Texarkana finds itself in a pretty unusual spot. Sitting right on the border between Texas and Arkansas, the city sees two entirely different sports betting rules depending on which side of town you’re standing in. If you’re a local fan who enjoys following the Cowboys, the Razorbacks, or maybe the Rangers, you’ve probably wondered what your legal betting options are.
The short answer? It depends on which side of State Line Avenue you live on, and where you’re placing your bet. Here’s a full update on the current situation, how it’s evolving, and what sports fans in Texarkana need to keep in mind.
Key Sports Betting Updates for Texarkana Fans
- Texarkana straddles Texas and Arkansas, with very different sports betting laws on each side.
- Texas has not legalized sports betting yet, and no legal mobile or retail options exist.
- Arkansas legalized mobile sports betting in 2022 and allows betting at several casinos and via licensed apps.
- Texans can only legally place bets when physically located inside the state of Arkansas.
- Popular betting locations in Arkansas include Southland Casino Hotel, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, and Saracen Casino Resort.
- Local Texarkana bettors mostly wager on regional teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks.
- Mobile apps use GPS to enforce in-state betting rules, preventing bets placed outside Arkansas.
- Texas sports betting legalization remains uncertain, with the earliest possible change unlikely before 2027.
- Responsible gambling measures and resources are available in Arkansas for those who need help.
Sports Betting in Texas: Still Illegal, Still Frustrating
Despite years of talks, proposals, and support from major sports teams and lobbyists, Texas has yet to legalize sports betting according to Gambling.com. State lawmakers have floated several bills, but none have made it far enough to change anything for fans. Every legislative session brings a new wave of optimism, and every year it ends in disappointment.
Part of the delay stems from conservative politics and opposition from powerful interest groups. There’s also the extra hurdle of needing a constitutional amendment to move things forward, which requires a public vote. It’s not just about passing a bill—it’s about convincing millions of voters to support it, and that’s no small task.
So, for folks living on the Texas side of Texarkana, betting on sports legally is still off the table. No mobile apps, no local casinos, no legal bets. That said, there are ways around it, but they’re only legal if you cross the state line.
Arkansas Is All In
On the other side of town, it’s a different story. Arkansas legalized mobile sports betting in 2022, and it’s been growing steadily ever since. Residents can use apps like Betly or Oaklawn Sports, and there are several physical casinos where bets can be placed in person.
Popular locations include:
– Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis
– Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
– Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff
If you’re living in Arkansas or just visiting from the Texas side, you’re allowed to place bets while physically inside Arkansas state lines. The mobile apps use your phone’s location to confirm this. You don’t need to be a resident, but you do need to be present in-state while betting. A lot of Texarkana residents know this trick well—many of them cross the line, place their bet, and head home.
How It Affects Texarkana Fans
Living in a border city means different rules apply depending on where you live, work, or even park your car. If your home is on the Arkansas side, congratulations—you can legally bet from your living room. If you’re on the Texas side, you’re still stuck in a holding pattern.
Some Texas residents think they can fund a betting account from home and drive over later. Not quite. The law is clear: you must be inside Arkansas when you place the bet. Apps use GPS to ensure compliance, and they won’t let you bet if you’re out of state. It might sound like a hassle, but some fans have turned it into a routine. Find a Wi-Fi hotspot just past the border, place a few bets, grab a coffee, and head back across town.
Local Betting Habits: What’s hot in Texarkana?
So what are people actually betting on? Local sportsbooks say regional teams get the most attention. During football season, the Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks dominate the betting slips. In baseball season, the Texas Rangers draw strong support, and when the NBA playoffs roll around, the Dallas Mavericks see a big spike in action.
Parlays and live, in-game bets are increasingly popular. Fans say it adds more excitement to each play, turning a regular Sunday afternoon into something more intense. Betting doesn’t replace the game—it amplifies it.
Will Texas Legalize Betting Anytime Soon?
This is the million-dollar question. The truth is, we don’t know. Optimists hope that 2027 might be the year, but realistically, it could take longer. Lobbyists, sportsbooks, and pro teams continue to push lawmakers, but the resistance is still strong. Until a constitutional amendment is on the ballot and passes, Texans are going to have to keep looking toward neighboring states.
Some are holding out hope that local or tribal-run casinos might help bring about change faster, but for now, it’s mostly speculation.
Closing words…
Texarkana is in a unique spot when it comes to sports betting. With Texas still saying no and Arkansas going all in, the city has become a legal and logistical crossroads for fans who want to place a bet on the big game.
Until Texas changes its tune, local fans will keep crossing the street—sometimes literally—for their wagers. It might not be ideal, but for now, it’s the reality.
Whether you’re betting from a phone in Arkansas or just watching from your couch in Texas, one thing’s for sure: sports are more exciting than ever in this corner of the country.