The Texas Lottery, one of the largest in the United States, is currently under significant scrutiny due to controversies involving major jackpots, multiple resignations of officials, and a ban on online ticket sales. The system, which generated over $8 billion in revenue in 2024 to fund public education in the state, is now being investigated by several state agencies.
At the center of the debate are online courier services, which allow users to purchase lottery tickets without visiting a physical store. These services send a scanned copy of the ticket to the buyer and charge a fee for purchasing and managing the tickets. Legal concerns arose after two significant prizes were awarded through these services: an $83 million prize in April 2023 and a $95 million jackpot this year, won by a group that purchased nearly all possible combinations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an investigation in February, and the Texas Lottery Commission responded by banning courier operations in the state. Additionally, the commission’s executive director and several other officials resigned amid growing criticism.
The issue has reached the Texas Capitol, where lawmakers are considering new legislation to regulate online ticket sales and restore trust in the system. Some propose stricter regulations for courier services, while others have suggested completely abolishing the state lottery.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that public trust must be the priority, stating, “If we cannot guarantee honesty and fairness, the lottery should not continue.”
Despite the controversies, for players like Eli Sierra, who buys tickets for his wife as part of a tradition, the thrill of the game remains a draw.
