The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is facing mounting pressure from all three branches of state government as investigations into recent lottery winners and ticket courier services intensify.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Wednesday that his office is launching an investigation into the TLC, citing concerns over “suspicious and possibly unlawful lottery ‘winners’” who allegedly used bulk ticket purchases and third-party courier services to claim their prizes. This comes after Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick initiated their own probes earlier this week.
Mounting Concerns Over Bulk Purchases and Couriers
Gov. Abbott was the first to act, directing the Texas Rangers to investigate two specific instances where bulk ticket purchases, facilitated by a courier service, resulted in lottery wins. Lt. Gov. Patrick then escalated the matter, urging the Rangers to broaden their scope and examine “any and all matters” related to lottery couriers and potential misconduct within the TLC.
Paxton’s investigation, however, appears to go a step further, focusing not just on potential fraud but also on the overall process that allowed large numbers of tickets to be bought in such a short timeframe.
The controversy gained traction after a February 17 jackpot winner purchased their ticket through Jackpocket, a mobile lottery courier app. In response, Patrick personally visited the store where the ticket was sold and posted a video of his findings.
Legislative Battle Over Online Lottery Sales
The timing of these investigations coincides with the TLC’s scheduled sunset review, a legislative process that determines whether state agencies should continue operating. With lawmakers scrutinizing the agency, the commission announced last week that “lottery ticket courier services are not allowed under Texas law” and that they plan to amend rules to officially prohibit their use.
This move sparked legislative backlash, with Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin) arguing that the TLC overstepped its authority by banning couriers without legislative approval. Bucy accused the commission of attempting to bypass the Texas Legislature, calling its actions “unacceptable” and demanding a reversal of the decision.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) has introduced Senate Bill 28, which would ban lottery ticket purchases through internet or mobile applications altogether. Hall described the TLC’s previous handling of the situation as “a public-private partnership led by a state agency for a criminal conspiracy to defraud Texans.”
DraftKings Suspends Texas Lottery Courier Services
Amid the controversy, DraftKings, which acquired Jackpocket last year, announced it would suspend its lottery courier services in Texas. This decision was revealed during a Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs hearing, adding another layer of uncertainty to the future of online lottery sales in the state.
As investigations continue and lawmakers debate potential reforms, the fate of Texas lottery couriers remains in limbo. With the TLC’s future hanging in the balance, Texans can expect further developments in what has become a high-stakes showdown between state officials, regulators, and private businesses.
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