Texas Just Made It Crystal Clear: Here’s Exactly Who Can (and Can’t) Buy Lottery Tickets
In Texas, you must be 18 years old to legally purchase lottery tickets. This applies to all Texas Lottery products including Powerball, Mega Millions, scratch-offs, and daily games. No exceptions exist. Retailers face fines up to $2,000 per violation, and minors caught attempting purchases can face Class C misdemeanor charges under Texas Penal Code Section 47.01.
What Texas Law Actually Says About Lottery Age Requirements
Texas Government Code Section 466.351 explicitly prohibits lottery ticket sales to anyone under 18. The Texas Lottery Commission enforces this through random compliance checks at retail locations statewide.
The law covers:
- All instant scratch-off tickets
- Draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto Texas)
- Daily games (Pick 3, Daily 4, Cash Five)
- Multi-state lottery products sold in Texas
- Gift cards redeemable for lottery tickets
Zero exceptions exist. Parents cannot legally purchase tickets on behalf of minors, and minors cannot claim prizes even if someone else purchased the ticket for them.
Penalties Hit Hard: What Retailers and Minors Face
Texas doesn’t mess around with lottery age violations.
For retailers:
- First offense: Up to $2,000 fine
- Repeat violations: License suspension or revocation
- Criminal charges possible under Texas Penal Code Section 47.02
For minors:
- Class C misdemeanor charges
- Fines up to $500
- Community service requirements
- Potential impact on college applications and employment
The Texas Lottery Commission conducted 3,847 compliance checks in 2023, resulting in 142 violations and $284,000 in fines against retailers.
How Texas Compares to Other States
Texas sits in the middle nationally. Most states require purchasers to be 18, but variations exist:
- 18 years old: Texas, California, Florida, New York (38 states total)
- 19 years old: Alabama, Nebraska
- 21 years old: Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana
Arizona raised its lottery age to 21 in 2021, triggering debates in other states. Texas legislators proposed similar bills in 2023 but none advanced past committee review.
Real-World Enforcement: Recent Texas Cases
In March 2024, a Houston-area convenience store lost its lottery license after selling to minors three times within six months. The Texas Lottery Commission’s investigation revealed the store failed to implement ID verification systems despite previous warnings.
A San Antonio retailer faced $6,000 in fines in January 2025 after compliance officers found systematic failures in age verification during undercover operations.
These cases aren’t isolated. The Texas Lottery Commission reports enforcement actions increased 23% between 2022 and 2024 as the agency expanded its compliance program.
What Retailers Must Do to Stay Compliant
Texas law places responsibility squarely on retailers. The Texas Lottery Commission requires:
- ID verification for anyone appearing under 27 years old
- Point-of-sale reminders about age restrictions
- Employee training on verification procedures
- Posted signage visible to customers
- Refusal to sell without valid government-issued ID
Accepted forms of ID:
- Texas driver’s license
- Texas identification card
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
- Tribal identification card
Retailers cannot accept expired IDs or digital copies. The Texas Lottery Commission recommends scanning IDs to create compliance records.
Recent Legislative Activity and What’s Coming
Texas lawmakers revisited lottery age requirements during the 2023 legislative session. House Bill 2847 proposed raising the minimum age to 21, citing concerns about gambling addiction among young adults.
The bill died in committee, but discussions continue. Representative Sarah Martinez told the Texas Tribune in November 2024 that she plans to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025, pointing to Arizona’s experience after raising its age limit.
The Texas Lottery Commission hasn’t indicated support for age increases, noting current enforcement challenges with the 18-year threshold.
What Parents Need to Know
Texas law doesn’t just prohibit direct sales to minors. Parents who purchase lottery tickets intending to gift them to children under 18 technically violate Texas Penal Code Section 47.02, which criminalizes allowing minors to participate in illegal gambling.
While prosecutions remain rare, the legal framework exists. More commonly, retailers refuse to complete transactions when adults admit they’re buying for minors.
