Texas Lottery Winnings of $83.5 Million in Jeopardy Amid App Investigation
A Texas woman’s substantial $83.5 million lottery winnings are currently under a cloud of uncertainty. State officials have launched an investigation into the mobile app she utilized to purchase the winning ticket, potentially preventing her from claiming the payout.
The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, acquired $20 worth of Texas Lotto tickets for the drawing held on February 17th through Jackpocket, a lottery courier service. This service is now at the center of a legislative debate, with Texas lawmakers seeking to prohibit its operation within the state.
Woman Expresses Feeling of Unfair Treatment
“I feel like I’m being unfairly portrayed as the wrongdoer,” the woman conveyed in a statement to Nexstar, highlighting her frustration with the situation.
Lottery Courier Services Face Legislative Backlash
Jackpocket and similar lottery courier services, which operate by purchasing lottery tickets on behalf of customers for a service fee, are facing mounting opposition from Texas legislators. These lawmakers argue that such services may be operating outside the legal framework established by current state law.
The Texas Senate has already approved a bill in February that would effectively ban courier services, and this legislative measure is now progressing to the Texas House for further deliberation.
The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) issued a statement following the woman’s win, asserting their stance that lottery courier services are operating illegally in Texas.
In contrast, Jackpocket maintains that its app has been functioning in full compliance with the TLC’s regulations since 2019.
This contradictory situation prompted Governor Greg Abbott to instruct the Texas Rangers to conduct a thorough investigation into the legitimacy of the woman’s significant lottery win. The probe also extends to a separate $95 million jackpot win from 2023, where a group reportedly purchased over $25 million worth of tickets, aiming to cover nearly every possible number combination.
The woman at the heart of the current controversy emphasizes that her case is fundamentally different, given her modest $20 expenditure to play, as opposed to the millions invested by the group in the 2023 win.
“While investigations are sometimes justified, I genuinely don’t believe mine warrants such scrutiny,” the woman stated, defending her situation.
Attorney Defends Client’s Right to Winnings
Randy Howry, the woman’s attorney, firmly stated that his client is the rightful winner of the February 17th drawing and is entitled to receive her prize.
“We adhered to all applicable rules, and we continue to operate within the established guidelines. We fully expect my client to be awarded her due payout,” Howry asserted, reinforcing their legal position.
Despite presenting her winning ticket to the TLC on March 18th, the woman has not yet received her winnings. Typically, the commission disburses winnings within a three-day timeframe.
The TLC has clarified that a decision regarding the payout will be made only after the investigation is concluded.
“How unjust would it be if her winnings are withheld?” the woman’s lawyer questioned. “Will this foster confidence among individuals who wish to participate in the Texas lottery in the future?”