S.B. No. 28 aims to regulate lottery games played or facilitated via telephone or through Internet and mobile applications in Texas. The bill 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 those facilitating such games through the aforementioned digital platforms. Specifically, it introduces new language that prohibits the purchase or ordering of lottery tickets by telephone or online, and outlines the responsibilities of individuals who may accept orders or sell tickets 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 involving the facilitation of ticket sales are classified as Class A misdemeanors. The new section, 466.318, explicitly details the actions that are prohibited and the corresponding penalties for non-compliance. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 466.015 (Government Code 466)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 466.015 (Government Code 466)
Engrossed: Government Code 466.015 (Government Code 466)