A Texas woman, identified only as Jane Doe, is taking legal action against the Texas Lottery Commission after it failed to pay her an $83.5 million lottery prize. Court documents reveal that her ticket numbers matched the winning draw on February 17, but over three months later, she has yet to receive her winnings.
Doe’s lawsuit argues that Texans expect to be paid when they win the lottery and claims it should not require litigation to secure the payout. She purchased her ticket via Jackpocket, a lottery courier app, which allows users to buy tickets online. Following her victory, the Texas Lottery Commission announced plans to ban such courier services, which took effect on May 19, shortly after the commission’s executive director, Ryan Mindell, resigned.
The lawsuit highlights that the Commission is not permitted to change rules retroactively. Doe’s attorneys contend that the Commission is using her case to refuse payment simply because she utilised a ticket courier service. They further express concerns that her winnings could be diverted to pay other winners or cover the Commission’s liabilities, thus diminishing her potential payout.
In addition to seeking the lottery prize, Doe’s legal team has requested a temporary restraining order to prevent the disbursement of funds by the Commission’s Acting Deputy Executive Director, Sergio Rey. They assert that without this injunction, she may suffer irreparable financial harm before a hearing occurs.
The controversy surrounding the unregulated lottery courier services intensified when one entity reportedly purchased an enormous number of lottery tickets through a courier, emphasizing the need for clear regulations in Texas, where such services have thrived since 2019.
Lottery courier services operate as third-party vendors that buy tickets on behalf of customers, providing a convenient digital platform while possibly inviting legal uncertainties, especially regarding ticket purchases across state lines and underage gambling. Only a few states regulate this industry, leaving Texas without formal oversight.
The situation continues to unfold, as Doe hopes for resolution while the lottery commission remains tight-lipped on the ongoing litigation.