A representative of one of the courier companies told the Texas Lottery Commission that a state regulation is needed, not a statewide ban.

Unanimous passage in the Senate comes after top Texas officials say the third-party services undermine trust in the lottery.

The Texas Senate on Thursday passed a bill to ban the use of courier services that facilitate the sale of Texas Lottery tickets. Senate Bill 28 by Republican Sen. Bob Hall of Edgewood was approved 31-0 amid concerns that couriers have hurt the lottery’s reputation.

An industry trade group said SB 28, which bans lottery courier companies, is an overreaction to comparatively rare practices within the industry.

The investigation into two controversial lottery jackpots in Texas had drummed up questions about the role of online ticketing firms known as lottery couriers in the state – and nationwide.

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate the bulk purchase of millions of dollars with worth of lottery tickets.

The future of the Texas Lottery is uncertain as it faces allegations of fraud, money laundering, and manipulation.

The Texas Lottery Commission held a meeting Tuesday just two weeks after a controversial win in Austin triggered investigations into retail courier services.