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Bill

SB 79

Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall and 3 co-sponsors

Texas SB 79 authorizes state-run lottery games via phone and internet while criminalizing unauthorized digital lottery operations.

Co-author authorized
#amusements #games #sports(i0034) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #internet(s0130) #lotteries(s0994) #lotterycommission #texas(v0454) #telephones&telephonedirectories(s5657)
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Bill Summary · SB 79

Legislative bill overview

SB 79 establishes a new lottery game in Texas that can be played via telephone, internet, or mobile applications, while simultaneously creating criminal offenses related to unauthorized versions of this game. The bill creates a regulatory framework for state-sanctioned digital lottery play and defines penalties for illegal operations.

Why is this important

Digital lottery expansion represents a significant revenue opportunity for Texas and shifts traditional lottery participation into online channels where younger demographics engage. The criminal provisions establish legal boundaries between legal state lotteries and illegal gambling operations, which affects both consumer protection and law enforcement priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • State gambling policy direction: Texas has historically restricted gambling compared to neighboring states; this represents a shift toward digital gaming that some view as expansion of state-sponsored gambling
  • Problem gambling concerns: Online/mobile lottery access removes barriers to play and may increase participation among vulnerable populations, raising public health questions about gambling addiction
  • Regulatory framework clarity: The bill's effectiveness depends on implementation details about age verification, responsible gaming protections, and enforcement mechanisms against illegal operators—specifics not evident from the title alone

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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