Texas Lottery Commission has introduced a new step for players purchasing games at self-service vending machines
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TEXAS LOTTERY ADDS AGE VERIFICATION TO SELF-SERVICE VENDING MACHINES
New measure will enhance ability of retailers
to prevent sale of tickets to minors
AUSTIN — As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible gambling and consumer protection, the Texas Lottery Commission has introduced a new step for players purchasing games at self-service vending machines. On Dec. 30, 2024, age verification was implemented on all lottery ticket self-service vending machines across the state.
By law, players must be 18 years or older to purchase Texas Lottery® tickets or redeem prizes at retail locations. Under this added measure, players seeking to purchase scratch tickets or draw game tickets from lottery vending machines, which are available at select retail locations, are now required to scan their government-issued photo ID at the machine. The new age verification feature is intended to help retailers better monitor the vending machines to prevent underage purchases.
To ensure compliance with the minimum age requirements, transactions can only be conducted after the machine verifies the player is 18 years or older using a valid and unexpired ID. At this time, the machines are able to read the (PDF417) barcode located on the back of most state-issued IDs using the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) verification system. No data from the ID is collected or stored. This process is strictly for age verification.
“The new age verification measure will support retail staff in enforcing existing rules to prohibit minors from buying lottery tickets,” said Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission. “We are working closely with our licensed retailers to ensure a smooth transition and help players understand the importance of this change.”
Retailers are frequently reminded that it is an offense (Class C misdemeanor) to intentionally or knowingly sell or offer to sell a lottery ticket to a person the retailer knows is younger than 18 years old. Additionally, retailers are not authorized to pay a prize claimed by a minor or by an adult presenting a prize winning ticket on behalf of a minor. Violation of these laws and rules will result in an investigation and may lead to revocation of the retailer’s lottery sales license.
The Texas Lottery is committed to generating revenue through the responsible management and sale of entertaining lottery products. The prohibition on minors purchasing Texas Lottery tickets, which is part of the agency’s Responsible Gambling commitment, is displayed on all tickets, point-of sale materials, advertising and at selling events such as fairs and festivals.
Since 2009, the Texas Lottery has participated in the annual “Gift Responsibly” campaign in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. The campaign reminds consumers and retailers that lottery games are not intended for anyone under 18 years old. Awareness efforts incorporate public messaging via social media, website and app banners, advertising displays, and numerous retailer and employee communications throughout November and December each year.
For more information on the risks to minors of lottery play, visit the Texas Lottery’s Social Responsibility page.
About the Texas Lottery
Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated more than $40 billion in revenue for the state and distributed more than $89 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $34.16 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $257 million for programs supporting Texas veterans.
The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five® and scratch ticket games. For more information visit us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or at texaslottery.com. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket or enter a promotional second-chance drawing. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.
Editors/News Directors, note: A graphic featuring Texas Lottery “Scan ID to Play” messaging can be downloaded here. Images of Texas Lottery self-service vending machines can be downloaded here. (Right-click on the image(s) for saving options.)
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