Casino gambling is technically prohibited in the Lone Star State. However, thanks to federal Indian gaming laws, two federally-recognized tribes in Texas have been able to establish and operate their own casinos. This unique situation creates a fascinating landscape for gambling enthusiasts.
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, the largest casino in Texas, is a 24/7 gaming paradise nestled along the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass. Owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, this casino offers more than just games.
For your convenience, the casino features a full-service hotel, where you can choose between spacious suites or guest rooms, all of which overlook the South Texas landscape. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings. From quick snacks on the go to sit-down meals at places like Riverbend Cafe, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Grande Pizza, and Wok Inn Asian Cafe, there’s something for everyone.
On the casino floor, you’ll find 3,300 slot machines featuring titles like The Hunt for Neptune’s Gold, Silver Dollar Shootout, and Star of Phoenix. If poker is your game, step into the private poker room for live games and tournaments. You can also enjoy bingo games five days a week. To cap off your day, head to the entertainment lounge for some live music and nightlife.
Naskila Gaming is a casino that, while limited to slot machines, offers a sizable selection. You’ll find 800 slots on the casino floor, including popular titles like Golden Wins, Aces Hogs, Double Wolf, Jade Wins, and Nugget Fever.
Join the Naskila Casino Players’ Club to enjoy multiple tier privileges. As a member, you’ll receive mail offers, points for FreePlay, food and beverage discounts, and invitations to VIP events.
You have two dining options: Timbers Grille or Cafe Itto Si. Whether you’re craving breakfast, a quick-service meal, a sandwich, salad, quesadilla, or even a steak dinner, you’ll find it here.
For your convenience, Naskila Gaming also offers the Naskila Express bus. For just $10, you’ll get a round-trip bus service that brings you right to the casino’s doorstep, plus $25 in FreePlay.
Here is a list of all the casinos you can visit in the Lone Star State of Texas.
| Casino | Address | City | Phone Number |
| Kickapoo Lucky Eagle | 794 Lucky Eage Dr, Eagle Pass, TX 78852 | Eagle Pass | +1 830-773-2255 |
| Naskila Gaming | 540 State Park Rd 56, Livingston, TX 77351 | Livingston | +1 936-563-2946 |
While there are only two Texas land based casinos, here is what you can expect in terms of size:
| Casino | Size (sq/ft) |
| Kickapoo Lucky Eagle | 80,000 |
| Naskila Gaming | 10,000 |
Check out the list of the number of casino games you will find in Texas casinos:
| Casino | Game Count |
| Kickapoo Lucky Eagle | 3,400 |
| Naskila Gaming | 800 |
With only one casino in Texas offering a stay-and-play hotel option, here’s the one you should check out:
| Casino | Number of Hotel Rooms |
| Kickapoo Lucky Eagle | 249 rooms |
Delve into the types of casino games you will find at Texas casinos.
Slots
From traditional reel slots to the latest video slots, Texas offers a variety of games to cater to every player’s taste. Here’s a list of slot titles you can expect to find at Texas casinos:
Casino Poker
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Texas offers a wide range of poker games to test your skills. Discover some of the poker games you can play in Texas:
Roulette
Texas casinos offer a thrilling experience, regardless of your favorite roulette game. Feel the anticipation build as the ball bounces around, hoping it lands on your lucky number. Check out some of the roulette games you’ll find in Texas:
Blackjack
Texas offers an exciting array of blackjack options. Here’s a list of some of the popular blackjack games you can play at casinos in Texas:
Dice Games
When it comes to dice games, Texas casinos have got you covered. Check out the list below for dice games that you can play at Texas casinos:
Other Games
Texas casinos offer a diverse range of gaming options. Here is a list of other casino games that you can play:
Check out the below for more details about online gambling in Texas.
In this section, we will highlight the riverboat casinos in Texas that offer a unique blend of gaming excitement and scenic river views. Here is a list of the riverboat casinos you can visit in Texas:
| Casino | Address |
| Carnival Valor | 2502 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 |
| Liberty of the Seas | 2502 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 |
Texas Indian gaming tribes have a rich history and operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. This law allows federally recognized tribes to offer gambling on their reservation lands, providing them with a significant source of revenue.
One such tribe is the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (KTTT), formerly known as the Texas Band of Traditional Kickapoo. Officially recognized by the Texas Indian Commission in 1977, the KTTT has a population of 1,095 members. Their reservation, located by the Rio Grande on the US-Mexico border just south of Eagle Pass in Texas, is a hub of gaming activity. The revenue generated from their gaming operations is utilized to provide housing, education, and social services to its members.
