AUSTIN — Kicking off the 2026 football season, the Texas Lottery and the Houston Texans have unveiled their latest co-branded scratch ticket game alongside another one-of-a-kind lineup of fan-focused promotional second-chance drawings. Entering its 18th year, this popular collaboration gives Texas football enthusiasts and lottery players a unique way to back their team while playing for cash prizes and exclusive VIP experiences. The $5 scratch ticket launched on Monday, Aug. 17 and is currently available at authorized Texas Lottery® retail locations where scratch ticket games are sold.
“Our partnership with the Houston Texans has stood the test of time because lottery and football fans bring an unmatched level of energy to this game every single year,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the Texas Lottery. “Generating more than $68 million in total contributions to public education is a monumental achievement. We’re thrilled to sustain this momentum, giving our players access to unforgettable experiences while investing in the classroom.”
The 2026 edition of the Houston Texans scratch ticket features over $17.6 million in total cash payouts, anchored by four instant cash top prizes of $100,000. The overall odds of securing an instant cash win stand at one in 3.77, including break-even prizes.
Since their inception in 2009, these annual Houston Texans-themed games have driven more than $313.8 million in retail sales. From that total, an estimated $68.2 million has been channeled into the Foundation School Fund to support public education across Texas. At the same time, the program has distributed over $215.4 million in player prizes and generated $15.6 million in commissions for local retailers statewide.
“Our 25th season arrives with a team that has football fans all across Texas, and well beyond it, sitting on the edge of their seats. That same energy carries into everything we have planned for this milestone season,” said Scott Shepherd, Houston Texans Chief Revenue Officer. “The Texas Lottery has been a valued Texans partner for 18 of those 25 seasons, and together we’ve delivered more than $68 million to classrooms and public education across Texas. The 2026 season marks another exciting chapter in our partnership, driving more positive impact in our community and behind-the-scenes experiences our fans won’t want to miss.”
To participate in the second-chance drawings, players can enter non-winning 2026 Houston Texans scratch tickets via the Luck Zone through the Texas Lottery® App or website. This year’s premium second-chance packages include a Luxury Suite & On-Field Contest Experience, a Private Plane Away Game Trip and season tickets for two.
The entry deadlines for the first four designated drawings are set for Sept. 11, Oct. 23, Dec. 11, 2026, and Jan. 15, 2027, with the final drawing deadline to be announced at a later date. Complete game rules and drawing details are available at texaslottery.com.
