Texas officials launch multiple investigations into suspicious lottery jackpots worth $180 million amid allegations of manipulated drawings and exploitation of loopholes by courier services.
Either someone has inside knowledge, or they’ve finally cracked a way of winning the lottery.
At a Glance
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott have ordered investigations into two suspicious lottery jackpots totaling nearly $180 million
- A $95 million jackpot in April 2023 was claimed by a group that purchased nearly all possible number combinations
- An $83.5 million jackpot in February 2025 was won through an online courier service
- Texas Lottery Commission has declared courier services illegal and suspended their operations
- State lawmakers are divided on whether to reform or abolish the lottery system
Suspicious Jackpots Under Investigation
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a far-reaching investigation into two suspicious lottery jackpots won in the state over the past two years. The investigation centers on a $95 million jackpot from April 2023 and an $83.5 million jackpot from February 2025. Both winnings have raised serious concerns about potential manipulation of the lottery system, particularly regarding the methods used to purchase the winning tickets.
The first case involves a purchasing group that bought tickets in bulk through a Colleyville retailer, reportedly acquiring nearly all possible number combinations to guarantee a win. The second jackpot was won by Winners Corner TX LLC in Austin through an online courier service. These services purchase tickets on behalf of customers, potentially circumventing state laws requiring in-person purchases.
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to join the investigation, emphasizing the need for fairness in the lottery system. The Governor’s intervention signals the seriousness with which state officials view these allegations. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has expressed support for the investigation but suggested it should be expanded to include lottery ticket purchases dating back to 2016, even though legal operations of lottery couriers supposedly began in 2019.
“Texas citizens deserve far better than bad actors getting rich off of a lottery system that is open to exploitation, and we will hold anyone who engages in illegal activity accountable,” Ken Paxton said.
The Texas Lottery Commission, already scheduled for sunset review this legislative session, finds its future increasingly dependent on the outcome of these investigations. In an immediate response to the controversy, the commission has announced policy changes and plans to ban courier services, reversing its previous resistance to regulating them. Additionally, the commission is limiting the number of terminals at retail locations to prevent bulk purchases.
Courier Services Suspended Amid Legal Questions
Popular lottery courier apps Jackpocket and TheLotter have suspended operations in Texas following the investigation announcement. These services allowed users to purchase lottery tickets remotely through their smartphones, creating a convenience for players but potentially opening loopholes in the lottery system. The Texas Lottery Commission has now formally declared these courier services illegal and plans to update its rules accordingly.
“Lottery courier services operating in Texas have been a significant concern for many of our stakeholders,” Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, stated.
The Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers disputes this characterization, claiming they “have been legally and responsibly operating in Texas since 2019.”
Meanwhile, lawmakers can’t agree on what to do about it. The controversy has exposed deep divisions among Texas lawmakers about the future of the state’s lottery system, with some having filed bills to tighten lottery regulations. Others question whether the system should continue at all. State Representative Brian Harrison has taken a firm stance, advocating for the complete abolition of the Texas Lottery Commission.
Who do you think is right here?
