Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.
Impact
The bill amends the Government Code, specifically section 466, which governs the Texas Lottery Commission. It introduces Section 466.318, explicitly stating that individuals cannot engage in purchasing or selling lottery tickets via telephone or internet applications. This regulatory framework aims to protect underage individuals by reinforcing existing age-related restrictions and enhances state control over lottery revenue and enforcement.
Summary
Senate Bill 79 aims to regulate lottery games played or facilitated through telephone, internet, or mobile applications in Texas. The bill introduces specific prohibitions against purchasing lottery tickets in this manner, defining clear criminal offenses related to the unauthorized sale or ordering of lottery tickets digitally. The legislation seeks to enhance the security and integrity of lottery games while addressing the evolving landscape of gambling facilitated through modern technology.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding SB79 is the potential for increased regulation of gambling operations and the criminalization of certain behaviors previously unregulated in the digital space. Critics may argue that these provisions could overreach by penalizing users who seek the convenience of mobile applications for legitimate lottery purchases. Balancing the desire to protect citizens and maintain a fair lottery system with the need for liberty in digital transactions creates a complex landscape for lawmakers and stakeholders.
Notable_points
The criminal offenses established in the bill delineate between different levels of violations, with penalties ranging from Class C misdemeanors for unauthorized purchases to Class A misdemeanors for facilitating sales without proper authorization. This tiered approach reflects a careful consideration of the severity of different infractions, aiming to deter illegal activity while still allowing for legitimate lottery participation.
Identical
Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.
Same As
Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.