The Best Casinos Near Houston, Texas

While a few choice betting destinations are located within Houston, Texas, most others are just a short drive from the city. To keep your spirits up after a visit to the in-laws, you can also find many holiday-themed bars in the area for year-round gambling fun. Table games, race betting, bingo and poker have deep roots in America, and their popularity is only growing. Gambling in the United States had already surpassed the $16 billion mark in Q2 of 2023 alone.

For these reasons and more, you'll find many foreign tourists and natives picking Houston as their favorite Southwestern gambling destination. Some come for the horse and greyhound racing. Others are hoping to play some social gambling card games and table games. Maybe even bingo. All of the above are legal here. Even online casinos are allowed, but remember to check regional laws before you bet. 

Free quotes are provided for online and offline gambling to attract players to poker and sportsbook clubs. If you need a breather, visit nearby Memorial Park and Hermann Park for trekking, hiking, biking or a short picnic with your family and friends, then hit the tables once you've recharged.

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What are the Gambling Laws in the State of Texas in 2024?

It's important to note that many forms of gambling are still illegal in Texas, if you are not on Native American soil. Currently, the exceptions to that rule in Texas are the lottery, race betting and bingo. Historically, Texas is one of the strictest states when it comes to gambling. 

A new Texas law has sports betting entities and casinos competing against each other. Legislators and the Lt. Governor are currently battling legalization of casinos. Millions of dollars were collected and contributed during the 2022 election to fight its legalization, but the tide is turning. Recently, bills expanding gambling access in Texas passed in the House, bringing the state, and Houston, one step closer to becoming the next Las Vegas. 

On the pro-gambling side, Las Vegas Sands and the Texas Sports Betting Alliance have committed high-profile efforts to legalize these casinos. 2024 will see these two groups battling to expand Texas's online and offline gambling laws. The developer credentials, network policy, business suitability and privacy terms will be discussed in the campaigns.

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance is also focused on legalizing mobile sports betting in the region. Under PEN 47.01 et seq.; Civ. St. 179e, horse racing, greyhound racing and wagering off the tracks are legal. Social gambling rules apply to bingo and raffle tickets. Players can bet in casinos in the native lands of Texas, as the major casino laws are not applicable in these places.

Most casinos and sports teams also fund campaigns to legalize the casino, especially sports betting activities. It is mandatory for the casinos to provide comprehensive business information for the players on their sites, and it is highly recommend that you read up before playing. 

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Best Casinos Near Houston for 2024

1. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel: Top-Notch Casino Offering Sportsbook and Racing Rewards

2. Golden Nugget: Luxurious Mix of Action Gambling and Relaxation Site

3. Lone Star: Best Poker Club with Free Play for Members

4. Paramount Social Club: Great Casino Experience and Member-Only Poker Tables

5. The River Poker Club: Upscale Poker and Slot Games

6. The Hangar Poker House: Availability of Different Variations of Hold 'em Poker

7. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel: Top Slot Gaming and Bingo Place

8. L'auberge Casino Resort: Real-Time Casino Gameplay and Rewards

9. Texas Card House: Progressive High Hands Cards House 

10. Rounders Card Club: Best Poker Tables in Houston

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Review of Top 10 Land-Based Casinos Near Houston

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1. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel: Best Casino Club for Progressive Jackpots and Sports Betting Odds

Do you want to experience the charm of Louisiana and the casino gaming of Texas? Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel is your one-stop solution. Launched in 1973, BOYD Gaming has obtained the necessary licenses. Enjoy delicious dine-in options at Gator Grill and Rosewater Grill & Tavern, and sip on the best craft beers at Tin Lizard Bar & Grill. It's just an hour away from Houston.

You can now experience upscale parties mixed with casino gameplay at Delta Downs. Select from over 1600 slot machines to play progressive jackpot slots like Dancing Drums, 777 Triple Double Diamond and others. You can even search for your favorite slot and play it at Stardust Social Casino. Try the FanDuel sportsbook casino to bet on major sports like baseball, golf, football, tennis and more. The best live racing is also available at the casino, where you can place a bet on your favorite horse. The casino offers BOYD rewards across 27 casinos, VIP loyalty rewards, birthday rewards and plenty of other bonuses.

Website: https://deltadowns.boydgaming.com/

Address: 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA, 70668

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. to Midnight

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Complimentary Valet Parking

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2. Golden Nugget, Lake Charles: Enjoy Slot Earnings, Comped Points and Tier Credits

This Lake Charles-based casino is a two-hour drive from Houston and makes your Saturday night fun with the finest cocktail recipes, martinis, and fusion beverages. Try lip-smacking steak at popular steakhouses, eat at Grotto Italian restaurant, or get an in-room dining facility. From a sprawling golf course to spas and a rush lounge, everything is available at your fingertips.

