Online Austin Poker Rooms in TX

It would be reasonable to assume that the state whose name is associated with today’s most popular variant of poker would have somewhat lenient poker laws, but that simply isn’t the case.

People have been playing poker in Texas and its capital city of Austin since the 19th century, but the laws have become more stringent in modern times. Namely, organized poker games (where someone collects a rake) are illegal both online and in land-based establishments.

So, is there any way to play real-money poker in Austin? Let’s find out.

Best Online Poker Sites in Austin, Texas

Be that as it may, people from Austin and other parts of the state have found a way to enjoy poker over the internet. Offshore poker sites that don’t operate from within the state usually accept Texas players, allowing them to create an account and play poker games for real money.

Now, offshore sites are not always the safest option, which is why you must be careful when choosing them. Saving you the time and trouble of going through poker sites one by one in search of a legit one, we’ve created a list of the best and most trusted poker sites and apps for players in Austin. Feel free to give them a try.

• 100% Legal & Licensed
• Verified Bonus
• Mobile Friendly
• Advertiser Disclosure
  Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

• Must be 18+ to participate.

# 1  Poker Site

5

5.0 / 5.0

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• 100% First deposit bonus
• Top 3 in US player traffic
• Great selection of games
• Banking through cryptocurrencies

Payout speed 1-3 days

Deposit options

+10

Exclusive bonus

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

# 2

5

5.0 / 5.0

100% upto $3000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• Increased Poker Crypto Bonus $1500
• Exclusively for US players
• Many Payment Options
• Rich Player Traffic

Payout speed 1-3 days

Deposit options

+4

Exclusive bonus

100% upto $3000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

# 3

4

4.0 / 5.0

200% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• Recreational Player Traffic
• Get a 200% Match on Your Initial Deposit
• Wide Tournament Selection
• High-Quality Games

Payout speed 1 - 5 days

Deposit options

+9

Exclusive bonus

200% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

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Is Online Poker Legal in Austin?

The laws regarding online poker are the same across Texas, regardless of whether you’re in Austin or anywhere else in the state.

In short, online poker is illegal. However, while the state of Texas does not expressly permit the use of online gambling sites, it also does not explicitly forbid it. This puts online poker in a so-called gray area, which means it is neither legal nor illegal. This is why Texans can join offshore poker sites and not fear legal consequences. Furthermore, there have been no reports of a person from Austin being arrested for playing poker online.

While Texas is not a poker-friendly state, attempts to legalize the game have been made in the past. The Poker Gaming Act of 2013 (HB 292), the Social Poker Gaming Act of 2013 (HB 2098), and HB 3529, which pertain to online poker regulation, have all had their turn in separate legislative sessions but haven’t been accepted.

Austin, AZ Poker Laws

Here are the relevant legal documents relating to the status of online poker in Austin, Texas:

• 2006 UIGEA
• Texas Penal Code, Title 10, Chapter 47: Gambling

How to Choose the Best Online Poker Room in Austin

The growing number of offshore poker platforms accepting Texas players can make it challenging to find the right one. Of course, there is more than one good online poker room, and if you wish to stay safe and have the best poker-playing experience, you must consider various factors. Here are a few things to look into before making your decision.

Licensing and Safety

No online poker room is licensed in Texas, but you should still consider whether they are licensed in their respective jurisdictions. Furthermore, check the platform’s security policies to see how it collects and protects your data.

Game and Tournament Selection

Not all poker sites feature the same selection of games and tournaments. If you like playing No Limit Hold’em or Omaha, you’ll be happy to know these are offered at pretty much every poker site, but if you wish to play some more exotic formats, you’ll have to dig a little deeper. Go over the available game and tournament formats, limits, and buy-in ranges to see if everything fits your preferences.

Rake Levels and Player Traffic

A rake is a percentage of the money a poker platform takes for organizing games. The rate can vary from one site to another, and you should always look for a site that charges the smallest amount. A good poker platform should also have optimal player traffic, ensuring healthy competition and non-stop action.

Welcome Bonus and Other Promos

Don’t allow yourself to get suckered in and pick an online poker room based solely on its shiny welcome bonus. Of course, you shouldn’t disregard the welcome offer completely. Always look at the bonus terms to understand how it works and how to unlock it. Additionally, look into the platform’s range of promotions and see whether they feature a loyalty program or other means of rewarding long-term customers.

Banking

A poker site’s banking options are another crucial aspect to consider. You’ll want to have your money safely transferred to and from your account, all the while enjoying a variety of payment options, optimal limits and payout frequency, quick transaction times, and small or non-existent fees. Note that some banks in the US block payments from offshore gambling sites, so consider using alternative options like e-wallets and cryptos.

Mobile Compatibility

A modern online poker operator needs to allow players multiple options for playing its range of games and tournaments. These options include downloading the poker client, playing directly on the website via a desktop or mobile browser, and featuring a free downloadable mobile poker app.

Customer Care

Ideally, you would wish never to have to contact customer service, but you’ll likely run into minor issues or have some technical questions from time to time, regardless of how good a given poker platform is. For these issues to be dealt with quickly, a poker room’s customer service should be available around the clock via live chat, email, phone, or other means of communication.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Austin, Texas

• You can play poker at home or on the go at any time of the day or night.
• The range of limits and buy-ins is vast, accommodating players of all bankroll sizes.
• Top poker sites feature bonuses and promotions, which you’ll not find in land-based poker rooms.
• Playing poker on offshore sites costs far less than traveling to a state with legal land-based poker rooms.
• You can create an account on more than one online poker platform.

Famous Poker Players from Austin, TX

Despite rigid poker laws, Texas has produced some of the best players in the US. Here are a few of the top pros born in or based in Austin:

• Doug Polk — Third on the all-time Texas money list with close to $10 million in total live earnings.
• Keith Tilston — Winner of the $100,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Event in 2019, where he earned nearly $2.8 million.
• Adam Geyer — Collected over $3.2 million in career earnings, his highest single win being $752,800.

Best Land-Based Poker Rooms in Austin, TX

Here is a table with notable card rooms that offer poker in and around Austin.

FAQ

Adrian Sterne

Editor

  Contact Me

Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.