Texas casinos have been one of the major things to do for Texans for quite some time. Though there are only two genuine casinos in Texas offering gaming, there are numerous wagering choices within the state. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, southwest of San Antonio, and the Texas Treasure Casino Boat near Redfish are the two most popular places for gambling in Texas. Beyond the two favored options lie a bounty of other choices for betting, including both live and simulcast horse racing and greyhound racing. Parimutuel wagers (meaning races are broadcast by television or radio and bets are divvied up according to the amount of winners’ total wagers) are a common form of betting at most of the wagering facilities.
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Kickapoo Lucky Eagle is a popular Texas casino and one of the hottest entertainment complexes on the Texas-Mexico border. Gaming, dining, and a host of exciting entertainment lies within. Bingo is one of the biggest draws. The Bingo Dome at Kickapoo features Sunday to Friday sessions beginning at 7 p.m. and two Saturday sessions with huge prize pay outs and ongoing promotions. The live poker room is a flurry of activity. Twelve poker tables dealing 7 Card Stud and Texas Hold ‘Em are featured every day. Tournaments and promotions are always on in the poker room at this Texas casino, which is open from Monday to Friday until 5 a.m. From penny slots to $25 games, 1,800 slot machines ring, flash, and light up the floor. A huge buffet, two sports bars, and a café nail down all dining needs and live music and other performances dot the events calendar.
Texas Treasure Casino Boat is the second premier option for gambling in Texas. It is the go-to for casinos in Texas offering gaming cruises and onboard dining with three distinct restaurants. The large cruise ship is packed with options for gambling in Texas. More than 23 table games are onboard, including Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, blackjack, live poker, and roulette. More than 500 slot machines keep the floor action-packed while the bingo hall, with seating for 100, is another choice for welcoming Lady Luck at this Texas casino. Head to 229 Highway 361 South Port Aransas, one of the top vacation spots in Texas, for cruise departures leaving Tuesday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Entry prices vary depending on the day of the week. Also notable is the cruise ship offers no accommodations. Nearby Port Aransas hotels are the only lodging available.
Texas Map
Several other options are available for gambling in Texas. Only 25 minutes away from Austin in Manor, Texas, Manor Downs provides simulcast, parimutuel horse racing. During the spring there are live thoroughbred and quarter horse races. The private restaurant and bar complete the picture and offer a great alternative to traditional gambling in Texas.
Corpus Christi Dog Track is just as exciting as any Texas casino. Greyhound racing is top dog at the race track, but there are also simulcasts of other horse and greyhound races within the country. The grandstand surrounding the simulcast area is an air-conditioned seating area that is serviced by concession stands and hostesses. The clubhouse is another ideal spot to watch races and enjoy pub-style meals. Wagering is done by either electronic machines or by licensed tellers situated all over the track.
In lieu of the limited choice of casinos in Texas there is also the Valley Race Park in Harlingen where live thoroughbred, greyhound, and simulcast races are all presented. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, less than twenty miles from Fort Worth, is on par with Valley Race Park with simulcast racing seven days per week and live races from mid-September through mid-November. Combining all the options introduces a length list of options for gambling in Texas and the diversity of choice is can be a great activity in a state with so many things to do.
Please note that this article was written before the pandemic. For the latest information regarding safety procedures, please visit each resort’s website below.
Want to book a quick getaway with the kids? Central Texas boasts some amazing resorts with children’s amenities out the wazoo — lazy rivers, water slides, nighttime s’mores by the fire, day camp activities, horse rides, and much more. Below is a little list of some favorite nearby resorts that are within an easy drive from Austin, but where you’ll also feel miles and miles away from it all.
