The Texas Lottery has announced new rules to prohibit online gaming services, citing state law. This decision comes after a recent Lotto Texas jackpot win involving a courier service that purchased the winning ticket for a customer. The Texas Rangers have been directed to investigate two wins involving courier services, following concerns about the integrity and transparency of the lottery system.
Lottery couriers are unregulated companies that take orders from customers online, purchase lottery tickets from retailers, and charge a fee for their services. The Texas Lottery Commission has taken action to revoke the license of any retailer found working with a courier service. The commission is also proposing rule amendments to formally prohibit courier services in the state.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expressed concerns about the recent wins and has called for a thorough investigation to ensure the lottery is conducted lawfully and with integrity. The state legislature is considering several bills that would prohibit lottery couriers from operating in Texas, citing concerns about money laundering and underage access to games.
In response to the new rules, the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers has criticized the decision as abrupt and unnecessary. They believe courier services have operated legally and responsibly since 2019 and have advocated for regulatory oversight. Jackpocket, a popular lottery courier service in Texas, has suspended operations in the state, impacting access to the lottery and funding for public education.
The Texas Lottery Commission is set to propose rule amendments in April after a public comment period. The investigation into the wins involving courier services is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the lottery system for all Texans.
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