A Texas woman who bought $20 worth of lottery tickets through the courier service Jackpocket ahead of the February 17 draw is now fighting for what she believes is rightfully hers. Despite playing by the rules at the time of purchase, she is being denied her winnings after the Texas Lottery Commission imposed a blanket ban on courier services retroactively. This has left her feeling frustrated and confused, as she had followed all legal steps to make her purchase.
The Dispute Over Lottery Winnings
The woman, whose identity remains confidential, played the Texas Lottery using Jackpocket, a service that allows players to purchase tickets remotely. The courier service was fully compliant with Texas regulations at the time, and the woman had no reason to believe she was doing anything wrong. However, within a week of her victory, the Texas Lottery Commission banned all courier services like Jackpocket. This new rule was retroactive, meaning it applied to purchases made before the ban was implemented.
Her lawyer, Randy Howry, is challenging the commission’s decision, believing it to be illegal. “What the Texas Lottery Commission is attempting to do, we believe it’s illegal,” Howry told The U.S. Sun. He strongly believes that the lottery officials’ argument has no legal merit. Howry has even suggested that he may take legal action if the situation isn’t resolved, warning that the commission’s decision will not stand up in court.
The Emotional Toll on the Winner
The legal battle has had a significant emotional impact on the woman involved. According to Howry, she has experienced the “whole cycle of grief,” as she navigates the confusion and frustration of being denied her winnings. She feels as though she is caught in the middle of a legal dispute that she never asked to be a part of. “She’s just a regular person that played the lottery and now she’s been treated in this way,” Howry said.
The woman is also questioning whether she should continue playing the lottery, as the experience has left her feeling disillusioned. Howry highlighted her frustration by saying, “If you can play by the rules and you win, and yet you don’t get paid, then why play?” He added that others might think twice before playing the lottery in Texas, fearing that the state might not honor winnings.
Legal Action and Political Options
Howry has not ruled out taking legal action against the Texas Lottery Commission and has expressed his intention to move forward with litigation if the issue is not resolved soon. He warned, “We’re not going to sit back and wait. In the next two months, we’ll make a step forward about litigation. If it’s not resolved, we’re going to be standing in front of a judge or a jury. We’ll present our case.”
The lawyer is also exploring political options, including potentially seeking an audience with Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Howry said he wanted Abbott to publicly explain why the lottery winnings are being withheld and to clarify the state’s stance on the issue. If he doesn’t receive satisfactory answers, Howry plans to proceed with legal action.
The Courier Services Ban and Its Aftermath
The controversy stems from a ban on lottery courier services that was imposed just a week after the woman’s lottery win. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate the $83.5 million win and a bulk ticket purchase that occurred in April 2023. This move came after three European men won a massive $93.5 million prize by buying nearly 26 million tickets.
Courier services like Jackpocket allow users to pay a fee to have a third party purchase and manage their lottery tickets. Critics argue that these services can make it easier for underage players to buy tickets without proper oversight. The Texas Lottery Commission has justified the ban, claiming that it is necessary to protect the integrity of the lottery system and prevent potential crimes.
Jackpocket, which had operated in Texas since 2019, suspended its operations in the state after the ban was enacted. The company emphasized that it had always complied with state regulations and remained transparent in its operations. 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.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Texas Lottery Case?
As the legal battle continues, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for both the lottery industry and the future of courier services in Texas. For the woman involved, it’s about more than just the money – it’s about fairness and the right to be treated equally under the law. If the case progresses to court, it will likely become a landmark issue for future lottery disputes in Texas.