Texas Lotto Self-Service Machines Now Require a Scanned ID

AUSTIN, TX — Texans who want to buy lottery tickets from a self-service lottery machine will now need to scan their photo ID before purchasing a draw or scratch-off ticket.

The Texas Lottery Commission rolled out the new age verification requirement on December 30, 2024, to make sure all players are at least 18 years old, per state law. According to the Texas Lottery, the change is intended to "help retailers better monitor the vending machines and prevent underage purchases."

Anyone buying scratch-off or draw tickets from lottery self-service machines across Texas will need to verify their age before completing a transaction. The process is simple:

• Hold your ID horizontally under the scanner with the barcode facing up.
• Wait for the scanner to beep, confirming the ID has been read.
• If it doesn’t scan immediately, try adjusting the ID’s position or covering the smaller barcode, which can sometimes interfere with the scan.

The Texas Lottery assures players that no personal information from the ID is stored or collected, and it is only used to verify the player’s age. If a player’s ID will not scan, be sure to check if the ID is not damaged, expired, or from another state.

Players can ask a store clerk for assistance or opt to purchase their tickets at the counter if their ID continues to not read.

Under Texas law, it’s a Class C misdemeanor for a retailer to knowingly sell a lottery ticket to someone under 18. Retailers are also prohibited from paying out prizes to minors or accepting winning tickets.

Violating these rules could lead to an investigation and possibly the loss of the retailer's lottery license.