proposals, and arguments, the legislation has yet to approve a bill, stating that there will be no sportsbooks available in Texas anytime in the foreseeable future.
Currently, Texan bettors not seem to have any sports betting market options. Although unofficial markets labeled as “social fantasy sports” do exist, they are still outside of the realm of regulation. However, if you are looking to place a live bet on sports, your best bet is to head online with the unofficial Taiwan-based betting websites.
While these overseas betting platforms might seem like they materialized overnight, the system isn’t as straightforward as it appears. If you are in Texas, you are safe from criminal repercussions associated with online betting, but legally speaking, you are operating in a harmful gray region without the protection of U.S. consumer laws, meaning there is no guarantee for secure payouts, leaving the customer completely unguarded.
Regardless, these unofficial databases that require no proof of ease are still preferred over American substantiated domains. These foreign sites come without multi-national ID verification systems and geolocation restrictions, which makes them accessible.
The Rise of Proxy Betting and Travel Loopholes
Some Texans who live near state lines simply drive to Louisiana or Arkansas, where sports betting is legal. Apps in those states work as long as you’re physically located there. Others use proxy bettors: friends or contacts in legal states who place bets on their behalf.
This isn’t unique to Texas. In other restrictive states like Utah, Alabama, or South Carolina, bettors use similar workarounds. Travel. VPNs. Friends. But those aren’t convenient. And they’re not scalable. If you’re someone who wants to place bets frequently, offshore sportsbooks still offer the easiest way.
Some people also try to use VPNs to trick regulated apps into thinking they’re in legal states. That sounds clever, but it’s a fast way to get your account shut down. Licensed sportsbooks in the U.S. have advanced detection tools. Most won’t even let you sign up if your identity doesn’t match your geolocation.
That brings people back to offshore options. The barrier to entry is lower. No identity verification beyond email and crypto wallet. You can deposit funds in crypto or credit card. And you’re betting in minutes.
Offshore Sportsbooks Using Mobile
One of the reasons offshore sites continue to thrive in places like Texas is mobile accessibility. Offshore sportsbooks using mobile browsers or dedicated apps bypass app store restrictions. They’re usually accessed via direct download links or mobile-optimized web platforms. The experience isn’t always as slick as DraftKings or Caesars, but it works. You can live bet, track games, and cash out—all from your phone.
People are used to mobile-first experiences. If an offshore site can deliver that, users stay. That’s why mobile has become a central part of offshore betting’s staying power.
Payment Methods Make It Easier
The growth of crypto has also made offshore sportsbooks more appealing. Many now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. This adds a layer of anonymity and makes deposits and withdrawals faster. Traditional banking methods can still be used on some sites, but crypto is quickly becoming the standard.
And crypto appeals to people in restrictive states. Banks in Texas aren’t going to allow transfers to a sportsbook. But crypto wallets don’t care. That level of flexibility makes offshore sites stand out even more
Risk vs. Convenience
Offshore betting indeed comes with its own set of risks, just like those associated with account suspensions and payout delays. The bottom line is that you’re not dealing with any US-based companies.
In exchange for the ‘ease of access,’ web users seem to be able to overlook the risks associated with their offshore accounts on the condition that there is no government-issued ID enabling geoblocking. And, quite frankly, that ease comes without having to deal with any waiting periods, which is the tradeoff many Texans seem to be willing to accept.
Users do enjoy a certain level of trust, regardless of whether it isn’t backed by law. Though not devoid of problems, these websites provide an encouraging option somewhere between the limited choices people have onshore and abridged borders offshore.
Are There Alternatives?
Besides crossing state lines or using a proxy, there are very few real alternatives. Social sportsbooks are growing, like Fliff, which let users bet with virtual currency. But these aren’t real-money options. And for hardcore bettors, they’re not appealing.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is legal in Texas, depending on interpretation, and operators like DraftKings and FanDuel still offer contests. But again, that’s not the same as straight sports betting.
Some tech-savvy users explore decentralized betting platforms using blockchain technology. But those are niche and not user-friendly. For the average person, they’re just not practical.
So yes, offshore sportsbooks are, practically speaking, the only real option for many Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Offshore Sportsbooks Legal in the U.S.?
A: No. They operate outside U.S. jurisdiction. It’s not illegal to use them in most states, but they’re not regulated.
Q: Can I Bet Online in Texas Without Going Offshore?
A: Not on traditional sports bets. DFS and social betting are options, but not the same as full sportsbooks.
Q: Do Offshore Sportsbooks Pay Out?
A: Most of the well-known ones do, but there’s no guarantee. That’s why choosing a reputable site matters.
Q: Is It Safe to Use Crypto for Offshore Betting?
A: Crypto is fast and often secure, but it has no recourse if something goes wrong. Use with caution.
Q: Why Texans Still Use Offshore Sportsbooks?
A: Because Texas offshore sportsbooks are easy to access, mobile-friendly, and don’t require users to be in a legal state. Convenience outweighs legal clarity for many.
Where the Line Gets Drawn
If you live in Texas and want to bet on sports, your choices are limited. Really limited. Offshore sportsbooks are still the most used workaround, and for good reason: they work. They’re not legal, they’re not regulated in the U.S., but they deliver what people want. Until Texas laws change—if they ever do—that’s the reality.
