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 playing or facilitating the play of lottery games through these digital means. Specifically, it establishes that the Texas Lottery Commission must adopt rules to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 466.318, which explicitly prohibits individuals from purchasing or ordering lottery tickets via telephone or online, as well as from accepting orders or selling tickets for compensation through these channels. Violations of these provisions are classified as criminal offenses, with a Class C misdemeanor for purchasing tickets and a Class A misdemeanor for facilitating ticket sales. The bill 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)