The bill, S.B. No. 79, aims 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 enforcing prohibitions against individuals under 18 years of age participating in lottery games, as well as prohibiting the facilitation of lottery play through these digital means. Specifically, it introduces new language that prohibits individuals from purchasing or ordering lottery tickets via telephone or online, and outlines various actions that constitute facilitating such play for compensation.

Additionally, the bill establishes criminal offenses for violations of these provisions, categorizing offenses related to purchasing tickets as Class C misdemeanors, while offenses related to facilitating ticket sales are classified as Class A misdemeanors. The new section, 466.318, explicitly details the prohibited actions and the corresponding penalties, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework surrounding lottery games in Texas. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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