A Texas woman who won an impressive $83.5 million from the February 2025 Lotto Texas drawing has yet to receive her prize, as state authorities pause the payout process amid an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her win. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, used the Jackpocket app to purchase her ticket, a service that allows users to buy lottery tickets through a courier system. The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has suspended the payment of her winnings while the Texas Rangers look into the matter.

Jackpocket, a lottery courier service operating in several states, facilitates ticket purchases on behalf of customers for a fee. After the February win, the TLC came under increasing scrutiny, especially from Texas lawmakers who have raised concerns over the legality of such services. While the woman believes she played by all the rules, her attorney, Randy Howry, cited by KTSM 9 News, expressed frustration over the ongoing investigation, stating that the winner followed proper procedures and should not be penalized for the actions of others.

Legislative Pushback Against Courier Services

The issue with lottery couriers has sparked considerable debate within Texas. The Texas Senate recently passed a bill aimed at banning such services, arguing they are operating in a legal gray area. Critics claim that courier services are contrary to the state’s lottery regulations, with some lawmakers pointing out the potential for misuse. Following the woman’s win in February, the TLC issued a statement reinforcing its stance that these services are not authorized under Texas law. Furthermore, the commission proposed new regulations that would revoke the licenses of any retailers collaborating with courier services.

In response to the growing pressure, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to investigate not only this recent $83.5 million win but also a similar case from 2023. The 2023 incident involved a group that purchased more than $25 million worth of tickets from multiple retailers linked to lottery courier services. Concerns over such massive bulk purchases, along with suspicions of potential money laundering, prompted a closer look at the situation. Despite these concerns, the TLC ultimately paid out the $95 million jackpot, but only after implementing safeguards to prevent future bulk ticket purchases.

A Distinct Case: Comparing 2023 and 2025 Wins

The circumstances surrounding the February 2025 win differ significantly from the 2023 incident. The woman spent just $20 on her ticket, a stark contrast to the enormous bulk purchase of 2023. In her view, the investigation into her win is unwarranted, especially considering that no issues were raised when the larger 2023 win occurred. Her attorney maintains that the rules were followed, and the winner should not be penalized due to the controversy surrounding other, much larger lottery purchases.

While the investigation into the 2023 win has led to regulatory changes intended to prevent bulk purchasing, the woman argues that the TLC should have acted sooner if they were concerned about the legality of courier services. “If they had any qualms about that, they should have done something then,” she remarked, referring to the earlier situation.

Legal Action May Follow if Winnings Are Withheld

The Texas Lottery Commission typically processes winnings within three days of a claim being presented. However, in this case, the woman’s attorney revealed that the TLC’s legal counsel informed them that no decision would be made until the completion of the Texas Rangers’ investigation. If the investigation delays the payout beyond the usual three-day window, Howry and his client are prepared to explore legal options, including potential litigation.

The Jackpocket company, a subsidiary of DraftKings, has stated that it has operated in compliance with Texas regulations since 2019. However, with the Texas Lottery Commission’s new policy prohibiting courier services, the company has suspended its operations in the state. Jackpocket representatives expressed hope that lawmakers would create new regulations to allow the continuation of such services under a more clearly defined legal framework.

A Woman’s Hope for a Swift Resolution

The woman who purchased the winning ticket has expressed her desire for a quick resolution so she can begin making plans for her newfound fortune. “This is an opportunity for me to do other things with my life, and I want to be able to go do those,” she said. As she waits for clarity on whether she will receive her winnings, she remains hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon and that the Texas Lottery Commission will honor the payout.

Despite the ongoing investigation, her legal team stands firm in their belief that the payout is justified, emphasizing that the winner followed all necessary protocols and that withholding the prize could undermine public confidence in the state’s lottery system. The case has drawn significant attention, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds and whether courier services will continue to play a role in the Texas lottery system.