How to Bet on UFC in Texas: Rules, Sites & Payments

If you live in Texas and want to place a bet on the next UFC main event — you’re not alone. UFC betting has exploded across the U.S., and the Lone Star State is no exception. But here’s the catch: Texas hasn’t legalized online sports betting… yet.

Still, there’s good news.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to bet on UFC in Texas, the current legal situation, where to place safe and secure bets, and how to deposit/withdraw using crypto or cards — even without DraftKings or FanDuel.

⚖️ Is UFC Betting Legal in Texas?

Let’s get this part out of the way:

Texas has not legalized online sports betting or retail sportsbooks as of July 2025.

That means you won’t find state-licensed betting apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM available in the state for sports betting purposes.

✅ What You Can Do

You can legally use offshore sportsbooks that accept Texas residents. These sites are based outside the U.S., but they’re licensed in gaming jurisdictions like Panama or Curaçao. Many Texas bettors use them to place UFC bets safely, with full access to odds, props, and payouts.

Popular offshore sites include:

• BetOnline

• Stake.com

• Bovada

These platforms are not blocked in Texas and allow you to bet using credit cards, crypto (BTC, ETH), and even peer-to-peer methods.

❌ What You Can’t Do

You can’t bet using U.S.-based apps like:

• DraftKings Sportsbook

• FanDuel Sportsbook

• Caesars or BetMGM

DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) apps are still allowed, but they are not true sportsbooks and don’t offer standard UFC betting lines.

❓ Can You Use DraftKings or FanDuel in Texas?

Yes — but only for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), not for traditional sports betting.

Many Texans confuse DraftKings with a legal sportsbook option because the app is available in the state. But in reality:

• DraftKings DFS = You draft a fantasy MMA team and win based on points

• DraftKings Sportsbook = Not allowed for real-money fight bets in TX

If you want to bet real money on who wins the fight, method of victory, or round betting, you’ll need to use a legal offshore site instead.

Top UFC Betting Sites That Accept Texas Players

Since you can’t use DraftKings Sportsbook in Texas, your best alternative is a licensed offshore sportsbook. These platforms are legal to use, offer UFC markets weekly, and support fast payouts — especially with crypto.

Here are the top 3 UFC sportsbooks trusted by Texas bettors:

✅ Why These Sites Work Well in Texas:

• No geo-blocks – accessible statewide

• Crypto-friendly – private and fast transactions

• All offer UFC — main cards, prelims, live odds, prop bets

Security Tip: Always use 2FA and verify your email and ID when prompted. Offshore doesn’t mean shady — the best sites follow strict gaming regulations and KYC compliance.

How to Deposit & Withdraw in Texas

While you can’t use local Texas banks directly, most sportsbooks offer safe and flexible payment methods, including crypto — the fastest and most private option.

Deposit Options:

✅ Most Popular in Texas: Crypto (BTC or LTC) — instant and avoids U.S. bank friction.

Withdrawal Methods:

Pro Tip: Stick with crypto for the best combination of speed, anonymity, and low fees.

How to Place a UFC Bet (Step-by-Step)

Placing your first UFC bet in Texas is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to get started:

✅ Step 1: Choose a Trusted Site

Pick a sportsbook like BetOnline, Stake.com, or Bovada — all are available to Texas residents and offer UFC markets every week.

✅ Step 2: Create Your Account

• Sign up with your name, email, and password

• Confirm your email

• Complete basic identity verification (KYC) if prompted

✅ Step 3: Make a Deposit

• Choose your preferred method (crypto is best for speed and privacy)

• Follow on-screen steps to fund your account

• You’ll typically see your funds within minutes

✅ Step 4: Browse UFC Events

• Navigate to the MMA or UFC section

• Look for upcoming Fight Nights or Main Card events

• Select a matchup to see all betting options

✅ Step 5: Choose Your Bet Type

Popular bet types include:

• Moneyline – Pick the winner

• Method of Victory – KO, Submission, or Decision

• Round Betting – Predict the exact round the fight ends

• Over/Under Rounds – Will the fight go past X rounds?

