Press Release: Texas Lottery Under Scrutiny Amid Courier Controversy
Austin, TX — The Texas Lottery is facing intense scrutiny following two controversial jackpot wins totaling nearly $180 million that were facilitated by online lottery couriers. Republican Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation by the Texas Rangers into the jackpots: an $83.5 million prize won this month and a $95 million jackpot from 2023 claimed by a group of investors. Critics claim these courier services, which buy tickets on behalf of customers, undermine public trust in the lottery.
Concerns escalated after a New Jersey entity mass-ordered millions of tickets using the courier service Lottery Now, resulting in a $57 million win and raising questions about the fairness of the traditional lottery system. A key issue is that couriers operate in 19 states without comprehensive regulations, placing them beyond Texas Lottery control, which prompted the commission to move toward banning such services.
The Texas Lottery Commission has announced investigations into all courier activities in Texas and imposed stricter limits on lottery terminals in retail locations. With a commission meeting scheduled for March 4, discussions on new regulatory measures are anticipated.
Players have expressed mixed feelings about couriers, with some enjoying the convenience of purchasing tickets online, while others cite issues such as high fees and potential legal ambiguities. Notably, Jackpocket, one of the largest couriers, has suspended its Texas operations due to impending regulations, despite reporting over $550 million in sales since 2019.
As critics call for accountability, the fallout includes the resignation of a Texas Lottery Commissioner and allegations of fraud against former officials. The controversy has sparked a broader debate on the integrity of lottery operations in the state.
For further information, please contact the Texas Lottery Commission.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
