Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate two high-profile incidents involving the Texas Lottery, raising concerns about the integrity of lottery operations in the state. The Texas Lottery Commission, facing mounting scrutiny, has taken immediate action to tighten regulations and address potential loopholes.
The Incidents Under Investigation: The Texas Rangers’ probe focuses on two key incidents that have drawn national attention:
- April 2023 Bulk Lottery Ticket Purchase:
- A single individual reportedly purchased nearly all 25.8 million possible number combinations for a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot.
- This effort was allegedly backed by a London-based betting company and involved a participant from Malta.
- The incident raised concerns about the game’s fairness, as such large-scale ticket purchases are generally uncommon and challenge the principle of random chance.
- February 2025 $83.5 Million Online Ticket Purchase:
- The winning ticket was purchased through a third-party courier service in Austin, Texas.
- Online courier services, which allow individuals to buy lottery tickets remotely, have sparked concerns about transparency and potential regulatory violations.
In response to the controversy, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has swiftly implemented new restrictions to ensure the integrity of lottery operations:
- Banning Lottery Couriers: The Commission has formally prohibited third-party courier services from purchasing and reselling Texas Lottery tickets.
- Restricting Bulk Purchases: The TLC has also moved to limit the number of tickets an individual can purchase in a single transaction, preventing future attempts to buy out an entire drawing.
- Retailer Accountability: The Commission has warned retailers who have collaborated with courier services, threatening potential license revocation for non-compliance.
Official Statements and Reactions
- Governor Greg Abbott’s Office: The Governor’s directive stresses the importance of maintaining fairness in Texas’ lottery system. His office released a statement affirming that the Texas Rangers will conduct a full investigation to determine whether fraudulent or unethical practices played a role in the recent lottery incidents.
- Texas Lottery Commission (TLC): In a public statement, TLC emphasized that its actions aim to protect consumers, maintain trust, and prevent external entities from manipulating the lottery system.
- Texas Rangers’ Involvement: As part of their investigation, the Texas Rangers are reviewing financial records, ticket purchase histories, and the involvement of foreign entities in Texas-based lottery games.
The scandal has already led to internal changes within the Texas Lottery Commission. Lottery Commissioner Clark Smith has resigned, adding further weight to the investigation and raising questions about the agency’s oversight failures. His resignation comes as state lawmakers prepare to review lottery regulations and consider additional legislative measures to prevent similar incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, Texas lottery players can expect stricter regulations, increased oversight, and potential changes to lottery rules. The Texas Lottery Commission has reassured the public that it is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the integrity of future drawings.
For now, the Texas Rangers continue their investigation, and findings are expected to be released in the coming months. State officials urge anyone with information about the lottery incidents to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation.
For More Information: For official updates on the investigation and changes in Texas Lottery policies, visit the Texas Lottery Commission website or contact the Texas Rangers through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
