Best Texas Sweepstakes Casinos 2026

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What Texas law says – and how it affects you

We now know that sweepstakes online casinos only operate legally in Texas because they avoid triggering the state’s definition of gambling.
That definition – and the rules around promotions – are written into two parts of state law.

Here’s exactly what those laws say, and what they mean for you if you’re logging in from Texas.

🧱 Texas Penal Code — Chapter 47 (Gambling Law)

This is the section that makes traditional online casinos illegal in Texas. Every sweepstakes casino operating here has to work around this chapter.

The line that Texas uses to define illegal gambling

§ 47.01 – Defines illegal gambling as any activity involving a prize, chance, and payment.

This is the section that makes traditional online casinos illegal in Texas. Every sweepstakes casino operating here has to work around this chapter.

→ How it affects you: If a site ever removes its free-entry option (like mail-ins or daily SC rewards), it could cross into illegal territory. That puts the operator at risk, and your access may disappear without warning.

The law that could make playing a crime

§ 47.02 – Makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly place a bet in an illegal gambling setup.

→ How it affects you: Right now, social casinos avoid this because they don’t require payment. But if Texas decides a specific site does count as gambling, your gameplay could technically become a criminal offense. It hasn’t happened yet – but the statute gives the state the power to act.

Why some sweepstakes sites suddenly block Texans

§ 47.06 – Prohibits the use of gambling devices, including digital simulations.

→ How it affects you: If lawmakers or courts decide that the games on a sweepstakes site slot machines too closely – and count as gambling devices – that platform could be blocked in Texas. This section is often cited when sites suddenly geo-restrict users here.

📦 Texas Business & Commerce Code — Chapter 622 (Sweepstakes Law)

This doesn’t deal with gambling, but with how promotional sweepstakes (including sweepstakes casinos) have to operate.

Rules every sweepstakes site must show you

§§ 622.051–622.059 – Set rules for disclosing odds, prize values, eligibility, and how to enter.

→ How it affects you: If a site doesn’t post clear rules about how SC can be earned or redeemed, it’s violating this code. That could lead to consumer complaints or regulatory pressure, which might cause the platform to block Texas players, even if you’ve already deposited.

False prize claims are illegal in Texas

§ 622.052 – Prohibits misleading sweepstakes ads or fake prize claims.

→ How it affects you: If a site promises “guaranteed prizes” or hides conditions behind paywalls, it’s breaking this sweepstakes casino law. If enough complaints land, access from Texas could be restricted. The safest platforms show odds, list real cashout conditions, and honor advertised bonuses.

You can’t be forced into sweepstakes marketing

§ 622.057 – Protects Texans who opt out of sweepstakes mail or emails.

→ How it affects you: You’re not required to accept marketing to keep your account. If a sweepstakes casino platform ties SC access or login bonuses to receiving emails – and doesn’t let you opt out – they’re violating this rule. You have the right to claim entries without becoming a target for advertising.

Texas vs. neighboring states

Take a look at Texas compared to the states right next to it.

Best sweepstakes casinos in Oklahoma

Best sweepstakes casinos in Louisiana

Best sweepstakes casinos in Arkansas

FAQs for Texas sweepstakes casino players

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Texas?

Absolutely. You can continue to use sweepstakes casinos in Texas as long as they also have a no-purchase entry option, such as daily login bonuses or mail-in entry. This structure avoids the “consideration” element in Texas Penal Code § 47.01, which is why gambling is illegal.

Can I get in trouble simply for playing sweepstakes casinos in Texas?

Not at this time. The law targets unlicensed operators, not individual players, as long as a no-purchase entry method is available. But once SB 517 goes into effect, the law will no longer protect players. If the platform qualifies as illegal gambling under Texas law, even casual players could face potential criminal liability under § 47.02.

Do I need to use the mail-in option if I want to stay legal?

No. Texas law simply requires there to be a no-purchase entry option. You do not even have to use the mail-in entries if the platform allows for daily bonuses, contests, or gaming loyalty reward points. So long as you can receive free Sweeps Coins, you are playing within the sweepstakes model.

Do I need to report any sweepstakes winnings on my taxes if I’m in Texas?

Yes. Texas does not collect state income tax, but the IRS is still going to classify sweepstakes prizes as income and tax them. If you redeem Sweeps Coins for cash, gift cards, or merchandise, you must report it as income on your federal return. Even a small win counts.

Why do some sweepstakes casinos block Texas players?

Some operators may not want to take the risk of running sweepstakes that are questionable because they are not certain about the law. § 47.06 of the Penal Code states that gambling devices are prohibited, and that includes digital slot machines. If a sweepstakes casino could be construed as a gambling activity, they may keep Texans from gaining access to avoid putting themselves in a legal hot seat.

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