The Texas Lottery has become embroiled in a potential scandal after last month’s $83.5m jackpot win drew suspicion.
February’s jackpot win drew similarities to a previously scrupulous win from 2023, where a huge bulk order purchase via an online lottery courier service covered every possible number combination – leading to a $95m win.
The $83.5m win last month has led to similar cries of foul play, causing Governor Greg Abbott to demand an investigation into the win from Texas Rangers.
The investigation would revolve around online lottery couriers which were first granted permission to operate in Texas back in 2019, acting as third-party platforms for citizens to purchase tickets on the internet.
However, due to another suspicious jackpot win, the legality and transparency of courier services has been called into question.
Abbott stated: “Texans must be able to trust in our state’s lottery system and know that the lottery is conducted with integrity and lawfully. Texans deserve a lottery that is fair and transparent for everyone.”
As a result of these calls, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has agreed to launch an investigation into online lottery courier services currently operating in the Lone Star State.
The commission is also set to propose a policy in a meeting tomorrow (March 4) looking to ban these courier services due to their violation of state laws, according to TLC Executive Director Ryan Mindell.
Mindell commented: “We are taking decisive steps to uphold the public’s trust and ensure that the lottery operates as intended – in a fair and secure manner.”
To add to the scandal embroiling the TLC, Commissioner Clark Smith resigned from his position on February 28, following a state senate committee hearing last week on the topic of couriers.
Jackpocket, a leading online lottery courier service, has already suspended its operations in the Lone Star State while similar brand Lotto.com has suggested that it is considering its options.