The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has voiced strong opposition to online lottery courier services, claiming they constitute illegal gambling expansion and threaten tribal gaming operations.

In a recent letter to the Senate State Affairs committee, tribal general counsel Jason C. Nelson expressed concern that these services are "directly and adversely" impacting the tribe's Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, which offers electronic bingo machines and poker.

Nelson argues these courier services go beyond simple delivery, instead creating comprehensive online gaming experiences that circumvent state gambling laws. "Each purchase of a lottery ticket is essentially the placement of a bet," Nelson stated, suggesting this violates Texas's internet gaming ban.

The issue gained attention after courier companies helped a gambling syndicate purchase 25.8 million tickets for the April 22, 2023, Texas Lottery draw - significantly more than the usual 1-2 million weekly tickets. The syndicate won the $95 million jackpot and all secondary prizes.

While courier services claim they operate within legal boundaries by providing delivery services, the Kickapoo tribe contests this interpretation. The Texas legislature is expected to address this controversy during its 2025 session.

It's worth noting that contrary to some reports, the tribe has not threatened to pursue class III gaming (Las Vegas-style slots and table games) in response to the lottery courier situation. Under current regulations, the tribe operates class II gaming, which includes electronic bingo machines and poker, permitted by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

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