Another prominent tribe in Texas is the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. With the oldest reservation in the state and situated on approximately 10,000 acres in East Texas, the tribe has over 1,300 members, with half living on the reservation. Originally residing in what is now the state of Alabama, the tribes migrated to East Texas by 1780. Although the Alabamas and Coushattas were two separate tribes, their histories have been closely intertwined, with cultures that are nearly identical in many respects.
As a gambler in Texas, it’s important to know that the IRS views any money you win from gambling as taxable income. This means you’re required to maintain an accurate record of all your gambling winnings and losses. You should be ready to provide receipts, tickets, and statements showing the amounts you’ve won and lost.
When tax season opens on January 23rd, you have until April 18th to file your tax returns and report any winnings and losses from gambling. These are reported on your tax return as ‘other income’, and you only need to report the net gain. For instance, if a $100 bet turns into a $220 win, you’ve won $120, not $220.
Casino operators typically withhold taxes on large winnings. If your winnings are substantial, you may receive a Form W-2G, indicating the amount of tax withheld. This form is usually sent by January 31st of the following year. Generally, a flat rate of 24% is withheld from your gambling winnings if you win $1,200 or more on bingo or slots, $1,500 or more on keno, and $5,000 or more on poker.
As gambling laws in the US vary, casino gambling is considered illegal in Texas, with the exception of tribal casinos. These casinos are operated by federally recognized Indian tribes and are allowed because Native American lands are outside the jurisdiction of Texas state gambling laws. However, it should be noted that there isn’t a specific date when casino gambling was legalized in Texas due to its overall illegality.
In Texas, the legal age for casino gambling is 21 years old. This means that you must be at least 21 years of age to participate in any casino gambling activities. So, if you’re planning to visit one of the tribal casinos in Texas, ensure that you meet this age requirement.
Yes, charitable gaming is offered in Texas. This means you can participate in charitable bingo and raffles, which are allowed in the state. However, it’s important to note that there are restrictions in place, with charities only permitted to host two raffle events per year. Remember, this law is in place to ensure responsible gambling practices.
In Texas, you’ll find a total of four casinos. Two of these are TX land based casinos run by Indian tribes, offering you a unique gaming experience. In addition to Indian casinos, there are also two riverboat casinos, allowing you to enjoy gaming on the move. So, whether you prefer a traditional or a more unique casino environment, Texas has both options available.
The first casino to open its doors in Texas was the Speaking Rock Casino. This establishment was operated by the Tigua Tribe, who initiated the operation without a gaming compact. However, it’s important to note that this casino has since closed its doors. So, while it marked the beginning of casino gaming in Texas, you won’t be able to visit it today.
Yes, you can smoke in TX casinos, but only in designated areas. These areas are specifically marked and separated from non-smoking areas to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers. It’s important to respect these designations to ensure a comfortable experience for all casino patrons.
Yes, there are horse racing betting locations in Texas. However, all betting must be completed onsite at one of the tracks in the state. Many of these tracks also offer simulcast racing, allowing you to bet on races taking place elsewhere. This provides a wide range of betting opportunities for horse racing enthusiasts.
Yes, there are dog racing betting locations in Texas. In fact, Texas is one of the few states to still have active greyhound racetracks. This allows you the unique opportunity to engage in betting at these specialized venues. It’s an experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in many other parts of the country.
While gambling is largely illegal in Texas, for example, there are no state-licensed real money casino apps, there are some exceptions to this rule that you should be aware of. As a resident, you can participate in the state lottery, which offers various games of chance. You are also allowed to place bets on horse racing and greyhound racing and can take part in bingo games. These activities are all legal forms of gambling in Texas.
If you’re looking for casinos in Texas that offer free parking, you’re in luck. Naskila Gaming, located in Livingston, is one such establishment. They offer free self-parking to all visitors and guests, making your visit there even more convenient and cost-effective.
Currently, there are no plans for any new casinos in the state. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on local news and announcements for any potential changes to this situation.
If gambling is causing a problem in your life, we strongly encourage you to seek help. You can contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate assistance and resources. Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services is responsible for addiction services in Texas, and they may also have information and resources available to help with problem gambling. You’re not alone, and there are people ready to help.
Online casino gambling is currently not legal in Texas, which means there are no state-licensed casinos offering live dealer games and more. As a resident, if you want to engage in online gambling, you would have to visit offshore casinos instead. These offshore casino sites provide you with the opportunity to enjoy playing online casino games for real money.
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