Bingo in Texas: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Texas?

Yes, as long as a licensed nonprofit runs the game. Texas voters approved charitable bingo in 1980, and the rules now sit in the Bingo Enabling Act, Chapter 2001 of the Texas Occupations Code.

The big change is who enforces it. In 2025 the Legislature passed Senate Bill 3070, which abolished the Texas Lottery Commission. Its Charitable Bingo Operations Division moved to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on September 1, 2025, and the bingo rules were renumbered into 16 TAC Chapter 141. If you see older pages that point you to the Lottery Commission, they are out of date.

Texas bingo is a big business by any measure. TDLR reports that licensed organizations took in $199.67 million in adjusted gross receipts (money left after prizes) in calendar year 2024, and $28.7 million of that went to charitable purposes. Since 1982, the state says charitable bingo has generated about $27.6 billion in gross receipts and about $1.37 billion for charity.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Texas?

The baseline is 18. Section 2001.418 says a person under 18 may not play licensed bingo unless a parent or guardian is with them. Two details matter:

• A hall can choose to keep out all minors by posting a written notice at the door.
• Nobody under 18 can run or help run a game, even as a volunteer.

Tribal venues set their own entry ages, so call ahead before bringing anyone under 21.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Texas?

No. Texas has not legalized online casino games, and the Bingo Enabling Act covers games played on licensed premises, not over the internet. A Texas charity can’t sell you a bingo card through a website and pay out cash prizes.

Free bingo apps that pay no cash are a different thing and are fine to play. For a breakdown of app types, see our online bingo guide.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Texas?

As of October 2026, no Texas law specifically bans sweepstakes casinos or sweepstakes bingo, and the major operators openly accept Texas players. They rely on the “no purchase necessary” model, where you can get sweeps coins free by mail or daily login. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer covers how that works.

That status could change. The Legislature next meets in regular session in January 2027, and industry press has flagged the Attorney General’s office as a possible source of enforcement. We found no enforcement action as of this update.

Where can you play bingo in Texas?

Most Texas bingo happens in commercial-style halls rented by charities. A licensed lessor owns the building, and different nonprofits (VFW posts, booster clubs, fire departments) take turns running sessions through the week. That’s why some halls run day, evening and late-night games seven days a week.

TDLR keeps an official Bingo Hall Locator on its charitable bingo pages, which is the most reliable way to find a licensed hall near you.

Texas also has tribal options. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas runs live bingo at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass. In East Texas, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s Naskila Casino offers more than 1,000 bingo-based electronic machines. Those machines look like slots, but they run on a bingo game in the background, and the state has challenged them in court for years.

How to run a charity bingo game in Texas

Running a regular game in Texas takes a license and some patience. In broad strokes:

1. Qualify as a nonprofit. Eligible groups include religious societies, fraternal and veterans organizations, volunteer fire departments and other qualifying nonprofits that have existed for a set period.
2. Apply to TDLR for a license to conduct bingo. Groups that plan only occasional, small games may qualify for a temporary license or an exemption, so check the “Exemptions” section on the TDLR site first.
3. Line up a location. Many groups rent from a licensed lessor rather than owning a hall.
4. Train workers. People who work a game must be listed with TDLR, and nobody under 18 can help run it.
5. Keep records and report. Licensed groups file quarterly reports, pay the state’s prize fee and must spend net proceeds on charitable purposes.

Our bingo fundraiser guide has planning tips for the event itself, from pricing cards to choosing patterns.

If you play for money, set a budget before the first ball. Help is free and confidential at 1-800-GAMBLER, and our responsible gaming page lists more resources.