Prize claims create additional complications. If a minor possesses a winning ticket—even one purchased by an adult—the Texas Lottery Commission can deny the claim entirely under Section 466.406.
Young Adults: What You Need to Know at 18
Turning 18 means legal lottery participation, but Texas law still imposes limits:
- No purchasing on behalf of minors
- Prize claims require valid photo ID
- Winnings over $600 trigger IRS reporting
- Prizes exceeding $5,000 require in-person claims at lottery offices
The Texas Lottery Commission recommends signing tickets immediately after purchase and storing them securely. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced, regardless of age.
FAQ: Texas Lottery Age Requirements
Can someone 18 or older buy a lottery ticket for a minor?
No. Texas law prohibits purchasing lottery tickets with intent to give them to anyone under 18. Retailers can refuse sales if they suspect this intent.
What happens if a minor wins using someone else’s ticket?
The Texas Lottery Commission will likely deny the claim. Only the legal purchaser or authorized designee can claim prizes, and minors cannot serve as designees.
Do other states honor Texas lottery tickets if the person is under 18?
No. Lottery tickets are valid only in the state where purchased, and Texas’s 18-year minimum applies regardless of where the ticket holder resides.
Can a 17-year-old receive a lottery ticket as a gift?
Technically illegal under Texas law, though enforcement focuses primarily on point-of-sale violations rather than private gifts.
What if someone uses a fake ID to buy lottery tickets?
This constitutes multiple violations: using a fraudulent ID (criminal offense under Texas Penal Code Section 521.451) plus illegal lottery participation. Penalties can include jail time and substantial fines.
Are online lottery purchases subject to the same age restrictions?
Yes. The Texas Lottery’s mobile app and website require age verification during account creation. Accounts are subject to audit, and violations result in account closure and potential legal action.
How does Texas verify ages for online purchases?
The Texas Lottery uses third-party verification services that check government databases against user-provided information. Additional documentation may be required for large prize claims.
Expert Perspectives on Texas Lottery Age Laws
Legal experts largely agree Texas’s 18-year threshold balances accessibility with protection. Professor Michael Chen of the University of Texas School of Law told Houston Chronicle in September 2024 that raising the age to 21 could face constitutional challenges.
“The state would need to demonstrate compelling reasons to restrict an activity legal at 18,” Chen explained. “Unlike alcohol, lottery participation doesn’t carry the same public safety concerns that justified raising drinking ages.”
Consumer advocates express different concerns. The Texas chapter of the National Council on Problem Gambling advocates for age 21 minimums, citing research showing 18-to-20-year-olds exhibit higher rates of gambling problems than older adults.
What Comes Next for Texas Lottery Laws
The Texas Lottery Commission’s 2024 strategic plan emphasizes enhanced compliance rather than age increases. Planned initiatives include:
- Expanded mystery shopper programs
- Technology upgrades for retailer verification systems
- Increased penalties for repeat violators
- Public education campaigns targeting young adults
Budget allocations for fiscal year 2025 include $2.3 million for compliance operations, representing a 15% increase over 2024.
Legislative observers expect renewed debate when the 2025 session begins. While age increase proposals face uncertain prospects, bipartisan support exists for stricter retailer penalties and enhanced verification requirements.
Bottom Line: What Every Texan Should Know
Texas lottery law is straightforward: 18 years minimum, no exceptions, serious penalties for violations. The Texas Lottery Commission actively enforces these requirements through compliance checks and retailer audits.
For retailers, compliance isn’t optional. Investment in verification systems and employee training protects against costly fines and license revocation. The Texas Lottery Commission offers free compliance resources at texaslottery.com/retailers.
For Texans approaching 18, understanding these rules prevents legal problems. Valid ID is mandatory, and attempting purchases before your 18th birthday carries real consequences.
The law may evolve as legislators reconsider age thresholds, but current requirements remain clear. When in doubt, check official guidance at the Texas Lottery Commission website or consult legal counsel familiar with Texas gambling regulations.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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