Requires the game expiration date to be printed on the front of all draw games tickets and scratchers tickets

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Kelley

Requires expiration dates of draw and scratch-off tickets to be printed on the front of the ticket for clear redemption timelines.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Bill Summary: HB 2993 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

HB 2993 requires that the expiration date of all draw games tickets and scratch-off tickets be printed on the front of the ticket. The bill seeks to ensure that players can readily determine how long a ticket remains valid for redemption, aiming to improve consumer clarity and reduce confusion about expiration timelines.

Key Provisions and Changes

Expiration Date Printing: All draw games tickets and scratchers tickets must display the official expiration date on the front of the ticket. This adds a visible, easily accessible deadline for redeeming winnings.

Scope: Applies to tickets for draw games and scratch-off (scratchers) games offered within the state.

Form and Location: The expiration date must be printed prominently on the front surface of the ticket (as opposed to being listed only in game rules, fine print, or on the back).

Affected Parties and Impacts

Players/Consumers: Clearer information about ticket validity, reducing ambiguity about when prizes must be claimed.

Lottery Operations: Lottery retailers and the issuing agency would need to implement or verify printing standards to ensure expiration dates are consistently included on all eligible tickets.

Prize Processing and Redemptions: Redemption timelines and policies may align with the newly visible expiration dates, potentially affecting claim windows and processing workflows.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and First Reading: Introduced and Read First Time on January 15, 2026.

Second Reading: Read Second Time on January 20, 2026.

Referred to Committee: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.

Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings and potential amendments before a floor vote. The exact timelines would depend on committee actions and legislative calendar.

Sponsor and Support

Co-sponsor: Ann Kelley

The bill’s sponsorship indicates bipartisan interest in consumer clarity around lottery ticket validity, though specific support or fiscal impact analyses are not provided in the available information.

Practical Considerations

States may incur minor printing or operational costs to ensure front-facing expiration dates are consistently applied across all ticket types.

The policy aligns with standard consumer protection practices by making important terms (like expiration) immediately visible to purchasers.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific stakeholders ( retailers, players, or the state treasury) or compare it to current Missouri lottery ticket practices.