Family Friendly Resorts Near Austin
— Lakeway Resort and Spa
Lake Travis, TX
Lakeway Resort and Spa is approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Austin on the shores of beautiful Lake Travis. Amenities include sailing, boating, fishing and water activities, a boutique spa, a Kids Zone recreation center, a pool playground featuring with a water slide as well as an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar. This resort also offers day camp programs for the kids. Learn more at lakewayresortandspa.com. You can also click here to read our review. Please visit the Lakeway Resort & Spa website for more information regarding COVID-19 updates.
fun kid’s pool playground – photo from the Lakeway Resort’s Facebook page
— Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay on Lake LBJ
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort overlooks Lake LBJ with its blue waters and hillside vistas. The resort offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, plus a wide range of activities for all ages and interests: golf courses, water sports, a dining yacht, pools, spa. mini-arcade, tropical birds, giant lawn games, and a little sandy beach area for kids to play. Learn more at hsbresort.com. Read about their COVID-19 FAQs here. You can also click here to read our review.
surrounded by great lake views – Photo from Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Facebook page
— Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
Bastrop, TX
Nestled in 405-acres of picturesque wilderness, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa boasts championship golf, tennis, a fitness center, a world-class spa, youth spa for kids, horseback riding, archery, trap shooting, lots of river recreation programs from kayaking to rafting, and much more. The onsite water park features a two-story water slide with beach area, lazy river, pools, hot tubs, waterfalls and fountains for splashing fun. For more information visit www.hyatt.com. Click here to read about our stay at the Lost Pines.
For COVID-19 procedures and inquiries, please contact the hotel directly or visit their website.
float the day away on the lazy river – Photo from the Hyatt Lost Pines Facebook page
— Canyon of the Eagles
Burnet, TX (on Lake Buchanan)
Canyon of the Eagles is a resort and restful retreat on the northern shore of Lake Buchanan. Nestled in a uniquely Hill Country natural setting in the Upper Highland Lakes Region, this full-service nature park offers swimming, hiking, kayaking, star gazing and more on a 940-acre nature preserve. Lodging options include hotel rooms within the resort or camping spots on the property. Dogs are also welcome to tag along on your trip. Learn more at www.canyonoftheeagles.com. View the resort’s COVID-19 updates and guest guidelines here.
relaxing retreat in the Hill Country – Photo from the Canyon of the Eagles Facebook page
— Great Wolf Lodge
Grapevine, TX
The 80,000 square foot onsite indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine will blow the kids away with year-round fun for all ages with pools, slides, rides, and a four-story interactive water play structure (all kept at a comfortable 84-degrees). The resort also features rustic-themed accommodations, a fitness room, spa and kids spa, a teen lounge, arcade, and activities for all ages. For more information visit greatwolf.com/grapevine.
Please check their website for safety updates.
splashing in all seasons – Photo from the Great Wolf Lodge Facebook page
— Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, TX
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa includes championship golf, tennis, a premier spa, a youth spa for teens, a fitness center, and a four-acre water park with several swimming pools, man-made beach and lazy river, all nestled amid the gardens. The Camp Hyatt children’s program offers exciting games, arts and crafts, contests, nature hikes, swimming and more for kids ages 3-12. For more information visit their website www.hyatt.com.
For COVID-19 procedures, please contact the hotel directly or visit their website.
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s’mores by the fire — Photo from Hill Country Hyatt Facebook page
Gambling Casinos Near Austin Texas
— JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Resort & Spa
San Antonio, TX
Guests can enjoy golf, tennis, the spa, fitness center, and an onsite water park with lazy river, water slides, 650-foot rapid river ride, children’s pools, adult pool, whirlpools, and activity pool with fountains and waterfalls. The resort also features a kids club for children ages 4-12 with fun activities, games, arts and crafts that incorporate the beautiful wildlife and history of San Antonio. For more information visit www.jwsanantonio.com.
wide open spaces surround the lazy river – Photo from the Marriott website
MORE TO EXPLORE: Of course, there’s many more fun places for a getaway! For cabin stays, glamping and camping, read about these fun, family-focused locations:
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- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts (Kerville & Hill Country)