Texas Lottery Bill Moves Forward

TEXAS – As reported by the Dallas Morning News: "A bill moving through the Legislature could usher in a new day for Lotto Texas, moving the game of chance from the convenience store to your laptop.

"The legislation approved earlier this week by the House Appropriations Committee would let Texas lottery players become the nation's first to buy tickets online and pay with a debit card. Players also could also establish a Texas Lottery Commission account that would draw down as they buy tickets.

"North Dakota, Illinois and Georgia are considering similar legislation, although so far, no states offer online lottery sales.

"…In Texas, new revenue generated from online sales is estimated at $100 million per year, according to the Legislative Budget Board's calculations. That does not account for the $175 million paid each year to retailers, or 5 cents for every $1 ticket sold, that potentially would be saved, said Bobby Heath, a spokesman for the Texas Lottery…"