Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Gambling in Texas

Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling. Section 47.02 of the Texas Penal Code states someone commits an offense if they:

make a bet on the partial or final result of a game or contest or on the performance of a participant in a game or contest;
make a bet on the result of any political nomination, appointment, or election or on the degree of success of any nominee, appointee, or candidate; or
play and bet for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.

There are some exceptions to the law, like the state lottery and certain types of animal racing. The law also provides for some affirmative defenses to prosecution.

Note If you suspect someone is running an illegal gambling operation, contact the county sheriff's office where this is occurred to report it.

Texas Laws

Article 3, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution
This section of the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to pass laws prohibiting "lotteries and gift enterprises”, providing exceptions for charitable bingo, state lotteries and charitable raffles.
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 47
State law that describes criminal offenses related to gambling.
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2001
State law that governs bingo games, organizations authorized to conduct bingo games, and licensing requirements. This law is also referred to as the "Bingo Enabling Act".
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2153
State law that regulates certain types of coin-operated machines.

Texas Attorney General Opinions

Attorney General Opinions on Gambling
An index of Attorney General opinions on "amusements", which contains topics that include gambling.

Federal Laws

Chapter 53, Subchapter IV in Title 31 of the U.S. Code
Federal law regulating online gambling. Also referred to as the Federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

Understanding the Law

Bingo, Raffles, Gaming Rooms and Other Gambling Issues Under Texas Law
Created by the Texas Association of Counties, this publication addresses certain exceptions to the general prohibition against gambling including game rooms, eight-liners, bingo and fantasy sports. It also discusses Texas counties' authority to regulate businesses that offer these services.
Texas' gambling rules explained: You can play bingo or the lottery, but no sports betting
A 2018 news article from the Texas Tribune discussing Texas' gambling laws.

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.