TEXAS — Those purchasing lottery tickets at self-service vending machines in Texas will now be required to verify their age.
With the new rule, players will have to scan a valid and unexpired ID at a self-service Texas Lottery vending machine. The machine will read the PDF417 barcode located on the back of most state-issued IDs using a verification system through the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), according to Texas Lottery.
The new step from the Texas Lottery went into effect on Dec. 30, 2024, in an effort to prevent underage purchases. The rule applies to all machines across the state.
“The new age verification measure will support retail staff in enforcing existing rules to prohibit minors from buying lottery tickets,” said Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission. “We are working closely with our licensed retailers to ensure a smooth transition and help players understand the importance of this change.”
The minimum age required by law to purchase a lottery ticket or redeem prizes is 18.
When scanning, the Texas Lottery suggests moving an ID around until a beep is heard, confirming the barcode was read. If users have difficulty scanning, try covering the smaller UPC barcode and moving the ID closer and farther away from the scanner.
Reasons why an ID may not be scanning include:
- Damaged/scratched barcodes
- Expired driver’s license
- Older versions of Texas IDs and some out-of-state IDs may not have the required barcode
If the ID does not scan, ask a retailer for help or purchase games at the counter.
According to the Texas Lottery, data from scanning a photo ID is not collected or stored.
It’s a Class C misdemeanor for retailers to sell or offer to sell a lottery ticket to someone who is younger than 18 years old.
