Texas Woman’s $83.5M Lotto Win Stuck in Limbo
A Texas woman scored an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot in February, but she’s still waiting for the cash. She bought her ticket through Jackpocket, an online courier app. Now, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has put her payout on hold. Why?
A Big Win Hits a Snag
The state’s Attorney General Ken Paxton and Texas Rangers are digging into courier services, third-party outfits that buy tickets for players online. Lawmakers worry these setups might open the door to shady moves. Plus, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called out her win’s legality, sparking a full-on probe.
The TLC says they’re double-checking everything. A spokesperson confirmed the claim’s under review, following internal rules and the external investigation.
For the winner, it’s a tough spot. She shelled out just $20 on 10 tickets, nothing wild. Yet, she’s caught in a mess over couriers, which lawmakers want to ban. Her lawyer, Randy Howry, insists she played fair under the rules back then. He’s ready to fight if the cash doesn’t come soon.
Couriers Under Fire
Couriers like Jackpocket ran free in Texas for years, no big rules holding them back. That changed fast. By late February, the TLC slammed them as illegal and pushed to yank licenses from retailers teaming up with them. Jackpocket pulled out of Texas right after.
Lawmakers aren’t just mad about this win, though. Last year, a 2023 jackpot got messy when groups bought 99% of ticket combos using couriers and stores. That raised red flags about the system, and now this woman’s payout’s stuck in the fallout.
She wants to stay nameless, and she’s ticked off. She doesn’t see her $20 play as anything like that 2023 combo grab. Howry backs her up, says she’s getting lumped in with sketchy players for no reason. The TLC’s digging deep, but the holdup’s got her feeling cheated. If the check doesn’t clear in the usual three days after claiming, Howry’s eyeing legal steps to force it through.
What’s Next for Texas Lotteries
This mess could shake up Texas lotteries big time. The courier ban’s already rolling—bye-bye Jackpocket. Lawmakers want a tighter grip, scared of fraud or unfair play.
For this winner, it’s personal. She’s not some high-roller gaming the odds, just a regular player who hit it huge. Yet, the state’s playing hardball, and her $83.5 million’s on ice. Howry calls it political noise dragging her down.
The TLC’s got a solid rep to protect, but this hold’s testing patience. If they pay out, it’s a win for courier fans, proof the old rules count.
If not, expect a courtroom showdown. Either way, Texas is rethinking how lotteries work online. For now, one woman’s jackpot dream’s on pause, caught in a tug-of-war over rules and cash.
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