Texas Senate Bill Targets Bulk Lottery Ticket Buyers
A new bill in Texas, S.B. No. 1346, aims to clamp down on anyone trying to scoop up all winning lottery tickets in a single draw. Introduced by Senator Bryan Hughes, the measure would penalize sales agents who knowingly let it happen, putting their licenses on the line.
Cracking Down on Big Buys
The bill’s rules are clear. If an agent sells tickets to someone aiming to snag every possible winning combo, the Texas Lottery Commission can yank their license after a hearing.
Once revoked, they’re sidelined, no new license applications for a year. Set to kick in on September 1, 2025, S.B. 1346 is part of a broader push to shore up trust in the Lone Star State’s lottery.
The Lottery Courier Coalition, made up of firms like Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, and Lotto.com, is cheering it on. They argue bulk buying isn’t feasible through their services and see the bill as a win for fair play.
It’s a stance they’ve pushed for years, alongside another proposal, HB 3201, which would regulate and license couriers to let Texans order tickets safely online.
Why Now?
Texas lawmakers are wrestling with a confidence problem. Concerns flared over whether someone could game the system by buying all winning combos, especially after recent jackpots raised eyebrows.
Senator Bob Hall didn’t hold back, saying, “The Texas Lottery Commission has failed in its duty to protect the integrity of the lottery.” The state’s Attorney General is digging into whether those wins broke any laws, fueled by reports of heavy ticket purchases.
The commission’s added fuel to the fire, declaring courier services illegal under current Texas law. Yet, the coalition insists the agency lacks authority to regulate them without clear rules, hence their support for both S.B. 1346’s ban on bulk buys and HB 3201’s regulatory framework.
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