Texas Lottery Under Fire Amid $83.5 Million Prize Dispute and Courier App Ban

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Lottery Commission is under intense scrutiny following its refusal to pay an $83.5 million jackpot to Kristen Moriarty, who purchased the winning ticket through the Jackpocket courier app. The dispute has sparked legal action, legislative investigations, and significant changes to the state’s lottery operations.

Moriarty, a Montgomery County resident, bought her Lotto Texas ticket via Jackpocket for the February 17, 2025, drawing. After matching all six numbers, she presented the ticket to the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) in March. Despite the TLC confirming the ticket’s validity, Moriarty has yet to receive her winnings. In response, she filed a lawsuit against the TLC, alleging that the commission is unlawfully withholding her prize due to her use of a now-banned courier service .

The controversy intensified when, just a week after Moriarty’s win, the TLC announced a ban on third-party courier services like Jackpocket, citing concerns over the integrity and security of lottery operations . This move has been criticized for its retroactive application, as Moriarty’s ticket was purchased before the ban was enacted.

The situation has prompted a broader examination of the TLC’s practices. The Sunset Advisory Commission, which reviews state agencies every 12 years, has initiated a review of the TLC, raising the possibility of significant reforms or even the agency’s dissolution by 2029 . Additionally, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is set to assume control of the lottery’s operations by September 1, 2025, as part of a legislative overhaul .

Moriarty’s case is not isolated. In 2023, a European syndicate reportedly purchased nearly all possible number combinations through courier services to secure a $95 million jackpot, leading to further scrutiny of bulk ticket purchases and the role of courier apps in facilitating such strategies .

As the legal battle continues, Moriarty remains determined to claim her prize. “I did not do anything wrong,” she testified in court, expressing frustration over the state’s refusal to honor her win . Her attorney, Randy Howry, argues that the TLC’s actions are unjust and that Moriarty is being unfairly penalized for using a service that was legal at the time of her purchase.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of lottery operations in Texas, particularly regarding the use of digital platforms and third-party services. As investigations and legal proceedings unfold, the state’s approach to lottery management and player trust remains under the spotlight.