The Texas Lottery on Monday banned online lottery ticket sales by third-party courier services after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and lawmakers had questioned the practice. The policy is effective immediately and “aligns with legislative efforts to address serious concerns raised by players and state leadership regarding the integrity,

The policy shift was announced before state senators, skeptical of the move, grilled officials with the department and courier services in a hearing on SB 28.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott asked the Texas Rangers to investigate two jackpots involving virtual ticket sales: this month’s $83.5 million prize, and a $95 million jackpot from 2023 won by a group of investors. Both cases, according to government officials, affect the public’s confidence in the lottery.