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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

TEXAS LOTTERY^® GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING (RG)

The Texas Lottery is committed to generating revenue for the state of Texas through the responsible management and sale of entertaining products. We understand that the majority of players enjoy lottery games without issue, while for some people, gambling can become a problem. We strive to build and maintain a sustainable player base and retailer network by providing optimal protection for players and retailers while ensuring the sale and validation of tickets are performed in compliance with agency rules.

RG PROGRAM GOAL

The Texas Lottery aims to incorporate the highest standard of security, integrity and responsible gambling principles in alignment with our Core Value of “Integrity and Responsibility” - a value that incorporates educating employees, retailers and the public about positive, responsible play, the signs of problem gambling and resources for help with problem gambling behavior.

RG PROGRAM PRINCIPLES

Providing information and education regarding playing the games of Texas responsibly has always been and continues to be a critical area of focus. This is consistent with Tex. Gov’t Code ch 466 (State Lottery Act) that addresses the sale of tickets to or purchase by a minor and Texas Lottery advertising communications. By law, a person must be 18 or older (adult) to purchase a lottery ticket. It is a criminal offense (Class C misdemeanor) to sell a ticket to a minor and a minor commits an offense if the individual purchases a ticket.

Prohibitions in the State Lottery Act

Sec. 466.3051. SALE OF TICKET TO OR PURCHASE OF TICKET BY PERSON YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE

(a) A sales agent or an employee of a sales agent commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly sells or offers to sell a ticket to an individual that the person knows is younger than 18 years of age. (b) An individual who is younger than 18 years of age commits an offense if the individual: (1) purchases a ticket; or (2) falsely represents the individual to be 18 years of age or older by displaying evidence of age that is false or fraudulent or misrepresents in any way the individual's age in order to purchase a ticket.

Sec. 466.110. PROHIBITED ADVERTISEMENTS

The legislature intends that advertisements or promotions sponsored by the department for the lottery not be of a nature that unduly influences any person to purchase a lottery ticket or number.

These overarching statutes permeate all aspects of the Texas Lottery’s approach to marketing, advertising and product presentation.

ACTION ITEMS TO ACHIEVE GOAL

Provide educational opportunities and materials to employees, licensed retailers and the public supporting: responsible, positive play, awareness of problem gambling and risks to youth, and resources for assistance.
Design and market games that do not unduly influence the purchase of lottery tickets, solicit children to purchase lottery tickets, or depict lottery players as anyone under the age of 18.
Dedicate sufficient resources to implement the Texas Lottery Guidelines for Responsible Gambling and the Advertising Sensitivity Guidelines.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with their gambling, help is available.

Education

Positive Play
FAQ
Training Videos

Players, retailers, friends and family can benefit from knowing ways to keep lottery play positive.

Positive Play Resources

The Texas Lottery provides these posters and brochures for your use as a public service.

Advertising Guidelines

Texas Lottery advertising is designed to not unduly influence purchases.

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