Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
TL;DR: PrizePicks is available in Texas via its peer-to-peer Arena format. The legal status of DFS pick-em products has been contested in many states. For a clean, unambiguous legal pathway, Texans increasingly use CFTC-regulated event contracts on Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com.
Where the courts stand · September 29, 2026
Federal appeals courts are split on whether states can apply their gambling laws to sports event contracts. All three rulings are preliminary-injunction decisions, not final judgments. On April 6, 2026 the 3rd Circuit (New Jersey), 2-1, found federal law likely preempts state law. On August 28, 2026 the 9th Circuit (Nevada) and on September 25, 2026 the 6th Circuit (Ohio and Tennessee) ruled at the same preliminary stage that Kalshi is unlikely to show federal law blocks the states' gambling laws. Three petitions are already before the Supreme Court (Nos. 26-299, 26-338 and 26-344); none has been granted yet.
Texas is in the 5th Circuit, which hasn't ruled. As of September 29, 2026 Texas hasn't sued Kalshi or Polymarket or ordered them to stop; Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has asked state senators to study the issue ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The rulings concern sports contracts. This isn't legal advice.
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Last checked October 21, 2026
PrizePicks status in Texas
PrizePicks operates in Texas. The original pick-em format — where users picked over/under on a slate of player props against the house — drew regulatory action in multiple states. PrizePicks responded by rolling out a peer-to-peer "Arena" format that pairs users against each other rather than the house. Texas has not banned PrizePicks.
Why event contracts are a cleaner option
Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com Sports operate as CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Markets. That's a federal license; the exchanges argue it overrides state gambling law, a question the courts are still deciding for sports contracts.
Full guide →
PrizePicks operates in Texas under its peer-to-peer 'Arena' model rather than the original pick-em product. The state of Texas has not banned PrizePicks but has scrutinized DFS pick-em products. CFTC-regulated event contracts on Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com are the cleanest legal sports-trading option for Texans.
Can I use PrizePicks in Texas?
PrizePicks is available in Texas via its peer-to-peer format. The original 'house-banked' pick-em product has been restricted or modified in many states due to regulatory pressure. Always check current product availability in-app.
Is PrizePicks gambling in Texas?
PrizePicks argues its peer-to-peer Arena format is a contest of skill, not gambling. State regulators have taken different views in different states. Texas has not banned PrizePicks but has not formally blessed it either.
What's the legal alternative to PrizePicks in Texas?
Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com Sports — all CFTC-regulated event contract exchanges with clear federal legal pathway. They list game and player markets that overlap with PrizePicks-style props.
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
The Spurs open October 20 against the Thunder, the Rockets host the Mavericks October 21 and the Rockets play the Spurs in Austin October 23. Opening week, key dates and how Texas NBA contracts work.