Get a Golden Nugget 24k Slot Card to make payments at slot machines. DraftKings Sportsbook and Grill offers versatile sports betting on soccer, baseball, and more. Play at 16 video poker machines, three blackjack tables, and 30 self-service kiosks to enjoy different slot games. Separate table games and poker rooms are available for roulette, Omaha Poker, Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit, Baccarat, among others. Get rewards on weekdays and weekends; up to $100,000 can be won in the jackpot. Call the toll-free number, +1 (337) 508-7777, for more information.

Website: https://www.goldennugget.com/lake-charles/

Address: 2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA, 70601

Hours of Operation: 24 hours, 365 days

Pet-Friendly: One pet allowed per customer on payment of $75

Wheelchair Accessibility: First-come, first-serve basis

Parking: $10 weekday valet parking and $15 weekend valet parking.

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3. Lone Star: Specific Services for Members for High-End Poker Tables

Script your wins at this social club casino and enjoy a fun-filled casino party by meeting like-minded people experienced in poker. Members are eligible to get an hour free at this casino. It is also a holiday-themed bar where people can organize private parties. 

This family-owned casino loves veterans, and referring a new member will earn you a $25 bonus chip. Straight Flush, Royal Flush, Aces Full of Faces, and Quads are some of the card games available here. Under jackpot gameplay, players can win $3,000 in the Bad Beat game. Call them at (832) 623-7831 to learn about poker and card gaming hours.

Website: https://lonestarpokertx.com/

Address: 1985 W TC, Jester, Houston, TX, 77008

Hours of Operation: 05:00 pm to 04:00 am. Sunday Closed

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: No

Parking: Free Parking

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4. Paramount Social Club: Unlimited Membership Benefits and High-End Poker Tournaments

Expertise in all things poker and live cash games will bring you luck at this rake-free poker club when you become a member. This private social poker club offers a starting membership of $10. You can also try your hand at pool, football, chess, and pinball.

$20 casino buy-ins are available at your convenience for the low-stakes tournaments, while big bets are placed in deep stacks and special video poker tournaments. Since online poker is already adding millions in revenue to the US gambling industry, players can enjoy high-end prizes like stacks tournament prizes up to $15,000. Paramount Guarantee rewards up to $4,000, and other weekend rewards. Note that business casual dress code is required.

Website: https://paramountsocial.com/

Address: 13153 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX, 77040

Hours of Operation: 2:00 pm to 5:00 am.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: For members only

Parking: Free Parking for members only

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5. The River Poker Club: Social Poker Club with High-Value Tournament Cash

A top-notch casino party company based in North Spring, 25 miles from Houston, The River Poker Club will take your breath away with its fun-filled atmosphere and $5K tournament pots. This premium club offers some of the region's biggest Texas Hold'em events and tournaments. Hearty dining options include sumptuous salads, spuds, sandwiches, and scrumptious soups, along with your favorite beverages. 

Play popular poker game versions, sports betting, and cash card games. Pull the chips from the pots to bet. Live dealer games are available. 100% of earnings go to the members. A special $5 for $5K reward is available at River Poker Club. $10 is the daily membership fee.

Website: https://theriverpoker.com/

Address: 19770 Interstate 45 North Spring, TX, 77373

Hours of Operation: Mon, Tue, and Wed: 06:00 pm to 04:00 am, Thu and Fri: Noon to 04:00 am, and Sat and Sun: 03:00 pm to 04:00 am.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: No

Parking: Yes

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6. The Hangar Poker House: Rake-free and No-Commission Poker Games

 This enjoyably branded setup sits just 19 miles away from Houston, TX. Try rake-free poker tournaments and no commission at this casino. Almost all 8 casino tables offer limit-to-no-limit Texas Hold'em poker games, and you can rest assured that this casino is fully licensed and regulated by the state of Texas.

Enjoy table games hosted by professional dealers. On-site ATM availability for cash and big screens are on hand to watch major sporting events. Instant payouts are available for the players, and 100 percent of buy-ins and chips are paid to the players. Plus, cash games pay a maximum amount of $2,000. What's not to love?

Website: https://www.hangarpokerhouse.com/

Address: 212 N Bender Avenue, #244, Humble, TX, 77338

Hours of Operation: 04:00 pm to 04:00 am

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: No

Parking: Only for members

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7. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel: Best Bets on Slots, Poker, and Bingo

This massive Eagle Pass, Texas-located casino near Houston, offers 3,300+ modern slot machines, poker tables, and bingo gameplay. Stay at the luxurious accommodation, enjoy karaoke nights, and devour the best of Texas culinary delights with the finest wines served.

