Entertainment

As the holiday season kicks into full swing across Greater Houston, the Texas Lottery is bringing a little extra sparkle—and a chance to win big—with the launch of four brand-new holiday scratch ticket games. Designed with festive fun in mind, these seasonal scratch-offs are now available at local retailers, offering more than $78.1 million in total prizes statewide.

Locally, residents in Houston, Cypress, Katy, Tomball, and beyond are already buzzing about the colorful new ticket lineup that’s perfect for stocking stuffers, holiday parties, or simply treating yourself to a moment of seasonal excitement. Each ticket is designed to bring some holiday magic—whether you’re dashing through the stores or cozying up at home with a cup of cocoa.

Here’s a closer look at what’s new in the Texas Lottery’s holiday scratch game collection:

• Reindeer Riches ($10): Featuring red, blue, and green festive scenes, this game boasts more than 1.6 million winning tickets and a top prize of $250,000. With over $40 million in total prizes, it's the biggest game in the lineup—and one sure to get Houstonians dreaming of a cash-filled Christmas.

• Winter Winnings ($5): Showcasing charming snow globe designs with holographic effects, this mid-tier game offers five $100,000 top prizes and more than $20.7 million in total winnings.

• Holiday Word Blast ($3): A seasonal twist on a classic crossword-style favorite, this ticket offers a fun puzzle experience with five $50,000 top prizes and $12 million in total prizes.

• White Elephant ($1): The ideal low-cost holiday giveaway or Secret Santa surprise, this game has over 2 million winning tickets and dozens of $500 top prizes—plus all winnings are claimable at retail.

Shoppers across the Houston area can use the Scratch Ticket and Retailer Locator on the official Texas Lottery App or website to find nearby retailers offering the new games. Whether you're in Cypress, Katy, Houston, or Tomball, the chance to win big is never far away.

Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, noted, “We’re excited to offer our players the chance to add a little holiday magic with these four new seasonal scratch ticket games. With a range of prices and prize levels, these games make for fun and festive gifts for anyone 18 or older, all while supporting public education in Texas.”

That last part is key—every ticket sold contributes to meaningful causes. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Texas Lottery generated $7.91 billion in sales, with $1.8 billion benefiting the State of Texas. This includes a record-setting $1.77 billion going to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education across the state, and $31.1 millionsupporting veterans through the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Since its founding in 1992, the Texas Lottery has given back more than $41.5 billion to the state and awarded over $93.5 billion in prizes to players. In local communities across Texas—including right here in Harris County—those dollars go a long way in funding schools, helping veterans, and supporting neighborhood retailers.

As excitement builds, shoppers are reminded that lottery tickets must only be purchased and gifted to individuals 18 and older, and to always play responsibly.

For those in the Houston area looking to spread some cheer with a little added thrill, these holiday-themed scratch-offs offer a unique way to bring fun, hope, and maybe even a big win into the season. Find more details, second-chance promotions, or to find participating retailers near you at  texaslottery.com or download the Texas Lottery App.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.