Texas House Approves Reformed Lottery Bill Amid Controversies
On Monday, the Texas House finalized a bill aimed at reworking the state lottery while ensuring its continued operation. The Texas Lottery Commission faces scrutiny over several missteps, including investigations into contentious jackpots, such as a recent $95 million win by an overseas entity after buying more than 25 million tickets.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the sale of lottery tickets to minors and potential violations of laws that prohibit online and telephone purchases. In response, lawmakers are implementing significant reforms. A conference committee comprising Senate and House members will negotiate a compromise package before submitting it to Governor Greg Abbott.
Key elements of the revamped Texas Lottery include a ban on couriers that facilitate ticket purchases via app-based services. These couriers had been criticized for undermining the law prohibiting online ticket sales. The Lottery Commission, which is undergoing a systematic 12-year evaluation, will be dissolved, shifting oversight responsibility to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A new advisory committee may also be established.
Additionally, the lottery will be subjected to a mandatory regulatory review, with the House advocating for completion by September 1, 2029, while the Senate seeks an earlier deadline of September 1, 2027.
Throughout its history, the Texas Lottery has generated significant revenue, allocating roughly $34 billion to public schools and $267 million to veteran services since its inception in 1997. In the last year alone, the lottery contributed $2 billion to education and $27 million to veterans. With the potential abolition of the lottery on lawmakers’ minds, ensuring its reform appears vital for maintaining this funding, despite it comprising only a fraction of overall public school revenues.
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