Texas Woman Sues Lottery Commission Over Unpaid $83.5M Jackpot

A Texas woman who won an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot by purchasing her ticket through the Jackpocket lottery courier app is suing the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) for withholding her prize. Despite the commission validating her ticket as authentic and confirming her as the rightful winner, officials have refused to pay her, citing a new ban on courier services and pending investigations into the Feb. 17, 2025 drawing. The woman and her attorney have not been contacted by investigators, and the TLC has not provided further information due to ongoing litigation. The lawsuit alleges the refusal to pay is illegal and influenced by elected officials, highlighting controversy over the regulation and use of third-party lottery courier services in Texas. The case has drawn attention as state lawmakers debate the future of the TLC and the legality of courier purchases. The situation underscores tensions between lottery winners using modern ticket purchasing methods and regulatory authorities aiming to protect lottery integrity.