Texas Lottery Executive Quits Amidst $200 Million Jackpot Scandal!

2025-04-23 12:03:01.152

The executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, Ryan Mindell, resigned amidst multiple investigations into the integrity of lottery prizes and the involvement of courier companies. These investigations, prompted by two major jackpots totaling nearly $200 million, involve scrutiny of a $95 million jackpot in 2023 where winners bought nearly every number combination, and an $83 million jackpot won with a ticket purchased at a courier store. Lawmakers are considering significant changes, including banning courier companies or even shutting down the lottery, which contributes about $2 billion annually to public education. While the lottery and officials deny wrongdoing, investigations by the Texas Rangers and the state attorney general's office are ongoing. The Texas Senate has passed a ban on courier sales, but the House version of the state budget includes no funding for the agency, potentially leading to its closure, though this is likely a negotiating tactic.