Big prizes and surprises are the norm. For instance, February 11, 2024, will witness a big game with the prize of a Jeep Rubicon. $500 in chips is often given away during the big games. 50 percent off is offered to senior citizens on the bingo, and others can win up to $15,000 as the Bingo reward. Play high-value slots like Silver Dollar Shootout, Pieces of Eight, Mystic Nights, etc. A no-limit Texas Hold'em poker table is available. Call the casino toll-free at 1-888-255-8259 for any support you need.

Website: https://luckyeagletexas.com/

Address: 794 Lucky Eagle Drive, Eagle Pass, TX, 78852

Hours of Operation: Noon to 05:00 am.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: No

Parking: Yes

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8. L'auberge Casino Resort: Get PENN Cash on Your First Deposit

A land-based casino in Lake Charles, LA, is one of the closest to Houston, offering the best slots, sportsbooks, and table games. ESPN Inc. is the licensed holder on behalf of this casino. Devour lavish Asian and American cuisine with premium wines and a bar with grill options, then immerse yourself in exclusive shopping, golfing, spa experiences.

Play 1,400 modern slot machines such as Buffalo Link, Money Link, and Gold Inferno, or try popular poker games like Ultimate X Poker, 3 Way Action. Table games offered include mini-baccarat, craps, blackjack. 

Sportsbooks are slowly becoming mainstream in Texas, with years 2024 and 2025 forecasting major changes in sportsbook laws. Here, 19 sports betting kiosks offer betting on baseball, football, and other favorite sports. Grab a drink at the Sportsbook Bar, then get 6X PENN Cash, 50+ bonuses, weekdays and weekend cash prizes.

Website: https://www.llakecharles.com

Address: 777 Avenue L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA, 70601

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Valet Parking

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9. Texas Card House: Play Full House or Better House Progressive High Hands

January is the month of joy for this Houston-based Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em poker purveyor. The casino is popular for the progressive high hands provided for card games. Daily membership starts at $10. The daily buy-in limit starts at $1 and goes up to $1,000.

You can win up to $1,000 at the cash card games. Play poker events to hit the jackpot value or $1,000, whichever is bigger. $5,000 GTD is available for the players in January. Call 346-509-9709 for any questions you may have.

Website: https://texascardhouse.com/houston/

Address: 6100 Westheimer Road, Suite 142, Houston, TX, 77057

Hours of Operation: Open at 10:00 am; closing time depends on gambling

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Yes

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10. Rounders Card Club: Win Jackpot Money with Poker Tournaments

Another popular poker table club which offers players the best cash card games. Here, the live stream of Texas Hold'em poker is the main focus. Between hands, you can try delicious cuisine at The Rail Bar and Grill, enjoy classic starters like Cobb salad and quesadilla, then follow up with an entree of salmon, the Rounder's Club famous sandwich, and the your favorite beverages.

Play games like Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Big Draw, and more. Tournaments offer up to $20,000 GTD on free-roll mystery bounty games, and $10,000 on weekend events. Check out the tournament rules or call (210) 361-DEAL (3325) for details.

Website: https://rounderscardclub.com/

Address: 3723 Colony Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78230

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours, 7 days

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is casino gambling legal in Texas?

Native American lands are exempted from the gambling laws in Texas. The casino gambling laws here are refined, but the sportsbook laws are yet to be redefined and regulated. Horse and dog racing are legal, along with bingo, card games, and cash games. Remember to check the regional laws before opting to bet.

2. Why are there so few casinos in Texas?

Texas has a long-standing prohibition against casino gambling because it is a faith-based community. Legislators have voiced concerns against the casino laws and historically have only allowed social gambling clubs. Even horse and dog racing are allowed only with track betting. However, 2024 will see the required changes to bring more casinos to Texas, thanks to Las Vegas Sands and the Texas Sports Betting Alliance.

3. How many Native American casinos are there in Texas? 

There are three Native American casinos allowed in Texas which are free from U.S. regulation. These casinos are Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, and Naskila Gaming Center. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in the USA protects the gambling rights of Native Americans.

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Head to These Top Casinos while Spending a Week In Houston, Texas

There you have it, folks. If you are looking for a premium casino experience for slot and poker games, head to any one of the Texas-based casinos above and make memories with a karaoke night, vibrant bingo gaming and some lip-smacking food. Remember always to keep up with regional laws for gambling and read the reviews before choosing to bet. This goes for online casinos as well. Enjoy, and good luck!