Texas lottery victor pocketing $45.8M following courier mishap in $83.5M jackpot win
In a dramatic turn of events, the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has been abolished and replaced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This decision comes after a series of investigations and political backlash concerning the legality and integrity of lottery courier services, particularly following the $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot win by Kristen Moriarty.
The controversy began in February 2025 when Moriarty, a Texan resident, won the record-breaking jackpot via a lottery courier app called Jackpocket. However, her payout was delayed for months due to investigations and the ensuing political turmoil.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick visited the ticket-selling location and publicly questioned the legitimacy of courier ticket sales, sparking official investigations led by state officials, including the Attorney General. Critics accused the TLC of enabling courier services despite concerns about bulk purchases undermining lottery integrity.
Following months of investigations, Moriarty received a lump sum of $45.8 million before taxes (approximately $35 million after taxes) after a settlement with the TLC and guidance from the Texas Attorney Generalβs office.
The scandal intensified political pressure on the TLC, resulting in legislative actions. In May, the Texas legislature passed a bill to do away with the TLC and banned lottery courier services.
The ban on courier services and the abolition of the TLC marked significant regulatory reforms to protect lottery integrity in Texas. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation now oversees lottery operations in the state.
The high-profile case of Kristen Moriarty remains a key example of the fallout from these disputed lottery practices. It was revealed that a group of courier companies in Texas helped a European betting syndicate buy 25.8 million lottery tickets for the April 22, 2023 draw. This syndicate won a $95 million jackpot and millions in secondary prizes.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the lottery syndicate scheme "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas." The TLC is also accused of nurturing the courier industry, putting ticket sales ahead of the integrity of the game.
Despite the end of her legal battle and the receipt of her payout, questions remain around bulk ticket purchases and involvement by high-stakes gamblers nicknamed "The Joker." The reforms implemented in Texas serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of lottery operations.
