Texas Lottery Faces Expanding Investigations Over Jackpot Controversies

State leaders scrutinize courier services and ticket purchasing practices following two major jackpot wins totaling nearly $180 million.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott have launched investigations into the Texas Lottery following concerns over irregularities in two jackpot wins from 2023 and February 2025.
The use of courier services, which allow third parties to purchase lottery tickets remotely, is under significant scrutiny, with allegations of potential exploitation of the system.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called for a broader investigation into all dealings between the Texas Lottery Commission and courier services since 2016, citing concerns about fairness and transparency.
The Texas Lottery Commission has announced plans to ban courier services and revoke licenses of retailers working with them, a move criticized by some lawmakers and industry representatives.
Legislation has been introduced to regulate and license courier services instead of banning them outright, with proponents arguing that an outright ban could impact education funding supported by lottery revenues.