A Texas lottery winner's $83.5 million jackpot is being withheld due to a new ban on online third-party vendors, sparking controversy and legal challenges.
The Texas Lottery Commission has put a hold on an $83.5 million jackpot won by an Austin woman, citing a recent ban on online third-party lottery ticket vendors. The winner, who remains anonymous, purchased her ticket through the Jackpocket app on February 17, before the ban was enacted.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick raised concerns about the integrity of the state lottery following this massive win. He pointed out that the winning ticket was sold at Winner's Corner, an Austin game store owned by DraftKings, which also owns Jackpocket.
In response to these concerns, the Texas Lottery Commission announced a ban on courier services, arguing that there is no regulatory oversight for these platforms. Executive Director Ryan Mindell stated that the services fail to comply with legal regulations and maintain public trust.
The jackpot winner's attorney, Randy Howry, maintains that his client followed all Texas Lottery Commission rules when purchasing the ticket. The winner expressed frustration and anger, insisting she had done nothing illegal or unethical.
Jackpocket, which has operated in Texas since 2019, has suspended its operations in the state to comply with the new ban. The company stated it has long complied with TLC guidelines and been transparent about its operations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched state investigations into this win and another recent $95 million lottery win from April 2023. The governor emphasized the need for Texans to trust in the state's lottery system and its integrity.
On February 27, the Texas Senate passed a bill banning online lottery ticket sales and third-party services. State Senator Bob Hall, who co-authored the bill, stated it would end illegal ticket sales to minors and out-of-state customers.
As the controversy unfolds, the lottery industry and players alike are watching closely to see how this situation will impact future lottery operations and regulations in Texas and potentially other states.
