Texas is one of a handful of states that has limited gambling activities. A legal hurdle that saw the Texas Lottery get into hot water over allowing lottery couriers to operate in the state resulted in further implications that threaten its existence and put significant obstacles in the way of a potential expansion of gambling to include casinos and sports betting.
Legal Hurdle Involving the Lottery Raises Serious Concerns
The legal hurdle comes after a European syndicate was allowed to win a $95 million jackpot in Texas. Back in 2023, the Texas Lottery jackpot became mathematically exploitable after 93 consecutive draws. Then, the syndicate purchased nearly $26 million worth of tickets to win the top prize, along with many other prizes within the lower tiers.
Ultimately, those actions resulted in allegations against the former Texas Lottery boss, Gary Grief, who was accused of facilitating a “criminal conspiracy,” that enabled the European syndicate to claim the jackpot. A class action lawsuit was filed against the former Lottery CEO. However, Greif denied the allegations.
Considering the current circumstances, it would be incredibly difficult, if not completely impossible, for lawmakers to agree on expanding gambling this legislative session. Mark Jones, a political scientist and pollster at Rice University, who was recently quoted by Dallas Morning News, acknowledged that the legal hurdle surrounding the Texas Lottery was the “final nail in the coffin for gambling legislation in 2025.” The expert elaborated further: “It raises serious concerns about the ability of the state to regulate the far more lucrative industries of casino gambling and online sports betting.”
Bettors in Texas Would Have to Wait More for Legal Sports Wagering
But it’s not only the Texas Lottery that faces scrutiny. Late last month, Senate lawmakers unanimously approved SB 25, a proposal that called to prohibit the offering of lottery courier services across the state. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has long supported the bill. In contrast, the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers found the approval disappointing.
Speaking about the “Lottery Commission’s series of debacles,” Jones explained that Lt. Gov. Patrick already had doubts about Texas’ ability to regulate gambling and ensure that such activities are not connected to organized crime. He added that the legal complications surrounding the Lottery have likely further exacerbated the Governor’s concerns.
With strong opposition to the expansion of gambling with the addition of casinos and sports betting, so far, it looks like such efforts are doomed this legislative session. A couple of years ago, a proposal picked up speed by clearing the House, calling for the legalization of sports betting. However, the bill relied on the Texas Lottery to regulate the activity.
Considering the current troubles the Lottery is facing, there’s a high chance that the proposal wouldn’t get far, especially in the Senate. This means that sports fans who want to wager would have to wait some more to place legal bets in Texas or would need to resort to visiting a nearby state such as Arkansas, Louisiana or Mexico.
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