Lone Star State gaming observers have another new update to keep on as the sizzling summer months roar on. In a significant shakeup for the state’s gambling industry, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 3070 into law, effectively dissolving the Texas Lottery Commission. Per the same article, this would then introduce sweeping changes to how the state’s lottery operates. The legislation, which took effect immediately after its signing on Sunday, extends the Texas Lottery’s operations until 2029. However, the report notes, this transfers oversight from the long-standing commission to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), as reported by a local state outlet. The law also institutes strict limitations on ticket purchases and criminalizes digital sales conducted through courier apps.
In this article, SBS will be going over the latest gaming news and notes coming from SBS, along with some additional notes and info coming from the website and beyond.
The measure comes in as an answer to mounting criticism over the integrity of the lottery system. Controversy erupted earlier this year when a group managed to win a $95 million jackpot by buying nearly all of the 25.8 million possible combinations, raising concerns over bulk purchasing, the report explained. At the same time, lottery couriers, third-party services that acquire physical tickets and send customers digital copies, came under fire for exploiting legal gray areas surrounding online gambling laws.
Senator Bob Hall, the bill’s author and a vocal critic of state-sponsored gambling, had previously pushed for an outright end to the lottery. However, he acknowledged that eliminating the program altogether would have left a significant hole in the state’s education budget. The lottery generates roughly $2 billion annually for public schools, making a complete shutdown financially unfeasible. Instead, Hall framed SB 3070 as a compromise that eliminates many of the elements he and others saw as problematic. Under the new law, online ticket sales and courier services are banned outright. Violations could result in Class A misdemeanor charges, carrying penalties of up to a year in jail.
Moreover, the report notes, the bill was fast-tracked through the legislature despite being introduced after the regular filing deadline. This, of course, signaled bipartisan concern about the current system’s vulnerabilities. Lawmakers agreed that greater oversight was needed following years of lax regulation and questionable enforcement from the Lottery Commission.
Also covered in the same report, with the commission now defunct, the TDLR is preparing to assume control. Although the department has not outlined its full strategy, officials have formed a transition team and are collaborating with former lottery staff to ensure a smooth handover. Meanwhile, investigations into the conduct of past lottery operations are ongoing. For instance, the Texas Rangers are currently looking into both the $95 million jackpot and a separate $83.5 million win that remains unpaid, reportedly due to the use of a lottery courier service. Finally, the future of the Texas Lottery will again be up for review in 2029, when the Sunset Advisory Commission evaluates whether to continue or finally end the decades-old program.
In other Texas gaming news, the Marshall Police Department said in a recent report that seven illegal gambling operations were shut down in a coordinated effort across Harrison County last month. The Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force led the effort here with support from the Marshall Police Department’s patrol and criminal investigations division. This also includes support from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, patrol division, and criminal investigations division, the Harrison County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office.
Several people were arrested during the searches after around 70 illegal gambling machines were found and seized, Marshall PD stated in a press release. Methamphetamines were also recovered, which led to additional charges, according to officials. Additionally, the district attorney’s office is reviewing those charges while law enforcement continues its investigation. Additionally, Marshall PD added that they also searched the Fina gas station in Marshall and seized ten illegal gambling devices along with illegal THC products.
In a statement from the department, “law enforcement agencies across Marshall and Harrison County, along with their District Attorney’s Office, remain united in their message. Illegal game rooms will not be tolerated. These establishments pose a threat to public safety, and we will continue to hold those who break the law accountable.” Indeed, with a regular series of crackdowns and stings, it would appear that law enforcement certainly has a strong track record of mitigating these operations in Texas.
After you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gaming news coming from the Lone Star State, make sure to check out the excellent array of info for you only at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis on the topic at hand, the sports betting in Texas guide has your back with all kinds of excellent updates coming from the region. Conversely, for those who are eligible and are interested, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown has you covered with all kinds of cool insights. This includes the latest news regarding promos from the outlet that eligible customers can sink their teeth into. Finally, for those interested in some higher-stakes wagering, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is a fantastic guide where eligible customers can learn more about VIP betting and whether it makes sense for them.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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