Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.

HB 389 prohibits purchasing lottery tickets via telephone or internet/mobile applications and bans facilitating such play for compensation. It directly affects individuals attempting to buy tickets digitally and third parties who arrange or sell tickets on behalf of others through these platforms. The bill creates Class C misdemeanors for purchasing tickets and Class A misdemeanors for facilitating play (e.g., accepting orders or selling tickets for payment). If enacted, it would make these activities illegal starting September 1, 2025, aligning with existing Texas lottery regulations. The bill is currently pending in the Licensing & Administrative Procedures committee.