Ryan Mindell stepped down as the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) following a series of scandals, including a $95 million jackpot won by a group that purchased millions of $1 lottery tickets. The TLC has faced scrutiny and investigations from the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Rangers.
Mindell’s resignation came after just one year in the position, following his predecessor Gary Grief. The TLC has been criticized for various issues, including the operation of ticket courier services, which allow online purchases of tickets.
The Texas Lottery, established in 1992, has generated over $40 billion for the state government, with the majority going to the Foundation School Fund and the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
In response to the controversies, the TLC has changed its rules to ban bulk purchases from professional gamblers and ticket courier companies. The state legislature has also set the TLC’s budget to $0 for two years, which could lead to financial challenges for the commission.
The Texas Rangers and the Attorney General’s Office will continue their investigations into the TLC. The commission’s board will consider the selection process for a new executive director at its next meeting, scheduled for April 29.
State Senator Bob Hall welcomed Mindell’s resignation and expressed support for ending the lottery while protecting funds designated for veterans. The future of the TLC remains uncertain as it navigates ongoing investigations and budgetary challenges.
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