SB 6040
In CommitteeSenate
Lottery promotional entries
Concerning the manner and method for receiving promotional entries.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill updates Washington’s lottery rules to allow electronic submission of second chance drawing entries and strengthens the self-exclusion program for people concerned about problem gambling. It also changes how high-value prizes ($600+) are handled—monetary prizes go to the problem gambling account, and high-value promotional/merchandise prizes are kept by the Lottery.
- Allows the Lottery Commission to accept second chance drawing entries using electronic means (e.g., online, mobile app), not just by mail or in person.
- Clarifies that self-excluded individuals cannot enroll in loyalty programs, enter second chance promotions, or claim prizes over $600.
- Requires that monetary prizes over $600 be paid to the problem gambling account (after debts are settled), and that promotional or merchandise prizes over $600 be retained by the Lottery—not given to the winner.
- Prohibits use of personal information collected under the self-exclusion program for any purpose other than administering that program.
- Maintains existing rules requiring 60% legislative approval for electronic/digital lottery games and legislative approval for online games drawn more than once every 24 hours.
Who is affected
- Lottery players — People who buy lottery tickets may now be able to enter second chance drawings electronically (e.g., online or via mobile app), and those who self-exclude from problem gambling programs will be restricted from entering promotions or claiming high-value prizes.
- Washington State Lottery Commission — Must follow new rules for how second chance entries are processed and must ensure self-excluded individuals cannot participate in promotions or claim high-value prizes.
- High-value prize winners — May be affected if they rely on high-value prizes ($600+)—monetary prizes above $600 go to the problem gambling account instead of the winner, and promotional/merchandise prizes above $600 are retained by the Lottery.
- People at risk for or recovering from problem gambling — May be impacted if they seek to enter second chance drawings using electronic means, or if they choose to self-exclude from lottery activities due to gambling concerns.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Allowing electronic submission of second chance entries improves accessibility for people with mobility issues, rural residents, and those without easy access to retail locations—potentially increasing participation while reducing barriers to low-stakes entertainment.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(l)Redirecting monetary prizes over $600 to the problem gambling account strengthens funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services—addressing a critical public health need in Washington, where problem gambling affects ~3% of adults and is linked to depression, suicide, and family instability.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a) and fiscal impactStrict limitations on use of personal data collected under the self-exclusion program protect privacy and reduce stigma, encouraging more at-risk individuals to enroll without fear of discrimination or data misuse.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(c)Prohibiting self-excluded individuals from enrolling in loyalty programs or entering second chance promotions reduces exposure to gambling triggers—supporting recovery for those in treatment or early-stage recovery.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)Electronic entry may increase youth exposure to second chance promotions, though the bill does not explicitly restrict minors from electronic entry—this is a modest risk given that ticket purchases remain prohibited for under-18s and retailers are required to verify age at point of sale.
EducationLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(l)
Potential Concerns (5)
Redirecting monetary prizes over $600 to the problem gambling account reduces direct prize payouts to winners, especially low- and middle-income individuals who may rely on such windfalls for emergency expenses or debt repayment.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)The self-exclusion program bars participants from entering second chance promotions or claiming prizes over $600, effectively restricting autonomy and access to voluntary, low-stakes entertainment without due process or opt-out flexibility for those who later change their minds.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)While electronic entry may increase participation, the requirement to retain high-value promotional/merchandise prizes over $600 may reduce retailer incentives to promote second chance programs, potentially lowering foot traffic and sales at small lottery retailers (e.g., convenience stores, gas stations).
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(l) and Sec. 1(5)(a)The bill does not provide additional funding or staffing for the self-exclusion program, and without robust outreach and support infrastructure, self-excluded individuals may still find ways to gamble—reducing the program’s effectiveness in preventing harm.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)Low-income households that occasionally win small prizes may see reduced access to supplemental income if they are inadvertently enrolled in loyalty programs or fail to self-exclude in time—though this risk is modest given the opt-in nature of loyalty programs.
HousingLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)
Who Is Most Affected
Low- and middle-income lottery players may benefit from increased accessibility to second chance promotions via electronic entry, but are disproportionately harmed if they rely on prize money for financial stability—especially since high-value prizes are redirected rather than paid out.
People in recovery from problem gambling gain stronger protections and access to support services via redirected prize funds, but may face reduced autonomy if self-exclusion is too rigid or poorly resourced.
Retailers may see modest gains from increased foot traffic due to electronic entry convenience, but lose revenue from high-value prize promotions that are retained by the Lottery instead of distributed.
The state gains increased funding for problem gambling services with no new tax burden, and enhances its public health infrastructure—but may face political backlash if perceived as profiting from gambling harm.
Tech vendors and app developers may see new opportunities to build or maintain electronic entry systems, but the bill does not mandate private-sector involvement—so benefits are limited and indirect.