Casinos in Austin, Texas: Best Places to Gamble in 2023
If you’d like to find out if there are casinos in Austin, Texas, and where to find them, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for everything you need to know about gambling in and around Austin, Texas.
Are There Casinos in Austin, Texas?
No, Austin does not have traditional casinos with slot machines and table games. See below to learn where you can find casinos a few hours outside the city of Austin, and where you can play legal poker within Austin.
Is it Legal to Gamble in Austin, Texas?
No. Forms of gambling normally found in casinos such as sports wagering, table games, and slot machines are illegal in the state of Texas. Austin does have “card rooms” that act as social clubs and charge membership and seat fees instead of taking rake out of cash game pots.
Other legal forms of gambling in Texas include the Texas Lottery, bingo for charity, and parimutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. There are also three Native American-run casinos in Texas that are allowed to operate under federal Indian gaming laws: Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso.
Casinos Near Austin
While there aren’t any Vegas-style casinos located in Austin, there are several within driving distance. If you are up for a road trip to play some roulette, then these casinos make for excellent options. You may have to cross state lines in some cases, but don’t worry, these places offer accommodations for weary gamblers.
1. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino
Location: Eagle Pass, TX
Drive from Austin: 3 hours and 25 minutes
Located in the town of Eagle Pass just south of San Antonio, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino is going to be your shortest drive from Austin. Legally operated by a federally-recognized Native American tribe, this casino has all the slots and poker your heart desires. For those who don’t want to risk their money, the resort offers other forms of entertainment such as a nightclub, live music, and karaoke.
2. Naskila Casino
Location: Livingston, TX
Drive from Austin: 3 hours and 30 minutes
If you’d rather drive east of Austin, the Naskila Casino is another Native American-run casino featuring the over-stimulating lights and sounds loved by gamblers. The self-proclaimed “luckiest spot in Texas” has over 800 electronic games where you can win (or lose) big. There’s even a players’ club membership so frequent visitors can earn rewards to reduce the sting of the money they may have lost.
3. WinStar World Casino and Resort
Location: Thackerville, OK
Drive from Austin: 3 hours and 40 minutes
With fake versions of the Coliseum and Big Ben, this resort really does look like something you’d find in Las Vegas. The massive casino, luxury hotel, and fine dining are also very Vegas-eque. The drive from Austin couldn’t be easier, just straight up I-35 and right on the other side of the Texas-Okahoma border. You will know it when you see it, this place is hard to miss.
4. Choctaw Casino & Resort
Location: Durant, OK
Drive from Austin: 4 hours
This is another grand resort located barely in the state of Oklahoma. There is no shortage of fun throughout the seemingly endless amounts of slot machines and table games, plus a poker room and racebook. If you need a nice place to say, the hotel is rated Four Diamond by AAA.
5. Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Drive from Austin: 4 hours and 20 minutes
If you’d rather venture into the state of Louisana, look no further than the Golden Nugget. This sister location of the legendary Las Vegas resort features beach views, world-renowned entertainment, manicured golf courses, and award-winning dining. You can find a few small casinos in Louisiana along the drive, but the Golden Nugget in Lakes Charles is the cream of the crop.
Best Card Rooms in Austin, Texas
As I mentioned before, there are no casinos in Austin, Texas. There are, however, “card rooms” where you bet against the other players at the table. This is different from betting against the house like you would in a typical casino.
Since it’s illegal to collect rake in Texas, the card rooms act more like social clubs where players can pay for a membership or seat at the table. These hidden gems regularly host poker tournaments if you’d like to gamble but don’t want to drive to a “real” casino. Below, I’ve listed the best card rooms you can find in Austin.
1. Texas Card House
This cozy card house is clean and well-managed by the staff. The hourly rate to play here is $12, plus the minimum buy-in amount, which is usually $100.
2. Red Star Social
This spot is said to have the most comfortable seating of any card room in Austin. The atmosphere is dimly lit but very modern. There are plenty of TVs and music to enjoy if you need a break from the action.
3. Shuffle 512
This club offers daily ($10), weekly ($30), and monthly ($200) memberships. Located on South Congress Avenue in South Austin, this card room has a sleek and fun vibe. Members are allowed to BYOB and watch sports on one of the several flat-screen TVs.
Casino El Camino & Casino South Side
If you run a search online for “casinos” in Austin, Texas, you may come across Casino El Camino and Casino South Side. These are bars, and definitely not casinos, despite the name. Casino El Camino is a famous spot located on Austin’s 6th Street known for its hip jukebox and having some of the best burgers in town. Casino South Side is a newer location with an old-school vibe.
What Cities in Texas Have Casinos?
Texas has three tribal casinos: Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso.
Wrap-up: Casinos in Austin, Texas
If you are looking to gamble in the city of Austin, Texas, there are ways it can be achieved. You can drive a few hours to a legal casino, or play some poker from within Austin. Whatever it is you choose to do, just make sure to do so responsibly, y’all.