The future of the Texas Lottery is a gamble.
A new law is paving the way for officials to end the program for good by 2029.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation to abolish the state’s lottery commission on June 20, but the changes aren’t as drastic as they might sound — at least, not yet.
Here’s what you need to know.
What are the changes to the Texas Lottery under the new law?
The new law transfers oversight of the Texas Lottery is being transferred from the now-defunct Texas Lottery Commission to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The transition must be completed by Sept. 1, according to reporting from USA TODAY.
In addition to dissolving the commission, the law bans the sale of lottery tickets online or through third-party courier apps, effective immediately.
Couriers are third-party companies that take lottery ticket orders from customers online, according to a release from the Texas Lottery Commission. Typically, they work with a licensed lottery retailer to buy tickets for customers, in turn charging a fee to purchase and manage the tickets.
Players will now have to purchase tickets in person at licensed retailers.
Why are they changing the law?
These changes come after years of controversy, particularly surrounding the use of courier services to buy lottery tickets online after a series of high-profile incidents raised concerns about the fairness and security of Texas Lottery operations:
In February, former Texas Lottery Executive Director Ryan Mindell pushed to ban the use of all courier services after Abbott launched state investigations into the $83.5 million win.
Mindell resigned from his post months later, and in May, the woman sued the Texas Lottery Commission, alleging that she had not received her prize. The TLC declined to comment on the pending litigation to USA TODAY.
Can you still play the lottery in Texas?
The recent changes don’t mean Texans can’t buy lottery tickets anymore.
But tickets will only be available in person at licensed retailers, which means fewer options for where and how to buy them. Online sales and third-party courier apps are no longer allowed.
However, Texans can still stop by their favorite gas station or convenience store to buy a ticket — just like before.
In a statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for the TLC said the agency “is prepared to fully support the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to ensure a smooth, seamless and successful transition.”
“The abolition of the Texas Lottery Commission as a state agency should not affect Texans’ ability to participate in games offered by the Texas Lottery,” the statement said.
Is Texas looking to ban the lottery?
Possibly — but not yet. Under the new law, the Sunset Advisory Commission is required to evaluate whether the state’s lottery program should continue.
By Aug. 31, 2029, the commission must review the lottery’s performance and determine whether the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — which is taking over lottery oversight — has the tools and procedures to maintain its integrity.
If the commission recommends ending the program, the Texas Lottery would be abolished on Sept. 1, 2029.
So while the lottery remains in place for now, its future in Texas is not guaranteed.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Can you still play the Texas lottery? Here’s what the changes under the new law means
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison and Melina Khan, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
