Texas Lottery's Integrity Questioned After $95 Million Jackpot Guaranteed by Bulk Purchase

The Texas Lottery system is embroiled in a significant scandal following a 2023 bulk-buying operation that effectively guaranteed a $95 million jackpot win, as highlighted in a recent report by Rachel Monroe for The New Yorker. The incident, involving an entity named Rook TX purchasing nearly all possible number combinations, has triggered widespread investigations and raised serious questions about the integrity and oversight of the state's lottery commission.

The April 22, 2023, Lotto Texas draw saw Rook TX acquire over 99% of the 25.8 million possible number combinations by spending approximately $25 million. This unprecedented effort resulted in a $57 million payout after taxes, drawing immediate scrutiny. The Houston Chronicle identified a London-based gambling syndicate, including Colossus Bets and White Swan Data, as the orchestrators, utilizing various courier services for the massive ticket acquisition.

Investigations by state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, suggest the Texas Lottery Commission, particularly under former executive director Gary Grief, may have facilitated the scheme. State Senator Bob Hall has described the situation as > "a criminal enterprise within our government," citing accusations of expedited deliveries of dozens of lottery terminals and overlooked rule violations.

The scandal has sparked considerable public outrage and intense legislative scrutiny. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has publicly stated it represents > "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas," despite no criminal charges being filed against Rook TX. The controversy intensified with a separate $83.5 million jackpot win in February 2025 via a courier service, leading the Texas Lottery Commission to announce a ban on such services.

The ongoing fallout has led to calls for significant reforms, including proposed legislation to outlaw mass ticket purchases and regulate or ban online lottery courier services. The Texas Lottery Commission has faced resignations, including that of its executive director, Ryan Mindell, in April 2025, and is currently undergoing a Sunset Advisory Commission review, with some lawmakers even proposing its outright abolition. The scandal highlights a broader debate over the balance between lottery revenue, which funds public education, and maintaining public trust.