THE Texas lottery player whose $83.5 million prize is being withheld because of the way she bought the ticket was not at fault, an expert has told The U.S. Sun.
Jared James, a lottery algorithm founder, warned of the consequences facing officials if she isn’t paid out and the risks for other players.
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The woman is caught in a dispute involving state lottery bosses and a courier service – even though she says she bought the winning ticket legally.
She spent $20 on tickets via the service Jackpocket ahead of a February 17 draw, but she hasn’t received her winnings and officials have since cracked down on courier services.
James, the founder of lottery algorithm website Lotto Edge, told The U.S. Sun the player is entitled to her winnings and warned of the consequences if she doesn’t receive the money.
“She’s caught in the middle. It is a matter of when the prize is going to be paid out,” he said.
James warned that if the funds are permanently withheld, then the consequences for the lotto industry could be significant.
“If she doesn’t get paid, I think that casts a lot of doubt on both lotteries and couriers,” he said.
“When you have someone who did exactly what was asked and followed the rules, and now they’re withholding it, that’s going to put a big black eye on both sides.”
James warned other gamblers who use courier services, claiming it’s likely lotto agencies could make changes.
“Lotto couriers have significantly changed the game. But I think a lot of states will probably look to bringing it in house,” he said.
The woman, who has not been named, presented her ticket to lottery officials on March 18, but they didn’t pay out.
“I’m being treated as the bad guy,” she told Nexstar.
Her lawyer, Randy Howry, told the outlet that winnings are usually paid out three days after a gambler comes forward with their ticket.
In the time between February 17 and March 18, Texas officials severely cracked down on courier services by imposing a blanket ban.
Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Rangers to launch a probe into two lottery wins.
Not only are officials probing the $83.5 million win, but they are also investigating a $95 million victory.
Officials claimed the group who won the $95 million prize in 2023 bought tickets with every possible combination.
Howry claimed the lottery will not pay out until after the Texas Rangers‘ probe.
He warned the saga could impact players’ confidence in the game if she does not receive the $83.5 million windfall.
State senators have passed a bill that has banned courier services.
Buying tickets through courier services could result in a one-year jail sentence and/or a fine of up to $4,000 if it becomes law.
What is a lotto courier?
TEXAS lottery officials banned players from using courier services to buy tickets – one week after a gambler thought she had won $83.5 million. But what is a courier service?
A courier service is a third party platform that allows players to buy lotto tickets.
Gamblers can buy tickets from a lotto courier app, or its website.
Then, once an order is placed, the courier then buys the ticket from a retailer.
The courier then sends a picture of the ticket to the player.
The gambler pays the courier a fee so they can manage their tickets.
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Meanwhile, state representative John Bucy III introduced a bill containing a raft of measures.
He proposed stricter ID checks on courier users, a ban on credit card payments, and services would have to register with Texas Lottery.
Bucy also proposed measures to ensure courier services are compliant with anti-money laundering audits.
And, he suggested a limit on the number of orders a player can place.
Couriers are a third party service which buys tickets for a player.
It means they do not need to step foot into a store to buy a ticket.
Critics of courier services have claimed tickets have been sold to players that may be underage.
JACKPOCKET GOES DARK
Hours after Texas lotto officials announced the blanket ban, then Jackpocket moved to suspend its operations in the state.
Jackpocket users were met with a message when trying to access the app, as per the Fox affiliate KTBC-TV.
The courier claimed it had always operated within the law.
And, they encouraged users to send a message to Abbott in support of lottery couriers.
Despite the controversy surrounding lottery couriers, another platform TheLotter US will now be able to be used by Arizona gamblers.
This will mean Mega Millions players will be able to buy tickets using the platform.
Mega Millions players will notice a series of changes from April 5.
The odds of winning a prize on the game of chance will improve to one in 23, rather than one in 24.
Breakeven prizes will vanish, but a price hike is coming. Tickets will cost $5 instead of $2.
But, chiefs have revealed there will be larger prize pots, and built in multipliers.
“Jackpocket has operated in Texas since 2019 with full transparency and in compliance with guidance from the Texas Lottery Commission,” a spokesperson for Jackpocket told The U.S. Sun.
“Despite our proven track record of compliance and commitment to responsible gaming, the Texas Lottery Commission has issued a new policy prohibiting our services, effective immediately. As a result, we are suspending lottery courier operations in Texas.
“We remain dedicated to working with policymakers to ensure access to secure lottery options and working with the Texas Lottery Commission to craft regulations that would allow lottery courier services to continue in Texas.”
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
- Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Rosemary Casarotti – $1.22 billion, Mega Millions, December 27 2024, from California
- Unknown winner – $1.13 billion, Mega Millions, March 26, from New Jersey
