The bill, H.B. No. 389, seeks to regulate lottery games played or facilitated via telephone or through Internet and mobile applications in Texas. It amends Section 466.015(b) of the Government Code to include provisions for the enforcement of prohibitions against individuals playing or facilitating the play of lottery games through these digital means. Specifically, it establishes that the Texas Lottery Commission must adopt rules that ensure compliance with existing laws regarding the security of the lottery and the age restrictions on ticket sales.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 466.318, which explicitly prohibits individuals from purchasing or facilitating the purchase of lottery tickets through telephone or online platforms. Violations of this section are classified as criminal offenses, with a Class C misdemeanor for purchasing tickets and a Class A misdemeanor for facilitating ticket sales for compensation. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 466.015 (Government Code 466)