Texas House Bill HB839

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the percentage of state lottery money paid as prizes to winning ticket holders.

Impact

The provisions of HB 839 would apply starting with the state fiscal biennium that begins on September 1, 2025, thereby giving stakeholders time to adjust to this forthcoming regulation. The bill's impact is likely to cascade through state budget allocations, affecting how revenue from the lottery is distributed across various sectors, particularly funding for educational initiatives and veterans' assistance programs. By limiting the prize payments, the bill appears to prioritize the reliability of revenue streams for these important services.

Summary

House Bill 839 proposes a limitation on the percentage of state lottery revenue that can be allocated to winnings paid to ticket holders. Specifically, the bill states that the total amount paid as prizes in a given fiscal biennium cannot exceed 40% of the gross revenue generated from ticket sales. This change is intended to stabilize the funding for other essential state programs that benefit from lottery revenues, such as educational funding and veterans' services.

Contention

Although the bill seeks to ensure the responsible allocation of lottery funds, it may face opposition from entities concerned about diminishing the attractiveness of lottery participation for potential players. Critics might argue that limiting the amount of prize money could lead to decreased sales as the public may perceive lower potential returns on their investments. Moreover, discussions surrounding gambling ethics and responsible gaming practices may also arise, as stakeholders consider the implications of such regulations on broader gambling policies in the state.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 466. State Lottery
  • Section: 355