The Texas Lottery is undergoing major changes after investigations revealed suspicious jackpots totaling $200 million. The lottery faces serious legal and public scrutiny over allegations that it allowed foreign bettors to rig jackpots.
On April 21, Ryan Mindell resigned from his role as deputy director and operations director after serving only one year. The Texas Lottery Commission confirmed his resignation but did not provide details on his reasons for stepping down. Sergio Rey, the agency’s Chief Financial Officer, was named Acting Deputy Executive Director. The commission plans to discuss appointing a new executive director during its next meeting on April 29.
The scandal centers on accusations that European gamblers rigged the Texas lottery to win a $95 million jackpot in 2023. According to reports, British bookmaker Colossal Bets partnered with Lottery.com and two other firms to buy nearly 26 million lottery number combinations, each costing $1. This massive purchase covered almost every possible ticket combination.
For the scheme to succeed, lottery officials allegedly ignored numerous rule violations. Officials claimed the arrangement benefited the lottery because ticket sales soared, boosting funds for Texas public schools. The first jackpot raised few suspicions, but the second win—a $83 million ticket purchased at a courier chain store operating in six states—prompted an investigation. The prize money remains on hold.
Lottery.com allows remote ticket purchases, circumventing Texas state law that requires players to buy tickets in person. Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate. Abbott’s office emphasized that the lottery must maintain trust and integrity regardless of leadership changes.
The Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers criticized Mindell, accusing him of making the lottery a scapegoat for its own questionable practices. They view his resignation as a chance to restart collaboration with the commission. Mindell’s departure follows the resignation of former commissioner Clark Smith in February.
The Texas Lottery has denied any wrongdoing and did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The investigation continues as the state seeks to restore public confidence in the lottery system.
