In a decisive move, the Texas Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 28, effectively banning online lottery ticket sales and blocking third-party courier services from purchasing tickets for customers.
The bill, initially introduced by Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, and co-authored by 28 of the 31 Senate members, aims to close legal loopholes that have allowed couriers to circumvent in-person purchasing requirements.
For years, the Texas Lottery Commission claimed it lacked the authority to regulate these courier services. However, amid mounting pressure from lawmakers, the agency reversed its position at the start of the 2025 legislative session and announced plans to prohibit courier-based lottery sales.
This shift follows increasing scrutiny, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launching an investigation into the Lottery Commission’s operations. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have also enlisted the Texas Rangers to examine two recent jackpot wins and the commission’s dealings with couriers.
Sen. Hall has been a vocal critic of these services, arguing that they should already be deemed illegal under existing Texas law. He contends that the Texas Lottery Commission has failed in its duty to enforce these restrictions.
“SB 28 will not restore integrity to the Texas lottery — I don’t even know if that’s possible,” Hall stated during Thursday’s Senate hearing. “But it will reiterate the responsibility we have given the commission to ensure lottery couriers and their licensed retail outlets are no longer able to operate in the state in language even they should be able to understand.”
This legislative push has ignited debate over how best to handle third-party lottery couriers. While the Senate has opted for a full prohibition, an alternative approach has been proposed in the Texas House.
House Bill 3201, filed by Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin, advocates for regulation rather than an outright ban. Bucy’s proposal calls for a licensing system that would impose background checks and audits on couriers, allowing them to operate under strict oversight rather than being forced out of the market entirely.
As SB 28 moves forward, the Texas House will now determine whether to follow the Senate’s lead with a blanket ban or consider a regulatory approach.
The final decision will have lasting implications for how lottery ticket sales are conducted in Texas and how the state balances consumer access with gambling oversight.
