Texas Online Poker

Is Online Poker Legal in Texas?

What Texas gambling laws say:

A person commits an offense if he:

1. Makes 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;
2. Makes 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
3. Plays and bets for money or other thing of value at any game played with cards, dice, balls, or any other gambling device.

Texas is not a particulary gambling-friendly state as there's no casino gambling within the state. As far as online gambling (and therefore online poker) goes, the website of Texas District & County Attorneys Association has better answer than I could ever come-up with: "The opinion also notes that the physical presence of bettors at a game is not required. Most online poker sites operate in a similar way. Players log in and join any table they wish. Tables are open to the public as long as participants have registered and deposited money to gamble. Thus, using the analysis above, the privacy defense under §47.02 would not apply, and players violate the gambling statute by participating in online poker games. "

Seems like online poker games are illegal in Texas.

Will Texas Legalize Online Poker?

A possible legalization of gambling has definitely been discussed in Texas. I haven't found much information about specifically legalizing and/or licensing online poker games, but there seems to be a serious amount of discussion going on about the financial benefits that gambling could bring to the state. Here's an article from early 2011 which says that Governor Rick Perry wouldn't veto a gambling bill if one was to pass. Another one reported that the House committee would consider legalizing poker, casinos and slots. And obviously there are those who oppose gambling, such as this post by state Rep. Paul Torres.

Seems like there's definitely interest but so far there have been no developments.

Where to Play Internet Poker in Texas?

In case you're not concerned of the legal issues mentioned above, all USA online poker sites accept players from Texas.