Online Austin Poker Rooms in TX
Learn about the legality of online poker in Austin, Texas, and find out how to play Hold’em, Omaha, and other games on top-rated poker websites and apps.
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
Texas has not legalized online poker. As a matter of fact, not a single popular form of online gambling is legal in Texas, including sports betting, horse racing, and casino games.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.
My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:- 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.
Displayed 3 of 8 rooms
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:
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
Here are some of the major benefits of choosing one of the offshore poker sites from our list:- 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.
Name | Address | Number of tables | Cash games | Tournaments |
The Lodge Poker Club | 1401 S IH 35 Frontage Rd Ste 130, Round Rock, TX 78664 | 82 | Yes | Yes |
52 Social Club | 2400 S Interstate 35 Frontage Rd., Suite 160, Round Rock, TX 78681 | 26 | Yes | Yes |
Lucky Card Club | 12233 N FM 620 #301, Austin, TX 78750 | 14 | Yes | Yes |
Texas Card House Austin | 13376 N Hwy 183, Suite 605, Austin, TX 78750 | 13 | Yes | Yes |
Shuffle 512 | 6501 S Congress Ave #1-104, Austin, TX 78745 | 12 | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Austin?
Online poker is not officially legal, but no specific laws say that you’re not allowed to play on offshore poker sites.
How to register with an Austin poker site?
To sign up, choose a poker site from our list, go to its website, and fill out the form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and more.
What are the deposit options on Austin poker sites?
Deposit options usually include credit cards, e-wallets, online banking, and cryptocurrencies.
How long does it take to withdraw on a poker site in Austin?
Withdrawals may take several days to complete. A poker site usually takes several hours to a couple of days to review and accept your withdrawal requests, and any additional waiting time depends on the chosen withdrawal method.
Do Austin poker sites offer bonuses?
Yes, top-rated offshore poker sites accepting players from Austin, Texas, feature welcome bonuses and a set of regular promotions.
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