SAN ANGELO, TX — Purchasing a Texas lottery ticket from a vending machine now requires players to scan a government-issued photo ID, a move designed to enforce age restrictions.
The Texas Lottery Commission has introduced the new verification system to prevent minors from accessing lottery tickets through self-service machines. The system uses technology from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to scan the barcode on state-issued IDs, confirming the player is at least 18 years old. No personal data is stored during the process.
“This new age verification measure will support retail staff in enforcing existing rules to prohibit minors from buying lottery tickets,” Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, said. “We are working closely with our licensed retailers to ensure a smooth transition and help players understand the importance of this change.”
Retailers found in violation of these rules face penalties, including investigations and potential license revocation. Additionally, they cannot pay out prizes claimed by or on behalf of a minor.
The Texas Lottery stated that the measure aligns with its commitment to responsible gambling, bolstered by its participation in the annual “Gift Responsibly” campaign in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling.
This update reinforces the state’s compliance with laws prohibiting lottery sales to minors, making it harder for those under 18 to access tickets.
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