Want to buy a Texas Lottery ticket from a vending machine? You now have to scan your ID

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texans hoping to play the lottery without talking to a cashier will need to expect to add another step to their process at self-serve vending machines.

People using Texas Lottery self-service vending machines now need to scan their government-issued photo ID before purchasing games or redeeming prizes to prove they are at least 18, which is the state age requirement to participate in the Texas Lottery.

The Texas Lottery Commission implemented the age verification on Dec. 30, 2024, to ensure all players meet the age requirement. The commission said in a release the new age verification feature is intended to "help retailers better monitor the vending machines to prevent underage purchases."

Age verification is required for people looking to purchase scratch tickets or draw game tickets from lottery vending machines across the state. Players will be prompted before they can pay or select a game. They'll do so by following the steps below, per the Texas Lottery:

• Scan long barcode on back of driver’s license or ID.
• Use the same scanner for checking lottery tickets. Hold ID horizontally underneath the scanner, barcode facing up.
• Move ID around until a beep confirms the barcode was read.
• Difficulty scanning? Cover the smaller UPC barcode and try moving ID closer and farther away from scanner.

According to the Texas Lottery, no data from the ID is collected or stored, and scanning an ID is for age verification only.

“The new age verification measure will support retail staff in enforcing existing rules to prohibit minors from buying lottery tickets,” said Ryan Mindell, Texas Lottery Commission executive director. “We are working closely with our licensed retailers to ensure a smooth transition and help players understand the importance of this change.”

If an ID is not scanning, it could be because of one of the following reasons:

• Damaged/scratched barcodes
• Expired driver’s license
• Older versions of Texas IDs and some out-of-state IDs may not have the required PDF417 barcode administered by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
• Some other forms of identification may not scan or be able to verify age.
• Ask retailer for assistance or purchase games at the counter if the ID will not scan.

It is a Class C misdemeanor to intentionally or knowingly sell or offer to sell a lottery ticket to a person the retailer knows is younger than 18 years old, according to the Texas Lottery.

The Texas Lottery also said retailers are not authorized to pay a prize claimed by a minor or by an adult presenting a prize-winning ticket on behalf of a minor. Violation of these laws and rules will result in an investigation and may lead to revocation of the retailer’s lottery sales license.