A Texas woman who claims she won an $83.5 million lottery jackpot is preparing to take legal action after state officials refused to pay out her winnings.
The unidentified player, who bought a $20 “Lotto Texas” ticket through the courier app Jackpocket before the February 17 draw, insists she followed all rules at the time of her purchase. However, just days later, the Texas Lottery Commission announced a sudden ban on unregulated courier services, including Jackpocket.
Her lawyer, Randy Howry, argues the rule change was made after the draw and should not apply retroactively.
“She feels like she’s been caught in the crossfire,” Howry said in an interview with The U.S. Sun. “She’s just a regular person who played by the rules and now she’s being punished for it.”
Howry, an Austin-based attorney, described his client’s emotional toll as she grapples with the possibility of losing a life-changing prize. “She’s gone through the whole cycle of grief,” he said. “It’s fair to say she’s angry.”
According to Howry, the Texas Lottery Commission has yet to officially deny the prize but has also refused to pay it out. The commission claims the ticket is under review and part of an ongoing investigation.
“What the Texas Lottery Commission is attempting to do, we believe it’s illegal,” Howry stated. “Their argument doesn’t have merit, and I don’t think it will stand up.”
He also warned that many players may reconsider entering future games. “If you can win by the rules and still not get paid, then why play?” he asked. “Others ought to be skeptical if Texas is going to play this game with its customers.”
Legal action may soon follow. “We’re not going to sit back and wait,” Howry said. “If it’s not resolved, we’ll be standing in front of a judge or a jury.”
Howry is also exploring political options, including appealing to Texas Governor Greg Abbott for answers. “I want Abbott to come forward and say, ‘We’re not paying you for X, Y, and Z,’” he said. “We’re trying to find what the holdup is.”
The controversy comes as the Texas Lottery Commission remains under scrutiny. Within one week of the disputed win, the commission banned all lottery courier services and launched investigations, including one into a 2023 bulk purchase of nearly 26 million tickets by three European men who later claimed a $93.5 million prize.
Critics argue that courier apps could allow underage users to access the lottery without oversight. The commission said the crackdown was necessary to “protect the integrity of the game.”
Jackpocket, which has operated in Texas since 2019, has suspended its services in the state following the new policy.
“Jackpocket has operated in Texas with full transparency and in compliance with Lottery Commission guidance,” a spokesperson said. “Despite our track record, the commission issued a new policy banning our services, effective immediately.”
The company said it remains committed to working with lawmakers to develop clear regulations that would allow courier services to return.Meanwhile, the future of the $83.5 million prize remains uncertain.
