Texas Senate Votes to Ban Online Lottery Ticket Sales

On February 27, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 28, which would criminalize the purchase or sale of Texas lottery tickets online or via mobile applications. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, focuses explicitly on lottery courier companies such as Lotto.com, Jackpot.com, and Jackpocket, which enable customers to purchase tickets online.

Proponents of SB 28 contend that prohibiting online lottery sales is essential for safeguarding the integrity of the state’s lottery system. “SB 28 will not restore integrity in the Texas lottery; I’m not even sure if that’s achievable,” Hall stated on the Senate floor. “However, it will emphasize the duty we have assigned to the [Texas Lottery Commission] to guarantee that lottery couriers and their licensed retail outlets can no longer function within the state.”

Opponents, such as the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers, voiced their disappointment regarding the vote, contending that responsible courier services offer a secure and regulated means for Texans to engage in the lottery. “The closure of responsible lottery couriers would result in millions of Texans losing access to convenient and secure participation in the lottery,” the coalition expressed. “This is likely to lead to the emergence of a black market.”

In a move that has stirred further debate, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton revealed an investigation into the state lottery on Feb. 26, after comparable probes by the Texas Rangers and the Texas Lottery Commission.

SB 28 has now progressed to the Texas House, where legislators will decide whether to address it immediately or postpone it for later in the session.

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