✅ Step 6: Place Your Bet

• Enter your stake (e.g., $20)

• Review potential payout

• Confirm the bet slip

• Watch the fight and track your wager!

UFC Betting Markets Explained

Here’s a quick overview of the most popular UFC bets available to Texas players:

Example:
If you bet $25 on Jon Jones to win by submission in Round 2 at +900, your payout would be $250 if it hits.

UFC Culture in Texas: Where to Watch

Texas isn’t just UFC-betting friendly — it’s a hotspot for UFC fans and events.

UFC Events in Texas (Past & Future)

• UFC 277 in Dallas

• UFC Fight Night Austin

• UFC San Antonio

• The UFC frequently returns to Houston, Austin, and Dallas due to massive fan turnout.

Where to Watch Fights

Even if you’re betting online, the experience is better when you watch live:

• ESPN+ PPV – Official UFC broadcast partner in the U.S.

• Sports Bars – Local hotspots like Twin Peaks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Dave & Buster’s regularly host UFC viewing parties

• Local Events – MMA gyms and fight clubs sometimes stream fights or host watch parties

Pro Tip: Combine a live watch party with smart bets — the adrenaline is unmatched.

Is It Safe to Bet on UFC Online from Texas?

Yes — if you choose the right sites.

Offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and Stake.com have been operating for over a decade, serving thousands of U.S. bettors, including Texans.

✅ Safety Checklist:

• Stick with licensed sites (Curaçao, Panama, etc.)

• Avoid random Telegram/bookie groups or unverified apps

• Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

• Withdraw profits regularly (especially when using crypto)

• Avoid public Wi-Fi when betting or banking

Tips for Smart UFC Betting in Texas

If you want to bet safely and profitably, don’t just throw money at the favorites. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

1. Study Fighter Styles

Wrestler vs. striker? Southpaw vs. orthodox? Look for style mismatches that favor one fighter’s game plan.

2. Watch Line Movement

Early odds often shift closer to fight night. Getting in early = better value.

3. Bet Props, Not Just Winners

Moneyline bets are fine, but serious bettors use:

• Method of Victory

• Round Betting

• Fight to Go the Distance

These offer better odds and more precise control.

4. Use Flat Betting

Bet the same amount (e.g. $25) per fight. Avoid chasing losses or building risky parlays.

5. Track Your Results

Keep a simple spreadsheet or betting journal. See where you win most (props, overs, round bets, etc.).

❓ UFC Betting in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to bet on UFC in Texas?
✅ You can legally use offshore sportsbooks. State-regulated apps like DraftKings are not allowed (yet).

Can I use crypto to bet from Texas?
Yes — Stake.com and BetOnline offer fast crypto deposits and withdrawals (BTC, ETH, LTC).

Will Texas legalize sports betting soon?
Possibly. Several bills have been proposed, but nothing has passed yet. The earliest likely legalization year is 2026 or later.

What’s the safest site to bet UFC from Texas?
All three listed here are solid. For crypto, go with Stake. For full-featured betting and cards, BetOnline and Bovada are excellent.

Can I bet live during a UFC fight?
Yes — all 3 sites offer live betting as the fight unfolds.

✅ Final Thoughts: UFC Betting in Texas

Even though Texas hasn’t legalized sports betting yet, you’re not left out. UFC fans in the Lone Star State can safely and legally bet online using reputable offshore sportsbooks.

Whether you’re watching from a bar in Houston or streaming UFC Fight Night from your home in Dallas, betting on UFC adds extra excitement — and profit potential — to every punch, kick, and takedown.

Quick Recap:

• Legal Status: Offshore betting = legal option in TX

• Top Sites: BetOnline, Stake.com, Bovada

• Payments: Use crypto for speed, privacy, and reliability

• Tips: Bet smart, track results, focus on props